•:>;f^ 


PRINCETON,     N.    J. 

Diz'i.ui'ii f ... 

Shelf.. A>/ ;/?/'.  v.... ^....0/s3 


S:^'^ 


NAhBION; 


OR, 


THE     BIBLE 


AND 


THE    POETS. 


By     SAMUEL    W.     BAILEY. 


"  Images  and  precious  thoughts 
That  shall  not  die,  and  cannot  be  destroyed." 

Wordsworth. 
"  Bibles  laid  open,  millions  of  surprises." 

George  Herbert. 
"  Every  one  reads  so  much  of  every  thing  : 
The  books  they  read  are  not  the  best  'tis  true  : 
But  then  they  are  for  ever  reading  —  reading ! 

Every  one's  heart  to  novelty  is  given : 
The/rtj/  is  dead  and  gone  — the  present  passion 
Is  novelty! "' 

GOETHB. 


') 


CAMBRIDGE: 
PRESS    OF   JOHN    WILSON.   AND    SON. 

1S74. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1873,  ^7 

SAMUEL   W.    BAILEY, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


PREFACE. 


THIS  book  is  a  growth  of  years.  Unique  in  the 
English  tongue,  much  smaller  books  of  the  kind 
have  long  been  highly  prized,  at  home  and  at  school,  by 
those  speaking  in  another.  Avowedly  a  book  of  books, 
it  aims  to  make  the  chief  things  of  the  "  Book  of  books  " 
more  widely,  pleasingly,  and  thoroughly  known. 

In  these  chapters  are  arranged  passages  amounting  to 
about  one-fourth  part  of  all  the  language  of  the  Bible, 
and  many  of  the  choicest  gems  from  about  three  hundred 
and  fifty  of  the  poets  of  Christendom.  Those  things  in 
the  sacred  volume  which  are  most  read  and  valued  have 
been  marshalled,  chiefly  in  the  order  of  time,  thus  showing- 
its  unity  and  scope.  Partly  with  this  end  in  view,  and  in 
part  for  the  sake  of  variety,  the  selections  from  the  book 
of  Job  immediately  follow  those  from  Genesis,  though  it 
is  most  likely  that  patriarch  lived  between  the  dispersion 
from  Babel  and  the  call  of  Abraham.  Some  freedom, 
justifiable  it  is  believed,  has  been  exercised  in  arranging 
the  selected  Psalms  and  Proverbs.  To  show  the  relations 
between  the  Old  Testament  and  the  New,  several  of  the 
acknowledged  Messianic  prophecies,  belonging  to  a  period 
of  more  than  three  thousand  years,  have  been  gathered  in 
chapters  to  signalize  the  transition  from  the  one  to  the 
other.  The  life  and  works  of  the  Saviour  have  been  set 
forth  sometimes  in  the  language  of  one  evangelist,  and 


IV  PREFACE. 

sometimes  in  that  of  another.  In  arranging,  the  best 
Harmonies  have  been  followed.  Though  the  numerous 
and  varied  selections  from  the  Old  Testament  have  left 
less  room  than  was  desirable  for  those  of  the  New,  it  is 
believed  that  all  of  the  essential  truths  of  the  latter  and 
its  chief  things  are  here  embraced. 

As,  in  culling  the  poetry,  the  chief  quest  has  been  for 
what  was  fitting  and  forceful,  passages  quaint  and  rugged 
have  sometimes  been  preferred  to  such  as  were  more 
elegant,  but  feeble  and  diffuse.  Such  selections  have 
been  mostly  made  from  poets  contemporaneous,  or  nearly 
so,  with  King  James's  revisers  of  the  Bible.  And  some, 
perhaps,  will  be  surprised  to  find  how  many  drafts  have 
been  made  on  the  great  English  dramatist.  No  thoughtful 
student  of  Shakespeare,  however,  has  failed  to  mark  his 
familiarity  with  the  Scriptures,  as  evinced  by  his  allusions 
and  reasonings.  Three  or  four  poetical  passages  appear 
twice,  wholly  or  in  part,  in  different  chapters. 

At  the  end  of  the  volume  is  an  index  of  all  the  chapteis, 
showing  whence  the  sacred  text  has  been  taken,  also  the 
authorship  of  the  poetry,  so  far  as  it  was  known,  if  not  lost 
in  revising.  In  a  separate  catalogue  the  names  of  most 
of  the  poets  are  given,  with  the  dates  of  their  births  and 
deaths,  when  ascertained.  The  spelling  of  the  poetry  has 
been  conformed  to  that  of  the  Bible,  with  few  exceptions, 
and  with  an  obvious  intent.  Last  of  all,  to  show  the 
variations  of  the  English  language,  a  single  brief  specimen 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures  has  been  printed,  as  found  in  six 
historic  versions. 

It  was  deemed  fit  that  a  volume  designed  for  general 
use  should  bear,  in  one  word,  a  significant  title.  As  our 
language  failed,  one  has  been  derived  from  the  Hebrew. 
It  was  found  that  »^?3,  nabi,  the  common  word  for  prophet, 
also  means  poet,  and  is  applied  to  one  who  freely  utters 
impassioned  language.     By  adding  a  Greek  termination. 


PREFACE.  V 

we  have  7iabion;  and  by  inserting  a  single  letter,  to  secure 
a  right  pronunciation,  we  have  NAHBION. 

Many  books  have  been  made,  binding  the  reader  to 
advance  by  the  calendar.  There  may  be  advantages  in 
such  arrangements;  but  they  do  not  seem  to  be  thoroughly 
in  keeping  with  that  manly  freedom  vouchsafed  by  God 
under  the  economy  of  Nature  or  of  Grace.  Rules  are  good 
for  the  ordering  of  one's  life,  —  the  rule  being  a  means,  a 
good  life  the  end,  —  yet  it  is  wiser  for  him  to  be  ever  doing 
the  right  thing,  which  is  mostly  determined  by  circum- 
stances that  are  changeable.  As  we  are  enjoined  by  God, 
however,  to  keep  every  seventh  day  holy,  there  may  be 
a  routine  in  its  public  religious  services  without  any  felt 
bondage.  While  it  is  believed  that  this  book  is  of  the  best 
kind  for  Daily  Reading,  every  one  can  choose  whether  he 
will  read  one  chapter,  or  several,  or  only  a  part  of  one  at 
a  time. 

In  conclusion,  the  compiler  would  frankly  avow  that,  in 
arranging  these  precious  and  beautiful  verities,  it  has  been 
his  fondly  cherished  hope  that  they  might  beget  tastes 
so  refined  and  elevated,  that  the  inanities  of  the  popular 
literature  shall  be  less  relished  and  prized  than  now  and 
heretofore.  And  he  has  ventured  to  believe,  notwith- 
standing the  prevailing  passion  for  duodecimos,  and  for 
still  more  diminutive  volumes  decked  with  bright  colours 
and  gilt,  that  this  stately  octavo  will  be  a  cherished  and 
life-long  companion,  and  that  it  will  escape  the  speedy 
doom  of  those  butterflies  of  literature,  which,  after  adorn- 
ing the  table  or  shelf  a  few  weeks  or  months,  are  banished 
to  some  dingy  and  obscure  lodgement  in  garret  or  crypt, 
that  there  may  be  room  for  the  new-comers  in  glittering 
array.  Such  as  it  is,  this  work  is  sent  forth  on  its  mission, 
the  compiler  being  more  hopeful  that  it  will  be  approved 
by  the  matured  judgments  of  the  considerate  and  wise, 
than  heedful  of  the  decisions  of  hasty  criticism.     It  goes 


vi  PREFACE. 


forth,  not  as  a  lately  turned  literary  kaleidoscope  present- 
ing commonplace  thoughts  in  new  relations ;  but  it  meets 
the  eye  like  the  nightly  dome,  all  aglow  with  the  priceless 
gems  of  inspired  truth  and  poetic  genius,  whose  beauties, 
fresh   and   fadeless   as   the   stars,  will   never  weary  the 


thoughtful  reader. 


INTRODUCTION. 


IF  the  reader  ma)^  wisely  ask  why  this  book  has  been  made,  it 
is  but  right  that  he  should  fairly  weigh  what  may  be  said  to 
justify  its  being.  He  must  not,  however,  look  for  a  thorough 
unfolding  of  the  religious  and  literary  excellences  of  the  Bible  — 
a  work  for  a  large  volume  —  in  a  brief  prelude,  nor  hope  to  find 
the  manifold  merits  of  religious  poetry  fitly  set  forth  within 
bounds  so  narrow. 

Though  it  behooves  the  philosophic  sceptic  heedfully  to  study 
such  a  phenomenon  as  the  Bible,  in  order  to  a  becoming  self- 
respect,  no  discreet  friend  of  the  Scriptures  fears  that  their 
authority  can  be  lastingly  impaired  through  scientific  discoveries, 
or  by  just  criticism.  The  chief  and  unfailing  attractions  of  the 
Bible  are  the  wondrous  originality,  scope,  and  freshness  of  its 
truths.  It  is  a  flower-garden  which  the  devout  reader  approaches, 
not  as  the  analytic  botanist  does  his  herbarium,  but  as  a  true 
lover  of  nature,  to  be  delighted  by  graceful  forms  and  variegated 
hues,  and  to  be  regaled  by  fragrant  odours.  As  the  latter  is 
cheered  by  the  pearly  freshness  of  the  summer's  morning,  is 
entranced  by  genial  noontide  glories,  and  is  won  to  peaceful 
musings  by  the  teeming  aromas  and  the  dreamy  stillness  at 
evening  twilight,  —  so  does  the  earnest  and  loving  reader  of  the 
Scriptures  find  the  morning  of  life's  day  cheered  by  sweet  hopes, 
its  noon  dauntless  and  assured  under  the  glowing  light  of  the 
divine  teachings,  and  its  evening  calm  and  joyful,  as  he  waits  for 
the  approach  of  a  day  whose  glories  no  cloud  shall  dim,  and  no 
night  shall  follow. 

But  since  so  much  of  this  book  is  taken  from  the  Bible,  it  is 
worth  while  to  consider  what  that  volume  is,  and  how  it  should 
be  treated  as  containing  special  revelations  from  God  to  men, 
and  as  being  His  best  gift  to  them.  Its  divine  origin  and 
authority  are  here  assumed,  not  argued  !  If  there  be  those  who 
regard  the  accounts  of  the  Creation,  the  Fall,  and  the  Deluge 
as  mere  fables,  it  is  for  them  to  justify  their  unbelief;    if  any 


viu  n\rKO]u-CTiox. 

think  they  have  such  sure  and  thorough  insight  of  the  great 
world  of  matter,  mind,  and  spirit,  that  they  know  there  is  no 
room  for  God  to  work  otherwise  than  through  natural  laws  and 
forces,  they  ought  to  be  satisfied  with  the  grounds  of  their 
knowledge  ;  and  if  there  be  those  who  cannot  believe  the  mira- 
cles of  the  Hebrew  Scriptures,  while  they  hold  to  the  truth  of 
those  recorded  in  the  New  Testament,  let  them,  if  they  can, 
maintain  their  consistency.  If  the  faith  of  any  is  overtasked  by 
the  story  of  Jonah's  entombment  in  the  whale,  they  are  told  in 
the  Gospels  that  the  Saviour  treated  it  both  as  a  fact,  and  as  a 
symbolic  prophecy  of  His  own  burial  and  resurrection.  A  like 
toleration  may  be  justly  claimed  for  the  large  majority  of  Chris- 
tians, who  hold  that  God,  the  Creator  of  all  things,  may  work, 
and  has  wrought,  otherwise  than  through  such  laws  and  forces  as 
He  has  originated.  They  believe  in  Jesus  Christ  as  the  Son  of 
God,  and  the  Saviour  of  men,  because  they  find  His  coming  and 
character  foreshadowed  and  foretold  by  the  types  and  prophecies 
of  the  Old  Testament.  Finding,  in  the  New  Testament,  that 
He  emphatically  declares  Himself  to  be  THE  TRUTH,  they 
deem  it  soundly  philosophical  to  regard  all  other  truths  subor- 
dinate and  supplementary.  Being  there  taught  that  He  is 
^'  before  all,"  and  "  head  over  all,"  and  that  "  all  power  "  belongs 
to  Him,  such  Christians,  recognizing  in  that  wonderful  person- 
age the  Messiah  of  the  Hebrews,  see  ample  reason  for  the 
constrained  separation  of  that  people  from  idolaters,  and  for 
their  long  and  strict  religious  discipline,  that  thus  He  might  be 
duly  introduced  to  the  world  both  as  the  son  of  David  and  the 
Son  of  God.  It  does  not  disturb  the  faith  of  such  believers  to 
be  reminded  that  the  Jews,  so  long  and  highly  favoured  by  Jeho- 
vah, and  trained  to  a  ceremonial  holiness,  were  exceedingly  per- 
verse, and  often  outrageously  wicked  ;  for  they  also  believe  that 
when  their  crimes  culminated  in  the  rejection  and  crucifixion  of 
their  Messiah,  and  He  had  cried,  "  It  is  finished,"  and  the  vail  of 
the  temple  had  been  rent  in  twain,  the  peculiar  mission  of  that 
people  had  ended.  At  that  hour  they  passed  from  a  state  of 
privilege  to  one  of  doom.  In  former  times  their  ancestors  had 
felt  the  rod  of  divine  chastisements  for  correction  ;  but  the  bit- 
terness of  the  cup  which  they  had  so  often  quaffed  was  tem- 
pered by  the  kindness  of  their  faithful  and  loving  Father.  In 
vain  was  it  for  them,  though  He  still  yearned  to  show  forgiveness 


INTRODUCTION.  IX 

to  repentant  believers.  While  the  trustful  followers  of  the  cruci- 
fied One  were  bidden  to  pray  and  hope  for  a  baptism  of  heroic 
strength,  there  was  no  remedy  for  the  madness  of  those  who  had 
imprecated  upon  themselves  the  guilt  of  His  blood  !  They  had 
forfeited  their  heritage  of  life  and  peace  through  wilful  blind- 
ness. Confronted  by  the  retributive  severity  which  soon  came 
upon  Jerusalem  and  her  infatuated  people,  it  ill  becomes  sinful 
men  to  cavil  against  the  works  and  ways  of  Jehovah.  Their 
knowledge  of  them  is  too  shallow  and  confined.  With  only  the 
horizon  of  a  snail,  one  would  be  a  poor  geographer. 

Though  words  may  help  us  to  right  views  of  the  Bible,  no 
pen  can  fitly  and  fully  set  forth  its  character  and  mission. 
While  God  is  its  author,  it  is,  in  a  lower  sense,  the  work  of  many 
human  agents  who  were  widely  separated  as  to  the  times  and 
circumstances  of  their  action.  A  collection  of  utterances,  often 
fragmentary,  and  sometimes  seeming  to  clash,  it  is,  nevertheless, 
a  whole  and  harmonious  book.  While  it  treats  of  things  mostly 
unseen  by  men,  their  relations  to  them  are  supremely  momen- 
tous. The  things  that  are  seen  show  forth  the  goodness,  wisdom, 
and  majesty  of  Jehovah,  while  His  gracious  charter  of  priceless 
and  imperishable  blessings  to  mankind  is  unfolded  in  the  Bible. 
That  volume  is  a  great  central  sun,  flooding  their  earthly  being 
with  light,  vital  and  glorious ;  piercing  the  gloomiest  mazes  of 
spiritual  ignorance,  wickedness,  and  despair,  and  begetting  joy- 
ful hopes  and  experiences  of  God's  benignity  and  love.  As  the 
great  king  of  day  safely  rules  the  revolving  planets,  so  the  Bible 
surely  guides  -every  loyal  soul  in  the  only  pathway  to  its  blissful 
home  in  heaven.  It  brings  knowledge  to  the  ignorant,  wisdom 
to  the  foolish,  hope  to  the  despairing,  peace  to  the  guilty,  divine 
joy  to  the  sorrowing,  the  choicest  comforts  to  the  sick,  and  life 
to  the  dying. 

"  Most  wondrous  brook  !  bright  candle  of  the  Lord  ! 
Star  of  eternity  !  the  only  star 
By  which  the  bark  of  man  could  navigate 
The  sea  of  life,  and  gain  the  coast  of  bliss 
Securely  ;   only  star  which  rose  on  time, 
And  on  its  dark  and  troubled  billows  still, 
As  generation  drifting  swiftly  by 
Succeeded  generation,  threw  a  ray 
Of  heaven's  own  light,  and  to  the  hills  of  God, 
The  everlasting  hills,  pointed  the  sinner's  eye." 


X  INTRODUCTION. 

While  no  book  is  worthy  of  such  earnest  heed  as  the  Bible,  it 
is  unpardonably  neglected  by  most  men  in  Christendom.  If  it 
be  well  to  regret  the  evil,  it  were  better  to  find  a  remedy.  With 
such  an  end  in  view,  every  worthy  effort  should  win  encourage- 
ment from  the  wise  and  the  good.  Whatever  shall  quicken  in 
men  a  zest  for,  or  delight  in,  the  Scriptures,  or  do  aught  to 
unfold  their  truths,  or  to  enhance  their  power  over  the  minds 
and  hearts  of  those  who  read,  should  be  deemed  both  needful 
and  beneficent. 

Although  it  may  not  be  easy  to  show  why  so  many  fail  to 
become  pleasurably  and  profitably  familiar  with  the  Bible,  the 
grounds  of  such  failure  may  not  wholly  lie  in  what  that  book  is, 
nor  yet  in  the  characters  and  tastes  of  mankind.  Indeed,  there 
are  manifold  sources  of  good  in  the  realm  of  Nature,  neither 
duly  known  nor  prized  by  most  men,  though  by  her  devoted 
disciples  they  are  loudly  challenged  and  urged  to  the  study  of 
them  as  supremely  important.  Thus  the  ocean,  by  its  solemn 
grandeur,  and  the  mountains,  by  their  majestic  proportions,  may 
awe  and  charm  the  beholder,  though  he  be  blind  to  untold  other 
blessings  which  flow  from  their  ministries.  The  man  who 
should  prize  the  atmosphere  only  for  its  relations  to  musical 
sounds,  would  be  less  pitiable  and  blameworthy  than  is  he  who 
can  find  nothing  in  the  Bible  to  admire  but  its  matchless  literary 
attractions.  It  has  other  and  higher  claims.  Enough,  that  it  ■ 
deserves  to  be  placed  foremost,  as  making  known  the  only 
remedy  for  human  guilt  and  remorse.  Enough,  that  it  is  the 
best  means  of  arousing  men,  and  leading  them  to  the  chief 
good,  and  of  restraining  them  from  evil.  Yet  it  is  not  enough 
to  claim  that  the  Bible  is  the  best  moral  and  spiritual  guide  and 
teacher.  From  no  other  source  can  we  so  clearly  learn  the 
design  and  destiny  of  this  world  and  of  the  universe.  Plodding 
and  bewildered  scientists  have  been  slow  to  discover  and  concede 
that  to  man  belong  that  dignity  and  lordship  with  which  the 
Bible  authoritatively  invests  him.  Though  all  branches  of  secu- 
lar knowledge  are  valuable,  and  ought  to  be  thoroughly  studied 
by  some,  it  were  wiser  to  ignore  and  banish  them  altogether 
than  that  the  Scriptures  should  not  be  daily  and  lovingly  read. 
More  hopeful  were  it  for  a  man  to  strive  for  a  true  knowledge  of 
astronomy,  the  sun  and  his  benign  sway  being  kept  from  view, 
than  to  achieve  life's  great  ends  untaught  and  ungoverned  by 
the  truths  of  the  Bible. 


INTRODUCTION.  Xl 

It  would  be  as  unreasonable,  however,  to  assert  that  all  parts 
of  the  sacred  volume  are  to  be  equally  prized,  as  that  every 
member  and  function  of  the  human  body  is  alike  essential  to  life 
and  health.  Were  one  the  owner  of  a  store-house  filled  with 
ingots  of  various  metals,  it  could  not  be  justly  inferred  that  he 
undervalued  the  others,  should  he  first  pick  out  and  arrange  the 
gold.  So  it  is  no  disparagement  of  any  portion  of  the  Bible,  if 
preference  and  prominence  be  given  to  passages  allowed  to  be  of 
surpassing  value,  or  remarkable  for  beauty  and  interest.  Some 
features  of  the  Book  of  books,  moreover,  are  more  plain  and 
pleasing  than  others,  especially  to  youthful  readers,  while  the 
charge  of  faultiness  cannot  be  justly  urged.  The  Bible  would  be 
incomplete  without  the  genealogical  tables,  and  the  details  of  the 
Mosaic  ritual ;  yet  few  would  rank  them,  for  interest,  with  the 
history  of  Joseph  or  with  the  parables  of  the  Saviour.  Though 
such  details  have  great  value  with  profound  and  comprehensive 
scholars,  most  readers  know  too  little  to  prize  them  duly.  And 
hence  they  may,  perhaps  pardonably,  if  not  fitly,  adopt  this  couplet 

of  Goethe, — 

"A  hindrance,  all  that  we  employ  not ; 
A  burden,  all  that  we  enjoy  not." 

Since  Religious  Poetry  makes  so  large  a  feature  of  this  book, 
such  forced,  even  though  fit,  alliance  to  the  divine  Word,  may 
seem  to  need  apology.  Eminently  a  product  of  deep  feeling  and 
of  a  lively  imagination,  poetry  is  best  employed  on  themes  of  the 
highest  concern.  The  great  and  matchless  poem  was  completed, 
when  the  chief  Poet,  the  Maker  of  all  things,  had  wrought  out 
from  the  broad  and  dreary  realm  of  chaos  the  wondrous  mechan- 
ism of  the  universe,  —  a  work  so  vast  and  varied,  so  massive  and 
minute,  yet  so  delicately  exact  in  the  adjustment  of  its  countless 
parts  and  qualities,  and  in  its  complex  movements.  It  was  most 
fitting,  therefore,  that  the  Hebrew  prophets  and  bards,  when 
moved  by  the  all-quickening  and  beautifying  Spirit,  should 
deliver  their  messages  and  discourses  in  the  sublimest  strains 
of  poetry  ever  reached  by  mortals. 

While  the  poetry  of  the  Bible  is  acknowledged  to  be  every  way 
unequallea,  and  while  the  good  sense  of  translators  and  revisers 
in  forbearing  to  signalize  it  by  a  factitious  garb  is  to  be  praised, 
may  not  the  choicest  gems  of  the  Christian  poets  serve  worthy 
ends,  when  read  jointly  with  those  passages  of  Scripture  whose 


xii  INTRODUCTION. 

meaning  they  either  enforce  or  reflect  ?  If  when  Moses  came 
down  from  Sinai,  his  face  radiant  with  heavenly  glory,  the  gazing 
Hebrews  were  dazzled  and  awed,  as  never  before,  with  a  sense  of 
Jehovah's  dreadful  majesty,  is  there  not  a  power  in  poetic  genius, 
especially  when  in  close  sympathy  with  the  inspired  Oracles,  to 
quicken  in  the  reader  a  more  deep  and  lively  sense  of  what  they 
litter  ?  Then,  too,  the  presence  of  such  variety  will  not  only 
please,  but  render  the  mind  wakeful  and  alert.  Men  judge  of  the 
importance  of  persons  and  things  by  their  discovered  relations. 
If  a  numerous  and  imposing  retinue  fixes  the  gaze  of  men  on 
a  travelling  monarch,  and  if  the  company  of  attached  disciples 
and  followers  of  the  Saviour  drew  attention  to  Himself,  will  not 
such  gems  of  poetry  thus  inserted  alternately  with  passages  from 
the  Bible,  and  shining  mostly  by  its  light,  help,  by  their  varied 
contrasts  and  affinities,  to  beget  wakeful  and  discriminating 
thought,  while  the  eyes  of  increasing  numbers  shall  be  eagerly 
and  admiringly  turned  to  that  great  moral  sun .-'  And  since  the 
value  of  the  sacred  volume  to  the  world  is  enhanced  by  its 
weighty  utterances  bearing  the  peculiar  styles  of  its  numerous 
authors,  it  may  be  hoped  that  the  devoted  ministries  of  such 
a  galaxy  of  poetic  geniuses  will  win  and  wed  the  thoughts  of 
men  full  lovingly  to  that  one  great  source  of  religious  light,  hardly 
more  than  of  mental  life  and  energy.  Few  well-informed  and 
thoughtful  persons  will  deny  that  there  is  both  in  the  rhythm 
•  and  rhyme  of  poetry  that  which  is  peculiarly  pleasing,  especially 
to  youthful  minds.  The  power  of  poetry  to  call  forth  the  finer 
feelings  of  men  is  well  and  widely  known.  Poetic  genius  not 
only  shapes  the  utterance  of  the  highest  devotional  sentiments, 
but  of  such  as  are  patriotic  and  convivial.  While  it  should  be 
dreaded  and  denounced  as  a  mighty  worker  of  evil,  it  may  well 
be  wooed  and  welcomed,  when  its  mission  is  to  ennoble  thought 
and  inflame  love,  by  high  and  holy  themes.  May  we  not  believe 
that  the  heathen  poet  recognized  a  grand  and  vital  principle  as 
underlying  his  fable,  when  he  represented  Orpheus,  the  poet- 
musician,  as  drawing  and  swaying  trees,  rivers,  and  stones,  by 
the  wondrous  power  of  his  lyre  .-*  Through  that  beautiful  myth 
we  see  mankind  sluggish  and  grovelling,  and  needing  to  be 
roused  and  quickened,  and  impelled  to  high  and  worthy  aims  by 
alluring  appeals  to  their  susceptibilities  for  refined  pleasures. 
This  is  better  than  a  wild  fancy,  it  is  a  thought  well  founded, 


INTRODUCTION.  XIU 

whose  truthfulness  has  been  duly  avowed.  It  must  suffice, 
however,  by  way  of  confirmation,  to  quote  what  Sir  Philip  Sidney 
has  well  and  profoundly  said  of  the  most  degraded  and  barbarous 
tribes  :  "  That  if  ever  learning  come  among  them,  it  must  be 
by  having  their  hard,  chill  wits  softened  and  sharpened  with  the 
sweet  delights  of  poetry  ;  for  until  they  find  a  pleasure  in  the 
exercise  of  the  mind,  great  promises  of  much  knowledge  will 
little  persuade  them  that  know  not  the  fruits  of  knowledge." 

Although  there  be  many,  not  among  the  least  wise,  who  find 
their  choicest  pleasures  in  studying  the  Bible,  it  must  be  owned 
that  the  millions  of  Christendom  hav'e  too  little  relish  for  its 
truths.  Will  it,  then,  be  a  reliance  altogether  vain  and  fanciful, 
to  trust  to  the  "  sweet  delights  "  of  such  a  handmaid  as  Religious 
Poetry,  to  allure  reluctant  minds  to  a  profitable  acquaintance  with 
the  Word  of  God  .'*  If  Milton's  blindness  did  not  hinder  the  lofty 
flights  of  his  soaring  genius,  may  it  not  reasonably  be  hoped  that 
thousands,  should  they  here  be 


and  learn  to 


"Smit  with  the  love  of  sacred  sons;," 


"  Feed  on  thoughts  that  voluntary  move 
Harmonious  numbers" 


inspired  by  true  devotion,  will  also  derive  moral  health  from  the 
life-giving  streams  beside  them  .-' 

While  genuine  religious  poetry  deserves  to  be  highly  prized, 
there  is  much  pious  rhyming  that  is  unworthy  of  the  name. 
Such  chaff  failing  to  touch  and  sway  the  feelings,  and  to  satisfy 
a  correct  taste,  quickly  flies  before  the  critic's  besom,  or  perishes 
through  sheer  neglect.  But  the  wheat  abides  ever  fresh  and 
beautiful,  and  the  world  is  blessed  with  many  rich  and  cherished 
treasures,  though  not  of  equal  value,  which  have  long  braved  the 
winnowing  process.  Whether  they  be  recognized  as  the  loved 
melodies  of  the  nursery,  as  the  devotional  lyrics  of  the  sanctuary, 
or  as  the  more  stately  poems  of  Christian  literature,  words  can- 
not duly  set  forth  how  precious  they  are  to  sympathetic  minds. 
They  are  living  and  most  welcome  guests  in  the  soul,  cheering 
the  chambers  of  the  memory  when  the  outside  world  frowns  with 
clouds  of  adversity  and  sorrow,  or  when  the  ebbing  life  throbs 
faintly  in  death's  shadowy  vale. 


XIV  INTRODUCTION. 

"  And  when  the  stream 
Which  overflowed  the  soul  was  passed  away, 
A  consciousness  remained  that  it  had  left, 
Deposited  upon  the  silent  shore 
Of  memory,  images,  and  precious  thoughts. 
That  shall  not  die,  and  cannot  be  destroyed." 

If  the  work  which  the  poets  have  achieved  has  neither  been 
perfect  nor  all  that  was  desirable,  they  have  not  wrought  in 
vain.  In  their  efforts  to  unfold  the  mysteries  of  Providence, 
and  to  "justify  the  ways  of  God  to  men,"  they  may  often  have 
marred  the  beautiful  proportions  of  truth.  But  the  fallibility  of  the 
poets  need  not  disqualify  them  to  help  us  in  understanding  the 
Scriptures.  As  consistently  may  we  decline  the  aid  of  sermons 
and  commentaries,  because  preachers  and  writers  are  imperfect. 
No  reflector  can  convey  the  sun's  light  to  our  eyes  so  well  as 
the  sun  himself.  Yet  mirrors  are  indispensable !  And  the  truly 
Christian  poet  may  be  the  most  luminous  and  convincing  of 
commentators.  True  it  is  that  philology  and  logic  are  invaluable 
aids  to  the  interpreter  of  the  Scriptures,  and  modern  scholarship 
owes  much  to  such  appliances.  Without  hermeneutical  skill, 
indeed,  revealed  truth  cannot  be  well  and  duly  explained.  Yet 
the  Christian  poet,  by  his  peculiar  gifts  and  temperament,  m.ay 
often  surpass  the  logical  and  learned  but  dry  exegete.  This 
advantage  comes  chiefly,  however,  through  his  loyal  and  loving 
sympathy  with  spiritual  truths.  Mere  words  and  modes  of  speech 
are  inadequate  to  express  his  thoughts  and  feelings.  He  may  be 
delighted  and  improved  by  the  literary  beauties  of  the  Bible,  and 
far  more  by  the  divine  fragrance  which  its  teachings  convey 
to  his  soul.  But  while  the  merely  scientific  interpreter  may 
be  expert  in  wielding  the  instruments  of  critical  research  and 
analysis,  he  may  live  and  die  a  novice  in  regard  to  the  vital 
beauty  and  meaning  of  the  sacred  volume,  because  the  power 
of  sight,  of  hearing,  and  of  reasoning,  cannot  grasp  them.  "  The 
natural  man  rcceiveth  not  the  things  of  the  Spirit  of  God ;  for 
they  are  foolishness  unto  him  :  neither  can  he  know  them,  because 
they  are  spiritually  discerned.'''' 

In  a  book  where  poetry  renders  such  homage  to  the  Bible,  it 
may  not  be  amiss  to  remind  the  reader  how  much  the  geniuses 
in  other  departments  of  art  are  indebted  to  the  sacred  volume 
for  many  of  their  most  valued  themes.     If  the  Scriptures  are  not 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

wholly  unmatched  in  this  regard,  the  themes  which  they  furnish 
are  suggestive  of  truths  and  ideas  most  significant  and  sublime. 
Thus  the  Ark  of  Noah,  and  especially  the  Tabernacle  and  the 
Temple,  built  according  to  divine  dictation,  symbolized  spiritual 
mysteries  and  heavenly  realities  thereafter  to  be  more  fully 
revealed.  Thus,  too,  the  massive  and  graceful  beauties  of  Gre- 
cian and  Roman  architecture  were  first  typified  in  the  works 
of  nature,  and  were  thence  derived  and  appropriated  by  the 
mercurial  sagacity  and  imitative  genius  of  man.  One  has  only  to 
glance  at  the  chief  incidents  of  Sacred  History,  to  be  reminded 
of  names  which  have  been  immortalized  by  the  genius  displayed 
in  Painting  and  Music,  on  the  part  of  those  who  bore  them. 
Such  world-renowned  pictures  as  "Moses  Found,"  "The  Trans- 
figuration," and  "  The  Last  Supper,"  herald  the  fame  of  the 
Rembrandts,  the  Raphaels,  and  the  Da  Vincis  ;  while  such 
oratorios  as  "The  Creation,"  "Israel  in  Egypt,"  "The  Messiah," 
and  "Elijah,"  and  such  chants  as  the  "Miserere,"  and  the  "Dixit 
Dominus,"  will,  through  all  the  ages,  enshrine  the  Haydens,  the 
Handels,  the  Mendelssohns,  and  the  Palestrinas  in  the  memories 
of  all  true  lovers  of  Christian  art. 

While  these  passages  from  the  Bible  and  the  poets  would  have 
great  worth  if  printed  separately,  it  is  believed  that  this  marriage 
of  poetry  to  Scripture  will  largely  enhance  the  value  of  both  to 
the  reader.  In  the  reading  of  the  sacred  volume  it  has  often 
been  found  that  a  word  uttered,  or  a  query  raised,  has  so  roused 
the  mind,  that  it  has  seen  the  truth  in  a  new  light,  and  clothed 
with  fresh  beauty.  Can*  it  be  doubted  that  these  appositely  set 
gems  of  poetry,  sometimes  tenderly  pathetic,  now  grandly  solemn, 
then  devotional,  sublime,  or  severe,  will  greatly  stir  thought  and 
enkindle  feeling  }  And  should  the  poetry,  in  some  instances, 
seem  to  have  been  unfitly  arranged,  even  thus  it  will  beget  an 
alertness  of  mind  helpful  to  a  clear  understanding  of  what  is  read. 
Nor  will  the  advantage  of  eminent  and  sympathetic  companion- 
ship be  wanting,  if  there  be  aught  inspiring  in  that.  The  best 
utterances  of  hundreds  of  gifted  minds,  representing  every  age 
and  phase  of  the  Church  catholic  and  visible,  will  here  greet  the 
reader,  helping  him  to  feel  that  its  true  life  is  one,  throbbing  in  each 
member  through  his  vital  union  with  the  common  Lord  of  all. 

What  has  been  true  of  every  age  is  also  true  of  this  :  it  has 
its  peculiar  advantages,   needs,  and  dangers.     More   than  any 


XVI  INTRODUCTION. 

civilized  people,  we  are  confronted  by  perils  arising  from  the 
wonderful  material  prosperity  and  progress  of  the  last  fifty  years. 
Within  that  time  men  have  learned  to  travel  with  the  fleetness 
of  the  wind,  and  to  speed  their  behests  from  continent  to  conti- 
nent as  quickly  as  they  can  be  uttered  or  written.  And  the  rush 
of  events  is  hardly  less  rapid.  Fortunes  are  gathered  from  the 
soil,  from  beneath  the  soil,  and  from  trade,  in  a  day.  Every 
thing  is  done  with  a  rush,  and  the  eager  strife  and  outcry  are  for 
things  perishable.  Only  the  few  take  time  for  reflection  and 
research.  Deafened  by  the  din  of  business,  dazzled  by  hopes  of 
wealth  and  preferment,  made  dizzy  by  the  whirl  of  fashionable 
pursuits,  or  debauched  by  low  pleasures,  never  did  a  people  more 
need  the  spurs  and  checks  of  moral  and  spiritual  forces  than  they 
are  needed  to-day  by  the  people  of  this  land. 

Many  on  every  hand  loudly  profess  a  regard  for  wisdom,  though 
they  are  as  far  as  were  the  ancient  Hebrews  from  believing  that 
true  wisdom  begins  with  the  fear  of  Jehovah.  Indeed,  there  is  a 
growing  school  of  philosophy  heartily  at  one  with  our  materialism, 
in  the  effort  to  ignore  the  fact  that  every  man  is  responsible  to 
Him.  This  statement  is  not  made  to  be  proved,  though  it  may 
seem  harsh  and  dogmatic.  It  is  made  in  the  firm  belief  that  our 
literature,  in  many  ways,  is  doing  much  to  obscure  in  the  minds 
of  the  people  that  greatest  of  thoughts,  —  the  thought  that  every 
man  is  personally  responsible  to  God  !  While  it  will  do  little  good 
to  characterize  or  denounce  what  is  objectionable  in  our  popular 
literature,  its  blemishes  and  faults  will  not  here  be  contrasted  with 
what  is  commendable  and  good.  To  overcome  evil  with  good  was 
a  maxim  worthy  of  the  great  apostle,  as  it  is  of  being  adopted 
by  all.  It  is  the  property  of  truth  to  displace  and  banish  error  ; 
and  the  great  truths  of  the  Bible  are  mighty  to  correct  errors  of 
thought  and  life.  Thousands  are  pygmies^ as  to  their  purposes 
for  right  doing,  who  are  giants  as  to  their  passions  for  worldly 
aggrandizements  and  pleasures.  Their  true  freedom  and  peace 
can  only  come  through  a  loving  reception  of  the  weighty  truths 
of  God's  Word,  which  is  the  best  and  safe  guide  of  the  child,  the 
man,  and  the  sage. 


A    BRIEF    OF    THE    WORK. 


PERIOD    I. 


PAGE 

From  Adam  to  the  Call  of  Abraham.     B.C.  4004-1921 i 

PERIOD    II. 

From  the  Call  of  Abraham  until  the  Death  of  Joseph.     B.C.  1921-1635. 

Parenthetic.  —  Selections  from  the  Book  of  Job 26 

PERIOD    III. 
From  the  Birth  of  Moses  until  his  Death.     B.C.  1571-1451 129 

PERIOD    IV. 
From  Joshua  to  Saul ;  or,  the  Era  of  the  Judges.     B.C.  1451-1095    .     .     214 

PERIOD    V. 
The  Reigns  of  Saul,  David,  and  Solomon.     B.C.  1095-975 267 

PERIOD    VI. 
From  the  Division  of  the  Kingdom  until  the  Close  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment Prophecies.     B.C.  975-400 362 

PERIOD    VII. 
The  Gospel  ;  or,  the  Life  and  Works  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 

Christ.     B.C.  5 — A.D.  30 481 

PERIOD    VIII. 

The  Teachings  and  Testimonies  of  the  Apostles.     A.D.  30-70      .     .     .     589 

Index  of  Topics,  Books,  and  Poets 677 

Index  of  the  Times  of  the  Poets 694 

Specimens  from  Bagster's  English  Hexapla 697 


PERIOD   I. 

FROM   ADAM   TO   THE   CALL   OF   ABRAHAM. 

B.C.  4004-192  I. 


CHAPTER    L 

god's    work    of    creation. THE    FIRST    FOUR    DAYS. 

IN  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven  and  the  earth.     And 
the  earth  was  without  form,  and  void  ;   and  darkness  was 
upon  the  face  of   the  deep, 

Where  eldest  Night 
And  Chaos,  ancestors  of  Nature,  hold 
Eternal  anarchy  amidst  the  noise 
Of  endless  war,  and  by  confusion  stand. 

And  the  Spirit  of  God  moved  upon  the  face  of  the  waters. 
And  God  said,  Let  there  be  light :  and  there  was  hght.  And 
God  saw  the  hght,  that  it  was  good  :  and  God  divided  the  hght 
from  the  darkness.  And  God  called  the  light  Day,  and  the 
darkness  he  called  Night.  And  the  evening  and  the  morning 
were  the  first  day. 

Hail,  holy  Light !  offspring  of  Heaven  first-born, 
Or  of  the  Eternal  coeternal  beam, 
May  I  express  thee  unblamed  ?  since  God  is  light, 
And  never  but  in  unapproached  light 
Dwelt  from  eternity  ;  dwelt  then  in  thee, 
Bright  effluence  of  bright  essence  increate. 
Or  hear'st  thou  rather,  pure  etherial  stream, 
Whose  fountain  who  shall  tell  ?     Before  the  sun, 
Before  the  heavens  thou  wert,  and  at  the  voice 
Of  God,  as  with  a  mantle,  didst  invest 
The  rising  world  of  waters  dark  and  deep, 
Won  from  the  void  and  formless  infinite. 
I 


2  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  God  said,  Let  there  be  a  firmament  in  the  midst  of  the 
waters,  and  let  it  divide  the  waters  from  the  waters.  And  God 
made  the  firmament,  and  divided  the  waters  which  were  under 
the  firmament  from  the  waters  which  were  above  the  firmament : 
and  it  was  so.  And  God  called  the  firmament  Heaven.  And 
the  evening  and  the  morning  were  the  second  day. 

And  God  said.  Let  the  waters  under  the  heaven  be  gathered 
together  unto  one  place,  and  let  the  dry  land  appear  :  and  it  was  so. 
And  God  called  the  dry  land  Earth  ;  and  the  gathering  together 
of  the  waters  called  he  Seas  :  and  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 
And  God  said,  Let  the  earth  bring  forth  grass,  the  herb  yielding 
seed,  and  the  fruit  tree  yielding  fruit  after  his  kind,  whose  seed 
is  in  itself,  upon  the  earth  :  and  it  was  so.  And  the  earth 
brought  forth  grass,  and  herb  yielding  seed  after  his  kind,  and 
the  tree  yielding  fruit,  whose  seed  was  in  itself,  after  his  kind  : 
and  God  saw  that  it  was  good.  And  the  evening  and  the 
morning  were  the  third  day. 

A  million  torches,  lighted  by  Thy  hand, 

Wander  unwearied  through  the  blue  abyss  ; 

They  own  Thy  power,  accomplish  Thy  command, 

All  gay  with  hfe,  all  eloquent  with  bliss. 

What  shall  we  call  them  ?     Piles  of  crystal  light, 

A  glorious  company  of  golden  streams, 

Lamps  of  celestial  ether  burning  bright, 

Suns  lighting  systems  with  their  joyous  beams  1 

But  Thou  to  these  art  as  the  noon  to  night ! 

And  God  said.  Let  there  be  lights  in  the  firmament  of  the 
heaven  to  divide  the  day  from  the  night ;  and  let  them  be  for 
signs,  and  for  seasons,  and  for  days,  and  years  :  and  let  them  be 
for  lights  in  the  firmament  of  the  heaven  to  give  light  upon  the 
earth :  and  it  was  so.  And  God  made  two  great  lights  ;  the 
greater  light  to  rule  the  day,  and  the  lesser  light  to  rule 
the  night :  he  made  the  stars  also.  And  God  set  them  in  the 
firmament  of  the  heaven  to  give  light  upon  the  earth,  and  to 
rule  over  the  day  and  over  the  night,  and  to  divide  the  light 
from  the  darkness  :  and  God  saw  that  it  was  good.  And  the 
evening  and  the  morning  were  the  fourth  day. 

Mysterious  Night !  when  our  first  parent  knew 
Thee  from  report  divine,  and  heard  thy  name, 
Did  he  not  tremble  for  this  lovely  frame, 
This  glorious  canopy  of  light  and  blue  ? 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Yet  'neath  the  curtain  of  translucent  dew, 

Bathed  in  the  rays  of  the  great  setting  flame, 

Hesperus  with  the  host  of  heaven  came, 

And  lo  !  creation  widened  in  man's  view. 

Who  could  have  thought  such  darkness  lay  concealed 

Within  thy  beams,  O  Sun  !  or  who  could  find, 

While  fly,  and  leaf,  and  insect  lay  revealed. 

That  to  such  countless  orbs  thou  mad'st  us  blind  ! 

Why  do  we,  then,  shun  Death  with  anxious  strife?  — 

If  Light  can  thus  deceive,  wherefore  not  Life  ? 


CHAPTER    II. 

THE   WORK   OF   CREATION   COMPLETED. THE   SABBATH 

ORDAINED. 

As  sparks  mount  upward  from  the  fiery  blaze, 

So  suns  are  born,  so  worlds  spring  forth  from  Thee; 

And  as  the  spangles  in  the  sunny  rays 

Shine  round  the  silver  snow,  the  pageantry 

Of  heaven's  bright  army  glitters  in  Thy  praise. 

Thy  Word  created  all,  and  doth  create  ; 

Thy  splendor  fills  all  space  with  rays  divine  ; 

Thou  art,  and  wert,  and  shalt  be  !  Glorious  !  Great ! 

Light-giving,  life-sustaining  Potentate  ! 

AND  God  said,  Let  the  waters  bring  forth  abundantly  the 
moving  creature  that  hath  life,  and  fowl  that  may  fly  above 
the  earth  in  the  open  firmament  of  heaven.  And  God  created 
great  whales,  and  every  living  creature  that  moveth,  which  the 
waters  brought  forth  abundantly,  after  their  kind,  and  every 
winged  fowl  after  his  kind  :  and  God  saw  that  it  was  good.  And 
God  blessed  them,  saying.  Be  fruitful,  and  multiply,  and  fill  the 
waters  in  the  seas,  and  let  fowl  multiply  in  the  earth.  And  the 
evening  and  the  morning  were  the  fifth  day. 

And  God  said,  Let  the  earth  bring  forth  the  living  creature 
after  his  kind,  cattle,  and  creeping  thing,  and  beast  of  the  earth 
after  his  kind  :  and  it  was  so.  And  God  made  the  beast  of  the 
earth  after  his  kind,  and  cattle  after  their  kind,  and  every  thing 
that  creepeth  upon  the  earth  after  his  kind :  and  God  saw  that 
it  was  good. 


4  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  God  said,  Let  us  make  man  in  our  image,  after  our  like- 
ness :  and  let  them  have  dominion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and 
over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  over  the  cattle,  and  over  all  the 
earth,  and  over  every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth. 
So  God  created  man  in  his  own  image,  in  the  image  of  God  cre- 
ated he  him  ;  male  and  female  created  he  them.  And  God 
blessed  them,  and  God  said  unto  them,  Be  fruitful,  and  multiply, 
and  replenish  the  earth,  and  subdue  it :  and  have  dominion  over 
the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  over  every 
living  thing  that  moveth  upon  the  earth. 

Therefore  of  clay,  base,  vile,  and  next  to  naught, 
Yet  formed  by  wondrous  skill,  and  by  His  rnight, 
According  to  an  heavenly  patterne  wrought, 
Which  He  had  fashioned  in  His  wise  foresight, 
He  man  did  make,  and  breathed  a  hving  spright 
Into  his  face,  most  beautifull  and  fayre, 
Endewed  with  wisedome's  riches,  heavenly,  rare. 

Such  He  him  made,  that  he  resemble  might 
Himselfe,  as  mortall  thing  immortall  could ; 
Him  to  be  lord  of  every  living  wight 
He  made  by  love  out  of  His  owne  hke  mould, 
In  whom  He  might  His  mightie  selfe  behould  : 
For  Love  doth  love  the  thing  beloved  to  see, 
That  like  itselfe  in  lovely  shape  may  bee. 

And  God  said.  Behold,  I  have  given  you  every  herb  bearing 
seed,  which  is  upon  the  face  of  all  the  earth,  and  every  tree,  in 
the  which  is  the  fruit  of  a  tree  yielding  seed  ;  to  you  it  shall  be 
for  meat.  And  to  every  beast  of  the  earth,  and  to  every  fowl  of 
the  air,  and  to  every  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth,  wherein 
there  is  life,  I  have  given  every  green  herb  for  meat :  and  it  was 
so.  And  God  saw  every  thing  that  he  had  made,  and,  behold, 
it  was  very  good.     And  the  evening  and  the  morning  were  the 

sixth  day. 

Bless M  that  eve  ! 
The  Sabbath's  harbinger,  when,  all  complete 
In  freshest  beauty  from  Jehovah's  hand. 
Creation  bloomed  ;  when  Eden's  twilight  face 
Smiled  Hke  a  sleeping  babe  :  the  voice  divine 
A  holy  calm  breathed  o'er  the  goodly  work  : 
Mildly  the  sun  upon  the  loftiest  tree 
Shed  mellowly  a  sloping  beam.     Peace  reigned, 
And  love,  and  gratitude  ;  the  human  pair 
Their  orisons  poured  forth  ;  love,  concord  reigned. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  5 

Thus  the  heavens  and  the  earth  were  finished,  and  all  the  host 
of  them.  And  on  the  seventh  day  God  ended  his  work  which 
he  had  made  ;  and  he  rested  on  the  seventh  day  from  all  his 
work  which  he  had  made.  And  God  blessed  the  seventh  day, 
and  sanctified  it :  because  that  in  it  he  had  rested  from  all  his 
work  which  God  created  and  made. 

With  silent  awe  I  hail  the  sacred  morn, 

Which  slowly  wakes  while  all  the  fields  are  still : 
A  soothing  calm  on  every  breeze  is  borne, 

A  graver  murmur  gurgles  from  the  rill, 

And  Echo  answers  sotter  from  the  hill. 
And  softer  sings  the  hnnet  from  the  thorn. 

The  sky-lark  warbles  in  a  tone  less  shrill. 
Hail,  light  serene  !  hail,  sacred  Sabbatli  morn  ! 
The  rooks  float  silent  by  in  airy  drove ; 

The  sun  a  placid  yellow  lustre  shows  ; 
The  gales,  that  lately  sighed  along  the  grove, 

Have  hushed  their  downy  wings  in  dead  repose  ; 

The  hovering  rack  of  clouds  forget  to  move  :  — 
So  smiled  the  day  when  the  first  morn  arose  ! 


CHAPTER    III. 

SUMMARY. EDEN. THE    WOMAN. MARRIAGE. 

These  are  Thy  glorious  works.  Parent  of  good  ! 

Almighty  !  Thine  this  universal  frame. 

Thus  wondrous  fair ;  Thyself  how  wondrous  then  ! 

Unspeakable,  who  sitt'st  above  these  heavens 

To  us  invisible,  or  dimly  seen 

In  these  Thy  lowest  works  ;  yet  these  declare 

Thy  goodness  beyond  thought,  and  power  divine. 

Speak  ye,  who  best  can  tell,  ye  sons  of  light. 

Angels  !  for  ye  behold  Him,  and  with  songs 

And  choral  symphonies,  day  without  night, 

Circle  His  throne,  rejoicing  ;   ye  in  heaven. 

On  earth  join  all  ye  creatures  to  extol 

Him  first.  Him  last.  Him  midst,  and  without  end. 

THESE  are  the  generations  of  the  heavens  and  of  the  earth 
when  they  were  created,  in  the  day  that  the  Lord  God  made 
the  earth  and  the  heavens,  and  every  plant  of  the  field  before 


6  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

it  was  in  the  earth,  and  every  herb  of  the  field  before  it  grew : 
for  the  Lord  God  had  not  caused  it  to  rain  upon  the  earth,  and 
there  was  not  a  man  to  till  the  ground.  But  there  went  up 
a  mist  from  the  earth,  and  watered  the  whole  face  of  the  ground. 
And  the  Lord  God  formed  man  of  the  dust  of  the  ground,  and 
breathed  into  his  nostrils  the  breath  of  life ;  and  man  became 
a  living  soul. 

When  God  did  man  to  His  own  likeness  make, 
As  much  as  clay,  though  of  the  purest  kind, 

By  the  great  potter's  art  refined, 

Could  the  divine  impression  take, 

He  thought  it  fit  to  place  him  where 

A  kind  of  heaven  too  did  appear, 
As  far  as  earth  could  such  a  likeness  bear: 

That  man  no  happiness  might  want, 
Which  earth  to  her  first  master  could  afford, 

He  did  a  Garden  for  him  plant 
By  the  quick  hand  of  His  omnipotent  word. 
As  the  chief  help  and  joy  of  human  life. 
He  gave  him  the  first  gift ;  first,  even  before  a  wife. 

And  the  Lord  God  planted  a  garden  eastward  in  Eden ; 
and  there  he  put  the  man  whom  he  had  formed.  And  out  of  the 
ground  made  the  Lord  God  to  grow  every  tree  that  is  pleasant  to 
the  sight,  and  good  for  food  ;  the  tree  of  life  also  in  the  midst  of 
the  garden,  and  the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good. and  evil.  And  a 
river  went  out  of  Eden  to  water  the  garden  ;  and  from  thence  it 
was  parted,  and  became  into  four  heads.  The  name  of  the  first 
is  Pison :  that  is  it  which  compasseth  the  whole  land  of  Havilah, 
where  there  is  gold  ;  and  the  gold  of  that  land  is  good :  there  is 
bdellium  and  the  onyx  stone.  And  the  name  of  the  second  river 
is  Gihon :  the  same  is  it  that  compasseth  the  whole  land  of 
Ethiopia.  And  the  name  of  the  third  river  is  Hiddekel :  that  is 
it  which  goeth  toward  the  east  of  Assyria.  And  the  fourth 
river  is  Euphrates.  And  the  Lord  God  took  the  man,  and  put 
him  into  the  garden  of  Eden  to  dress  it  and  to  keep  it.  And  the 
Lord  God  commanded  the  man,  saying,  Of  every  tree  of  the 
garden  thou  mayest  freely  eat :  but  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge 
of  good  and  evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it :  for  in  the  day  that 
thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die. 

And  the  Lord  God  said,  It  is  not  good  that  the  man  should  be 
alone ;  I  will  make  him  a  help  meet  for  him.     And  out  of  the 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  7 

ground  the  Lord  God  formed  every  beast  of  the  field,  and  every 
fowl  of  the  air ;  and  brought  them  unto  Adam  to  see  what  he 
would  call  them :  and  whatsoever  Adam  called  every  living 
creature,  that  was  the  name  thereof.  And  Adam  gave  names  to 
all  cattle,  and  to  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  to  every  beast  of  the 
field  ;  but  for  Adam  there  was  not  found  a  help  meet  for  him. 
And  the  Lord  God  caused  a  deep  sleep  to  fall  upon  Adam,  and 
he  slept ;  and  he  took  one  of  his  ribs,  and  closed  up  the  flesh 
instead  thereof.  And  the  rib,  which  the  Lord  God  had  taken 
from  man,  made  he  a  woman,  and  brought  her  unto  the  man. 

When  out  of  hope,  behold  her,  not  far  off. 
Such  as  I  saw  her  in  my  dream,  adorned 
With  what  all  earth  or  heaven  could  bestow 
To  make  her  amiable.     On  she  came, 
Led  by  her  heavenly  Maker,  though  unseen, 
And  guided  by  His  voice  ;  not  uninformed 
Of  nuptial  sanctity,  and  marriage  rites. 
Grace  was  in  all  her  steps,  heaven  in  her  eye, 
In  every  gesture  dignity  and  love. 

And  Adam  said.  This  is  now  bone  of  my  bones,  and  flesh  of 
my  flesh  :  she  shall  be  called  Woman,  because  she  was  taken  out 
of  man.  Therefore  shall  a  man  leave  his  father  and  his  mother, 
and  shall  cleave  unto  his  wife  :  and  they  shall  be  one  flesh.  And 
they  were  both  naked,  the  man  and  his  wife,  and  were  not 
ashamed. 

Two  of  far  nobler  shape,  erect  and  tall, 
Godlike  erect,  with  native  honour  clad. 
In  naked  majesty  seemed  lords  of  all : 
And  worthy  seemed  ;  for  in  their  looks  divine 
The  image  of  their  glorious  Maker  shone, 
Truth,  wisdom,  sanctitude  severe  and  pure, 
(Severe,  but  in  true  filial  freedom  placed,) 
Whence  true  authority  in  men  ;  though  both 
Not  equal,  as  their  sex  not  equal  seemed : 
For  contemplation  he  and  valour  formed  ; 
For  softness  she  and  sweet  attractive  grace  : 
He  for  God  only,  —  she  for  God  and  him. 


O  lovely,  happy,  blest,  immortal  pair  ! 
Pleased  with  the  present,  full  of  glorious  hope. 
But  short,  alas,  the  song  that  sung  their  bliss  ! 
Henceforth  the  history  of  man  grows  dark  : 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Shade  after  shade,  of  deepening  gloom  descends, 
And  Innocence  laments  her  robes  defiled. 
Who  farther  sings,  must  change  the  pleasant  lyre 
To  heavy  notes  of  woe. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE  TEMPTATION. THE  FALL. THE  SERPENT   DOOMED. 

THE    VANQUISHER    PROMISED. THE    EXILES. 

So  spake  the  enemy  of  mankind,  enclosed 
In  serpent,  inmate  bad  !  and  toward  Eve 
Addressed  his  way  :  not  with  indented  wave. 
Prone  on  the  ground,  as  since  ;  but  on  his  rear, 
Circular  base  of  rising  folds,  that  towered 
Fold  above  fold,  a  surging  maze  :  his  head 
Crested  aloft,  and  carbuncle  his  eyes  ; 
With  burnished  neck  of  verdant  gold,  erect 
Amidst  his  circling  spires,  that  on  the  grass 
Floated  redundant.     Pleasing  was  his  shape 
And  lovely. 

With  tract  oblique 
At  first,  as  one  who  sought  access,  but  feared 
To  interrupt,  sidelong  he  works  his  way. 
As  when  a  ship  by  skilful  steersman  wrought 
Nigh  river's  mouth  or  foreland,  where  the  wind 
Veers  oft,  as  oft  so  steers,  and  shifts  her  sail : 
So  varied  he,  and  of  his  tortuous  train 
Curled  many  a  wanton  wreath  in  sight  of  Eve, 
To  lure  her  eyes. 

NOW  the  serpent  was  more  subtile  than  any  beast  of  the  field 
which  the  Lord  God  had  made.  And  he  said  unto  the 
woman,  Y.ea,  hath  God  said,  Ye  shall  not  eat  of  every  tree  of  the 
garden }  And  the  woman  said  unto  the  serpent,  We  may  eat  of 
the  fruit  of  the  trees  of  the  garden  :  but  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree 
which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  garden,  God  hath  said,  Ye  shall  not 
eat  of  it,  neither  shall  ye  touch  it,  lest  ye  die.  And  the  serpent 
said  unto  the  woman,  Ye  shall  not  surely  die  :  for  God  doth  know 
that  in  the  day  ye  eat  thereof,  then  your  eyes  shall  be  opened  ; 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  9 

and  ye  shall  be  as  gods,  knowing  good  and  evil.  And  when  the 
woman  saw  that  the  tree  was  good  for  food,  and  that  it  was 
pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired  to  make  one  wise, 
she  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat,  and  gave  also  unto  her 
husband  with  her  ;  and  he  did  eat. 

So  saying,  her  rash  hand  in  evil  hour 
Forthreaching  to  the  fruit,  she  plucked,  she  eat ! 
Earth  felt  the  wound  ;  and  Nature  from  her  seat. 
Sighing  through  all  her  works,  gave  signs  of  woe, 
That  all  was  lost.  , 

Aitd  the  eyes  of  them  both  were  opened,  and  they  knew  that 
they  were  naked  ;  and  they  sewed  fig  leaves  together,  and  made 
.themselves  aprons.  And  they  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord  God 
walking  in  the  garden  in  the  cool  of  the  day  :  and  Adam  and  his 
wife  hid  themselves  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  God  amongst 
the  trees  of  the  garden. 

Amidst  the  thrilling  leaves.  Thy  voice  at  evening's  fall  drew  near  ; 
Father !  and  did  not  man  rejoice  that  blessed  sound  to  hear  ? 
Did  not  his  heart  within  him  burn,  touched  by  the  solemn  tone  ? 
Not  so  !  —  for,  never  to  return,  its  purity  was  gone. 

And  the  Lord  God  called  unto  Adam,  and  said  unto  him, 
Where  art  thou }  And  he  said,  I  heard  thy  voice  in  the  garden, 
and  I  was  afraid,  because  I  was  naked  ;  and  I  hid  myself.  And 
he  said.  Who  told  thee  that  thou  wast  naked }  Hast  thou  eaten 
of  the  tree,  whereof  I  commanded  thee  that  thou  shouldest  not 
eat }  And  the  man  said.  The  woman  whom  thou  gavest  to  be 
with  me,  she  gave  me  of  the  tree,  and  I  did  eat.  And  the  Lord 
God  said  unto  the  woman,  What  is  this  that  thou  hast  done } 
And  the  woman  said.  The  serpent  beguiled  me,  and  I  did  eat. 
And  the  Lord  God  said  unto  the  serpent,  Because  thou  hast 
done  this,  thou  art  cursed  above  all  cattle,  and  above  every  beast 
of  the  field  ;  upon  thy  belly  shalt  thou  go,  and  dust  shalt  thou 
eat  all  the  days  of  thy  life  :  and  I  will  put  enmity  between  thee 
and  the  woman,  and  between  thy  seed  and  her  seed  ;  it  shall 
bruise  thy  head,  and  thou  shalt  bruise  his  heel.  Unto  the 
woman  he  said,  I  will  greatly  multiply  thy  sorrow  and  thy  con- 
ception ;  in  sorrow  thou  shalt  bring  forth  children  ;  and  thy 
desire  shall  be  to  thy  husband,  and  he  shall  rule  over  thee. 


lO  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Could  I  turn  to  look 
With  these  twain  eyes  of  mine,  now  weeping  fast, — 
Now  good  for  only  weeping,  —  upon  man. 
Because  I  looked  on  him  ?     Alas,  alas  ! 
And  is  not  this  much  woe,  to  cry  alas  ! 
Speaking  of  joy  ?     And  is  not  this  more  shame, 
To  have  made  the  woe  myself,  from  all  that  joy  ? 
To  have  stretched  my  hand,  and  plucked  it  from  the  tree, 
And  chosen  it  for  fruit  ?     Nay,  is  not  this 
Still  more  despair,  —  to  have  halved  that  bitter  fruit, 
And  ruined,  so,  the  sweetest  friend  I  have, 
Turning  the  GREATEST  to  mine  enemy? 

And  unto  Adam  he  said,  Because  thou  hast  hearkened  unto 
the  voice  of  thy  wife,  and  hast  eaten  of  the  tree,  of  which  I  com- 
manded thee,  saying,  Thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it :  cursed  is  the 
ground  for  thy  sake  ;  in  sorrow  shalt  thou  eat  of  it  all  the  days 
of  thy  life  ;  thorns  also  and  thistles  shall  it  bring  forth  to  thee  ; 
and  thou  shalt  eat  the  herb  of  the  field.     In  the  sweat  of  thy 
face  shalt  thou  eat  bread,  till  thou  return  unto  the  ground  ;  for 
out  of  it  wast  thou  taken  :  for  dust  thou  art,  and  unto  dust  shalt 
thou  return.     And  Adam  called  his  wife's  name  Eve  ;  because 
she  was  the  mother  of  all  living.     Unto  Adam  also  and  to  his 
wife  did  the  Lord  God  make  coats  of  skins,  and  clothed  them. 
O  unexpected  stroke,  worse  than  of  death  ! 
Must  I  thus  leave  thee,  Paradise  ?  thus  leave 
Thee,  native  soil !  these  happy  walks  and  shades, 
Fit  haunt  of  gods  ?  where  I  had  hope  to  spend, 
Quiet  though  sad,  the  respite  of  that  day 
That  must  be  mortal  to  us  both. 

And  the  Lord  God  said,  Behold,  the  man  is  become  as  one  of 
us,  to  know  good  and  evil :  and  now,  lest  he  put  forth  his  hand, 
and  take  also  of  the  tree  of  life,  and  eat,  and  live  for  ever :  there- 
fore the  Lord  God  sent  him  forth  from  the  garden  of  Eden,  to 
till  the  ground  from  whence  he  was  taken.  So  he  drove  out  the 
man :  and  he  placed  at  the  east  of  the  garden  of  Eden  cherubim, 
and  a  flaming  sword  which  turned  every  way,  to  keep  the  way  of 
the  tree  of  life. 

Therefore  in  sight  of  man  bereft 

The  happy  garden  still  was  left ; 
The  fiery  sword  that  guarded,  sliowed  it  too, 

Turning  all  ways,  the  world  to  teach. 

That  though  as  yet  beyond  our  reach, 
Still  in  its  place  the  tree  of  life  and  glory  grew. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  II 


CHAPTER   V. 

BIRTH    OF    CAIN    AND    ABEL. HOW  THEY  DIFFERED. ABEL 

MURDERED. THE    MURDERER    PUNISHED. 

There  is  pity  in  Thee, 
O  sinned  against,  great  God  !  —  My  seed,  my  seed, 
Thou  mystic  seed  that  shalt  be  !  —  leave  us  not 
In  agony  beyond  what  we  can  bear. 
Fallen  in  debasement  below  thunder-mark, 
A  mark  for  scorning  —  taunted  and  perplexed 
By  all  these  creatures  we  ruled  yesterday, 
Whom  Thou,  Lord,  rulest  always.     O  my  seed. 
Through  the  tempestuous  years  that  rain  so  thick 
Betwixt  my  ghostly  vision  and  thy  face. 
Let  me  have  token !  for  my  soul  is  bruised 
Before  the  serpent's  head  is. 

AND  Adam  knew  Eve  his  wife  ;  and  she  conceived,  and  bare 
Cain,  and  said,  I  have  gotten  a  man  from  the  Lord.  And 
she  again  bare  his  brother  Abel.  And  Abel  was  a  keeper  of 
sheep,  but  Cain  was  a  tiller  of  the  ground.  And  in  process  of 
time  it  came  to  pass,  that  Cain  brought  of  the  fruit  of  the  ground 
an  offering  unto  the  Lord.  And  Abel,  he  also  brought  of  the 
firstlings  of  his  flock  and  of  the  fat  thereof.  And  the  Lord  had 
respect  unto  Abel  and  to  his  offering :  but  unto  Cain  and  to  his 
offering  he  had  not  respect.  And  Cain  was  very  wroth,  and  his 
countenance  fell.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Cain,  Why  art  thou 
wroth  }  and  why  is  thy  countenance  fallen  .-'  If  thou  doest  well, 
shalt  thou  not  be  accepted  .-*  and  if  thou  doest  not  well,  sin  lieth 
at  the  door :  and  unto  thee  shall  be  his  desire,  and  thou  shalt 
rule  over  him. 

Tell,  who  began  to  breake  the  sacred  band 
Of  blessed  peace,  wherein  man  liued  at  first : 
Was  't  not  that  Cain,  who  lifted  vp  his  hand. 
And  with  a  murthrous  mind  (O  wretch  accurst  !) 
Brake  peace,  and  foully  slue  his  onely  brother, 
Though  they  had  both  one  father  and  one  mother  ? 

And  Cain  talked  with  Abel  his  brother :  and  it  came  to  pass, 
when  they  were  in  the  field,  that  Cain  rose  up  against  Abel  his 


12  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

brother,  and  slew  him.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Cain,  Where  is 
Abel  thy  brother  ?  And  he  said,  I  know  not :  Am  I  my  broth- 
er's keeper  ?  And  he  said,  What  hast  thou  done  ?  the  voice  of 
thy  brother's  blood  crieth  unto  me  from  the  ground.  And  now 
art  thou  cursed  from  the  earth,  which  hath  opened  her  mouth  to 
receive  thy  brother's  blood  from  thy  hand.  When  thou  tillest 
the  ground,  it  shall  not  henceforth  yield  unto  thee  her  strength  ; 
a  fugitive  and  a  vagabond  shalt  thou  be  in  the  earth.  And  Cain 
said  unto  the  Lord,  My  punishment  is  greater  than  I  can  bear. 
Behold,  thou  hast  driven  me  out  this  day  from  the  face  of  the 
earth  ;  and  from  thy  face  shall  I  be  hid  ;  and  I  shall  be  a  fugitive 
and  a  vagabond  in  the  earth  ;  and  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that 
every  one  that  findeth  me  shall  slay  me.  And  the  Lord  said 
unto  him.  Therefore  whosoever  slayeth  Cain,  vengeance  shall  be 
taken  on  him  sevenfold.  And  the  Lord  set  a  mark  upon  Cain^ 
lest  any  finding  him  should  kill  him. 

O  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  is  a  terrible  thing  ! 
Like  the  tempest  that  withers  the  blossoms  of  spring, 
Like  the  thunder  that  bursts  on  the  summer's  domain, 
It  fell  on  the  head  of  the  homicide  Cain. 
And  lo !  like  a  deer  in  the  fright  of  the  chase, 
With  a  fire  in  the  heart,  and  a  brand  on  his  face, 
He  speeds  him  afar  to  the  desert  of  Nod  — 
A  vagabond  smote  by  the  vengeance  of  God. 

And  Cain  went  out  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  dwelt 
in  the  land  of  Nod,  on  the  east  of  Eden.  And  Cain  knew  his 
wife  ;  and  she  conceived  and  bare  Enoch :  and  he  builded  a  city, 
and  called  the  name  of  the  city,  after  the  name  of  his  son,  Enoch. 
And  unto  Enoch  was  born  Irad :  and  Irad  begat  Mehujael :  and 
Mehujael  begat  Methusael :  and  Methusael  begat  Lamech. 

The  murderer  from  his  Judge's  presence  fled  : 

Thence  to  the  rising  sun  his  offspring  spread  ; 

But  he,  the  fugitive  of  care  and  guilt, 

Forsook  the  haunts  he  chose,  the  homes  he  built ; 

While  filial  nations  hailed  him  sire  and  chief. 

Empire  nor  honour  brought  his  soul  relief; 

He  found,  where'er  he  roamed,  uncheered,  unblest, 

No  pause  from  suffering,  and  from  toil  no  rest. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  1 3 


CHAPTER   VI. 

THE  GENEALOGY  AND  THE  AGES  OF  THE  ANTEDILUVIAN 

PATRIARCHS. 

Then,  good  my  lord,  take  to  your  royal  self 
This  proffered  benefit  of  dignity  ; 
If  not  to  bless  us  and  the  land  withal, 
Yet  to  draw  forth  your  noble  ancestry 
From  the  corruption  of  abusing  times, 
Unto  a  lineal  true-derived  course. 

THIS  is  the  book  of  the  generations  of  Adam.  In  the  day 
that  God  created  man,  in  the  Ukeness  of  God  made  he 
him  ;  male  and  female  created  he  them  ;  and  blessed  them,  and 
called  their  name  Adam,  in  the  day  when  they  were  created. 
And  Adam  lived  a  hundred  and  thirty  years,  and  begat  a  son  in 
his  own  likeness,  after  his  image  ;  and  called  his  name  Seth : 
and  the  days  of  Adam  after  he  had  begotten  Seth  were  eight 
hundred  years  :  and  he  begat  sons  and  daughters  :  and  all  the 
days  that  Adam  lived  were  nine  hundred  and  thirty  years  :  and 
he  died.  And  Seth  lived  a  hundred  and  five  years,  and  begat 
Enos  :  and  Seth  lived  after  he  begat  Enos  eight  hundred  and 
seven  years,  and  begat  sons  and  daughters  :  and  all  the  days  of 
Seth  were  nine  hundred  and  twelve  years  :  and  he  died.  And 
Enos  lived  ninety  years,  and  begat  Cainan  :  and  Enos  lived  after 
he  begat  Cainan  eight  hundred  and  fifteen  years,  and  begat  sons 
and  daughters  :  and  all  the  days  of  Enos  were  nine  hundred  and 
five  years  :  and  he  died.  And  Cainan  lived  seventy  years,  and 
begat  Mahalaleel :  and  Cainan  lived  after  he  begat  Mahalaleel 
eight  hundred  and  forty  years,  and  begat  sons  and  daughters  : 
and  all  the  days  of  Cainan  were  nine  hundred  and  ten  years  : 
and  he  died.  And  Mahalaleel  lived  sixty  and  five  years,  and 
begat  Jared  :  and  Mahalaleel  lived  after  he  begat  Jared  eight 
hundred  and  thirty  years,  and  begat  sons  and  daughters  :  and  all 
the  days  of  Mahalaleel  were  eight  hundred  ninety  and  five  years  ; 
and  he  died. 

I  am  one, 
Who  finds  within  me  a  nobility, 
That  spurns  the  idle  pratings  of  the  great, 


14  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

And  their  mean  boast  of  what  their  fathers  were, 
While  they  themselves  are  fools  effeminate, 
The  scorn  of  all  who  know  the  worth  of  mind 
And  virtue. 

And  Jared  lived  a  hundred  sixty  and  two  years,  and  he  begat 
Enoch  :  and  Jared  Hved  after  he  begat  Enoch  eight  hundred 
years,  and  begat  sons  and  daughters  :  and  all  the  days  of  Jared 
were  nine  hundred  sixty  and  two  years :  and  he  died.  And 
Enoch  lived  sixty  and  five  years,  and  begat  Methuselah :  and 
Enoch  walked  with  God  after  he  begat  Methuselah  three  hun- 
dred years,  and  begat  sons  and  daughters  :  and  all  the  days  of 
Enoch  were  three  hundred  sixty  and  five  years  :  and  Enoch 
walked  with  God :  and  he  was  not ;  for  God  took  him. 

Him  the  Most  High 
Rapt  in  a  balmy  cloud  with  winged  steeds 
Did,  as  thou  saw'st,  receive,  to  walk  with  God 
High  in  salvation  and  the  climes  of  bliss. 
Exempt  from  death  ;  to  show  thee  what  reward 
Awaits  the  good. 

And  Methuselah  lived  a  hundred  eighty  and  seven  years,  and 
begat  Lamech  :  and  Methuselah  lived  after  he  begat  Lamech 
seven  hundred  eighty  and  two  years,  and  begat  sons  and  daugh- 
ters :  and  all  the  days  of  Methuselah  were  nine  hundred  sixty 
and  nine  years  :  and  he  died.  And  Lamech  lived  a  hundred 
eighty  and  two  years,  and  begat  a  son :  and  he  called  his  name 
Noah,  saying,  This  same  shall  comfort  us  concerning  our  work 
and  toil  of  our  hands,  because  of  the  ground  which  the  Lord  hath 
cursed.  And  Lamech  lived  after  he  begat  Noah  five  hundred 
ninety  and  five  years,  and  begat  sons  and  daughters  :  and  all 
the  days  of  Lamech  were  seven  hundred  seventy  and  seven 
years :  and  he  died.  And  Noah  was  five  hundred  years  old  : 
and  Noah  begat  Shem,  Ham,  and  Japheth. 

Howe'er  we  differ  in  the  herald's  book, 
He  that  mankind's  extraction  shall  o'erlook 
In  nature's  rolls,  must  grant  we  all  agree 
In  our  best  parts,  immortal  pedigree. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  1 5 


CHAPTER  VII. 

THE  WORLD    DOOMED. THE    ARK    BUILT. 

Shall  yon  exulting  peak, 
Whose  glittering  top  is  like  a  distant  star, 
Lie  low  beneath  the  boiling  of  the  deep  ? 
No  more  to  have  the  morning  sun  break  forth, 
And  scatter  back  the  mists  in  floating  folds 
From  its  tremendous  brow  ?  no  more  to  have 
Day's  broad  orb  drop  behind  its  head  at  even, 
Leaving  it  with  a  crown  of  many  hues  ? 
No  more  to  be  the  beacon  of  the  world, 
For  angels  to  alight  on,  as  the  spot 
Nearest  the  stars  ? 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  men  began  to  multiply  on  the 
face  of  the  earth,  and  daughters  were  born  unto  them,  that 
the  sons  of  God  saw  the  daughters  of  men  that  they  were  fair  ; 
and  they  took  them  wives  of  all  which  they  chose.  And  the 
Lord  said,  My  Spirit  shall  not  always  strive  with  man,  for  that 
he  also  is  flesh:  yet  his  days  shall  be  a  hundred  and  twenty 
years.  There  were  giants  in  the  earth  in  those  days  ;  and  also 
after  that,  when  the  sons  of  God  came  in  unto  the  daughters  of 
men,  and  they  bare  children  to  them,  the  same  became  mighty 
men  which  were  of  old,  men  of  renown. 

O  sin  !  what  hast  thou  done  on  this  fair  earth  ? 
The  world,  O  man  !  is  wailing  o'er  thy  birth. 

And  God  saw  that  the  wickedness  of  man  was  great  in  the 
earth,  and  that  every  imagination  of  the  thoughts  of  his  heart 
was  only  evil  continually.  And  it  repented  the  Lord  that  he  had 
made  man  on  the  earth,  and  it  grieved  him  at  his  heart.  And 
the  Lord  said,  I  will  destroy  man  whom  I  have  created  from  the 
face  of  the  earth  ;  both  man,  and  beast,  and  the  creeping  thing, 
and  the  fowls  of  the  air ;  for  it  repenteth  me  that  I  have  made 
them.     But  Noah  found  grace  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord. 

These  are  the  generations  of  Noah  :  Noah  was  a  just  man 
and  perfect  in  his  generations,  and  Noah  walked  with  God. 
And  Noah  begat  three  sons,  Shem,  Ham,  and  Japheth.     The 


1 6  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

earth  also  was  corrupt  before  God  ;  and  the  earth  was  filled  with 
violence.  And  God  looked  upon  the  earth,  and,  behold,  it  was 
corrupt ;  for  all  flesh  had  corrupted  his  way  upon  the  earth. 

All  is  oblique  ; 
There's  nothing  level  in  our  cursed  natures, 
But  direct  villainy. 

And  God  said  unto  Noah,  The  end  of  all  flesh  is  come  before 
me  ;  for  the  earth  is  filled  with  violence  through  them  ;  and, 
behold,  I  will  destroy  them  with  the  earth.  Make  thee  an  ark  of 
gopher  wood  ;  rooms  shalt  thou  make  in  the  ark,  and  shalt  pitch 
it  within  and  without  with  pitch.  And  this  is  the  fashion  which 
thou  shalt  make  it  of :  The  length  of  the  ark  shall  be  three 
hundred  cubits,  the  breadth  of  it  fifty  cubits,  and  the  height  of 
it  thirty  cubits.  A  window  shalt  thou  make  to  the  ark,  and  in  a 
cubit  shalt  thou  finish  it  above  ;  and  the  door  of  the  ark  shalt 
thou  set  in  the  side  thereof  ;  with  lower,  second,  and  third  stories 
shalt  thou  make  it.  And,  behold,  I,  even  I,  do  bring  a  flood  of 
waters  upon  the  earth,  to  destroy  all  flesh,  wherein  is  the  breath 
of  life,  from  under  heaven  ;  and  every  thing  that  is  in  the  earth 
shall  die.  But  with  thee  will  I  establish  my  covenant ;  and  thou 
shalt  come  into  the  ark,  thou,  and  thy  sons,  and  thy  wife,  and 
thy  sons'  wives  with  thee.  And  of  every  living  thing  of  all 
flesh,  two  of  every  sort  shalt  thou  bring  into  the  ark,  to  keep 
them  alive  with  thee  ;  they  shall  be  male  and  female.  Of  fowls 
after  their  kind,  and  of  cattle  after  their  kind,  of  every  creep- 
ing thing  of  the  earth  after  his  kind  ;  two  of  every  sort  shall 
come  unto  thee,  to  keep  them  alive.  And  take  thou  unto  thee 
of  all  food  that  is  eaten,  and  thou  shalt  gather  it  to  thee  ;  and 
it  shall  be  for  food  for  thee,  and  for  them.  Thus  did  Noah  ; 
according  to  all  that  God  commanded  him,  so  did  he. 

Earth  shall  be  ocean  !  and  no  breath, 
Save  of  the  winds  be  on  the  unbounded  wave  ! 
Angels  shall  tire  their  wings,  but  find  no  spot : 
Not  even  a  rock  from  out  the  liquid  grave 

Shall  lift  its  point  to  save. 
Or  show  the  place  where  strong  despair  hath  died, 
After  long  looking  o'er  the  ocean  wide 
For  the  expected  ebb  which  cometh  not ; 
All  shall  be  void,  destroyed  ' 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  1 7 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

THE    DELUGE. 

Ah,  blighted  earth  !  by  sins  of  men  defiled  ; 
Ah,  giant  sinners  still  on  ruin  bent  ! 
Thus  will  ye  grieve  Jehovah  to  repent 
That  man  He  made,  and  treated  as  a  child  ! 
How  all  the  race,  impelled  by  passions  wild, , 
In  hateful  lusts  and  vilest  deeds  delight, 
And  madly  thwart  His  will  and  scorn  His  might, 
Though  vengeance  is  restrained  by  mercy  mild  ! 
Ah,  steeped  in  crimes,  by  revelry  debased, 
Puffed  up  with  pride,  the  sense  of  shame  effaced, 
Reform  ye  would  not,  were  it  not  too  late  !  — 
Full  soon  the  clouds,  with  bolts  of  fire  in  store. 
Will  on  your  heads  their  vengeful  torrents  pour. 
Nor,  till  Death's  work  is  done,  will  they  abate  ! 

AND  the  Lord  said  unto  Noah,  Come  thou  and  all  thy  house 
into  the  ark  ;  for  thee  have  I  seen  righteous  before  me  in 
this  generation.  Of  every  clean  beast  thou  shalt  take  to  thee 
by  sevens,  the  male  and  his  female :  and  of  beasts  that  are  not 
clean  by  two,  the  male  and  his  female.  Of  fowls  also  of  the  air 
by  sevens,  the  male  and  the  female  ;  to  keep  seed  alive  upon  the 
face  of  all  the  earth.  For  yet  seven  days,  and  I  will  cause  it 
to  rain  upon  the  earth  forty  days  and  forty  nights  ;  and  every 
living  substance  that  I  have  made  will  I  destroy  from  off  the 
face  of  the  earth. 

Ye  wilds,  that  look  eternal  ;  and  thou  cave. 

Which  seem'st  unfathomable  ;  and  ye  mountains, 

So  varied  and  so  terrible  in  beauty  ; 

Here,  in  your  rugged  majesty  of  rocks 

And  toppling  trees  that  twine  their  roots  with  stone 

In  perpendicular  places,  where  the  foot 

Of  man  would  tremble,  could  he  reach  them  —  yes. 

Ye  look  eternal  !     Yet,  in  a  few  days, 

Perhaps  even  hours,  ye  will  be  changed,  rent,  hurled. 

Before  the  mass  of  waters  ;  and  yon  cave, 

Which  seems  to  lead  into  a  lower  world. 

Shall  have  its  depth  searched  by  the  sweeping  wave, 

And  dolphins  gambol  in  the  lion's  den  ! 

And  man  —  Oh,  men  !  my  fellow-beings  !     Who 

Shall  weep  above  your  universal  grave  ? 

2 


1 8  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  Noah  did  according  unto  all  that  the  Lord  commanded 
him.  And  Noah  was  six  hundred  years  old  when  the  flood 
of  waters  was  upon  the  earth.  In  the  six  hundredth  year  of 
Noah's  life,  in  the  second  month,  the  seventeenth  day  of  the 
month,  the  same  day  were  all  the  fountains  of  the  great  deep 
broken  up,  and  the  windows  of  heaven  were  opened.  And  the 
rain  was  upon  the  earth  forty  days  and  forty  nights.  In  the 
selfsame  day  entered  Noah,  and  Shem,  and  Ham,  and  Japheth, 
the  sons  of  Noah,  and  Noah's  wife,  and  the  three  wives  of  his 
sons  with  them,  into  the  ark  ;  they,  and  every  beast  after  his 
kind,  and  all  the  cattle  after  their  kind,  and  every  creeping  thing 
that  creepeth  upon  the  earth  after  his  kind,  and  every  fowl  after 
his  kind,  every  bird  of  every  sort.  And  they  went  in  unto  Noah 
into  the  ark,  two  and  two  of  all  flesh,  wherein  is  the  breath  of 
life.  And  they  that  went  in,  went  in  male  and  female  of  all 
flesh,  as  God  had  commanded  him :  and  the  Lord  shut  him  in. 

Meanwhile  the  south-wind  rose,  and,  with  black  wings 
Wide-hovering,  all  the  clouds  together  drove 
From  under  heaven  ;  the  hills  to  their  supply 
Vapour,  and  exhalation  dusk  and  moist, 
Sent  up  amain  ;  and  now  the  thickened  sky 
Like  a  dark  ceiling  stood.     Down  rushed  the  rain 
Impetuous  ;  and  continued,  till  the  Earth 
No  more  was  seen  :  the  floating  vessel  swum 
Uplifted,  and  secure  with  beaked  prow 
Rode  tilting  o'er  the  waves. 

And  the  flood  was  forty  days  upon  the  earth  ;  and  the  waters 
increased,  and  bare  up  the  ark,  and  it  was  lifted  up  above  the 
earth.  And  the  waters  prevailed,  and  were  increased  greatly 
upon  the  earth  ;  and  the  ark  went  upon  the  face  of  the  waters. 
And  the  waters  prevailed  exceedingly  upon  the  earth  ;  and  all 
the  high  hills,  that  were  under  the  whole  heaven,  were  covered.- 
Fifteen  cubits  upward  did  the  waters  prevail ;  and  the  mountains 
were  covered.  And  all  flesh  died  that  moved  upon  the  earth, 
both  of  fowl,  and  of  cattle,  and  of  beast,  and  of  every  creeping 
thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth,  and  every  man :  all  in  whose 
nostrils  was  the  breath  of  life,  of  all  that  was  in  the  dry  land, 
died.  And  every  living  substance  was  destroyed  which  was  upon 
the  face  of  the  ground,  both  man,  and  cattle,  and  the  creeping 
things,  and  the  fowl  of  the  heaven  ;  and  they  were  destroyed 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  I9 

from  the  earth  :  and  Noah  only  remained  ahve,  and  they  that 
were  with  him  in  the  ark.  And  the  waters  prevailed  upon  the 
earth  a  hundred  and  fifty  days. 

Sunk  beneath  the  wave, 
The  guilty  share  an  universal  grave  ; 
One  wilderness  of  water  rolls  in  view, 
And  heaven  and  ocean  wear  one  turbid  hue  ; 
Still  stream  unbroken  torrents  from  the  skies, 
Higher  beneath  the  inundations  rise; 
A  lurid  twilight  glares  athwart  the  scene, 
Low  thunders  peal,  faint  lightnings  flash  between.  — 
—  Methinks  I  see  a  distant  vessel  ride, 
A  lonely  object  on  the  shoreless  tide  ; 
Within  whose  ark  the  innocent  have  found 
Safety,  while  stayed  Destruction  ravens  round  ; 
Thus,  in  the  hour  of  vengeance,  God,  who  knows 
His  servants,  spares  them,  while  He  smites  His  foes. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

ARARAT    AND    THE    ALTAR. 

The  mighty  ark 
Rests  upon  Ararat ;  but  naught  around 
Its  inmates  can  behold,  save  o'er  the  expanse 
Of  boundless  waters,  the  sun's  orient  orb 
Stretching  the  hull's  long  shadow,  or  the  moon 
In  silence  through  the  silver-curtained  clouds 
Sailing,  as  she  herself  were  lost  and  left 
In  hollow  loneliness. 

AND  God  remembered  Noah,  and  every  living  thing,  and 
all  the  cattle  that  was  with  him  in  the  ark  :  and  God 
made  a  wind  to  pass  over  the  earth,  and  the  waters  assuaged. 
The  fountains  also  of  the  deep  and  the  windows  of  heaven 
were  stopped,  and  the  rain  from  heaven  was  restrained.  And 
the  waters  returned  from  off  the  earth  continually :  and  after 
the  end  of  the  hundred  and  fifty  days  the  waters  were  abated. 
And  the  ark  rested  in  the  seventh  month,  on  the  seventeenth 
day  of  the  month,  upon  the  mountains  of  Ararat.  And  the 
waters  decreased  continually  until  the  tenth  month :  in  the 
tenth  month,  on  the  first  day  of  the  month,  were  the  tops  of 
the  mountains  seen. 


20  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Ye,  too,  the  free  and  fearless  Birds  of  air, 
Were  charged  that  hour,  on  missionary  wing, 
The  same  bright  lesson  o  er  the  seas  to  bear, 
Heaven-guided  wanderers  with  the  winds  of  spring  !  " 
Sing  on,  before  the  storm,  and  after,  sing  ! 
And  call  us  to  your  echoing  woods  away 
From  worldly  cares  ;  and  bid  our  spirits  bring 
Faith  to  imbibe  deep  wisdom  from  your  lay. 

And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  forty  days,  that  Noah 
opened  the  window  of  the  ark  which  he  had  made :  and  he  sent 
forth  a  raven,  which  went  forth  to  and  fro,  until  the  waters  were 
dried  up  from  off  the  earth.  Also  he  sent  forth  a  dove  from 
him,  to  see  if  the  waters  were  abated  from  off  the  face  of  the 
ground.  But  the  dove  found  no  rest  for  the  sole  of  her  foot, 
and  she  returned  unto  him  into  the  ark  ;  for  the  waters  were  on 
the  face  of  the  whole  earth.  Then  he  put  forth  his  hand,  and 
took  her,  and  pulled  her  in  unto  him  into  the  ark.  And  he 
stayed  yet  other  seven  days  ;  and  again  4ie  sent  forth  the  dove 
out  of  the  ark.  And  the  dove  came  in  to  him  in  the  evening, 
and,  lo,  in  her  mouth  was  an  olive  leaf  plucked  off:  so  Noah 
knew  that  the  waters  were  abated  from  off  the  earth.  And  he 
stayed  yet  other  seven  days,  and  sent  forth  the  dove,  which 
returned  not  again  unto  him  any  more. 

And  the  messenger  dove  went  forth  again 

On  an  eager  plume,  at  morn  ; 
And  returned  at  the  evening  hour,  but  then 

With  a  leaf  from  the  olive  torn. 
Once  more,  away  !  and  a  last  farewell. 
For  she  came  no  more  in  the  ark  to  dwell, 
But  she  found  a  home  in  the  silent  wood. 
Where  the  fadeless  groves  of  the  olive  stood. 

There  wanders  a  spirit  from  many  a  breast, 

O'er  the  wide  world's  troubled  sea. 
That  seeketh  some  bower  of  peaceful  rest, 

And  a  sweet  tranquillity  : 
But  it  turns  full  oft  from  a  fruitless  flight. 

Like  the  dove  with  a  wearied  wing. 
Till  it  findeth  a  bower  of  calm  delight 

Where  the  flowers  of  Virtue  spring  ! 

And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  six  hundredth  and  first  year,  in 
the  first  month,  the  first  day  of  the  month,  the  waters  were 
dried  up  from  off  the  earth :  and  Noah  removed  the  covering  of 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  21 

the  ark,  and  looked,  and,  behold,  the  face  of  the  ground  was 
dry.  And  in  the  second  month,  on  the  seven  and  twentieth  day 
of  the  month',  was  the  earth  dried. 

And  God  spake  unto  Noah,  saying,  Go  forth  of  the  ark,  thou, 
and  thy  wife,  and  thy  sons,  and  thy  sons'  wives  with  thee. 
Bring  forth  with  thee  every  living  thing  that  is  with  thee,  of  all 
flesh,  both  of  fowl,  and  of  cattle,  and  of  every  creeping  thing 
that  creepcth  upon  the  earth  ;  that  they  may  breed  abundantly 
in  the  earth,  and  be  fruitful,  and  multiply  upon  the  earth.  And 
Noah  went  forth,  and  his  sons,  and  his  wife,  and  his  sons'  wives 
with  him  :  every  beast,  every  creeping  thing,  and  every  fowl, 
and  whatsoever  creepeth  upon  the  earth,  after  their  kinds,  went 
forth  out  of  the  ark. 

And  Noah  builded  an  altar  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  took  of  every 
clean  beast,  and  of  every  clean  fowl,  and  offered  burnt  offer- 
ings on  the  altar.  And  the  Lord  smelled  a  sweet  savour  ;  and 
the  Lord  said  in  his  h^art,  I  will  not  again  curse  the  ground  any 
more  for  man's  sake  ;  for  the  imagination  of  man's  heart  is  evil 
from  his  youth  :  neither  will  I  again  smite  any  more  every  thing 
living,  as  I  have  done.  While  the  earth  remaineth,  seedtime 
and  harvest,  and  cold  and  heat,  and  summer  and  winter,  and 
day  and  night  shall  not  cease. 

What  though  the  swelling  surge  thou  see  impatient  to  devour, 
Rest,  mortal  rest,  on  God's  decree,  and  thankful  own  His  power. 
Know  when  He  bade  the  deep  appear,  Thus  far,  the  Almighty  said, 
Thus  far,  nor  farther,  rage,  and  here  let  thy  proud  waves  be  stayed  ! 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE   BLESSING. THE    RAINBOW. 

Ox  Noah,  and  in  him  on  all  mankind. 

The  charter  was  conferred  by  which  Ave  hold 

The  flesh  of  animals  in  fee,  and  claim, 

O'er  all  we  feed  on,  power  of  life  and  death. 

But  read  the  instrument,  and  mark  it  well ; 

The  oppression  of  a  tyrannous  control 

Can  find  no  warrant  there.     Feed  then,  and  yield 

Thanks  for  thy  food.     Carnivorous  through  sin, 

Feed  on  the  slain,  but  spare  die  living  brute. 


22  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

AND  God  blessed  Noah  and  his  sons,  and  said  unto  them, 
Be  fruitful,  and  multiply,  and  replenish  the  earth.  And  the 
fear  of  you  and  the  dread  of  you  shall  be  upon  every  beast  of 
the  earth,  and  upon  every  fowl  of  the  air,  upon  all  that  moveth 
upon  the  earth,  and  upon  all  the  fishes  of  the  sea ;  into  your 
hand  are  they  delivered.  Every  moving  thing  that  liveth  shall 
be  meat  for  you  ;  even  as  the  green  herb  have  I  given  you  all 
things.  But  flesh  with  the  life  thereof,  which  is  the  blood 
thereof,  shall  ye  not  eat.  And  surely  your  blood  of  your  lives 
will  I  require  :  at  the  hand  of  every  beast  will  I  require  it,  and 
at  the  hand  of  man  ;  at  the  hand  of  every  man's  brother  will  I 
require  the  life  of  man.  Whoso  sheddeth  man's  blood,  by  man 
shall  his  blood  be  shed :  for  in  the  image  of  God  made  he  man. 
And  you,  be  ye  fruitful,  and  multiply  ;  bring  forth  abundantly  in 
the  earth,  and  multiply  therein. 

But  mark  !  what  arch  of  varied  hue 

From  Heaven  to  earth  is  bowed  ! 
Haste,  ere  it  vanish,  haste  to  view 

The  Rainbow  in  the  cloud  ! 

How  bright  its  glory  !  there  behold 

The  emerald's  verdant  rays, 
The  topaz  blends  its  hue  of  gold 

With  the  deep  ruby's  blaze. 

And  God  spake  unto  Noah,  and  to  his  sons  with  him,  saying,' 
And  I,  behold,  I  establish  my  covenant  with  you,  and  with  your 
seed  after  you  ;  and  with  every  living  creature  that  is  with  you, 
of  the  fowl,  of  the  cattle,  and  of  every  beast  of  the  earth,  with 
you  ;  from  all  that  go  out  of  the  ark,  to  every  beast  of  the  earth. 
And  I  will  establish  my  covenant  with  you  ;  neither  shall  all 
flesh  be  cut  off  any  more  by  the  waters  of  a  flood  ;  neither  shall 
there  any  more  be  a  flood  to  destroy  the  earth.  And  God  said. 
This  is  the  token  of  the  covenant  which  I  make  between  me  and 
you,  and  every  living  creature  that  is  with  you,  for  perpetual 
generations  :  I  do  set  my  bow  in  the  cloud,  and  it  shall  be  for  a 
token  of  a  covenant  between  me  and  the  earth.  And  it  shall 
come  to  pass,  when  I  bring  a  cloud  over  the  earth,  that  the  bow 
shall  be  seen  in  the  cloud :  and  I  will  remember  my  covenant, 
which  is  between  me  and  you  and  every  living  creature  of  all 
flesh  ;  and  the  waters  shall  no  more  become  a  flood  to  destroy  all 
flesh.     And  the  bow  shall  be  in  the  cloud  ;  and  I  will  look  upon 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS.  23 

it,  that  I  may  remember  the  everlasting  covenant  between  God 
and  every  hving  creature  of  all  flesh  that  is  upon  the  earth. 
And  God  said  unto  Noah,  This  is  the  token  of  the  covenant, 
which  I  have  established  between  me  and  all  flesh  that  is  upon 
the  earth. 

Still  young  and  fine  !  but  what  is  still  in  view 

We  slight  as  old  and  soiled,  though  fresh  and  new. 

How  bright  wert  thou,  when  Shem's  admiring  eye 

Thy  burnished,  flaming  Arch  did  first  descry  ! 

When  Terah,  Nahor,  Haran,  Abram,  Lot, 

The  youthful  world's  gray  fathers  in  one  knot, 

Did  with  intentive  looks  watch  every  hour 

For  thy  new  light,  and  trembled  at  each  shower  ! 

Bright  pledge  of  peace  and  Sunshine  !  the  suretye 
Of  thy  Lord's  hand,  the  object  of  His  eye  ! 
When  I  behold  thee,  though  my  light  be  dim, 
Distant  and  low,  I  can  in  thine  see  Him 
Who  looks  upon  thee  from  His  glorious  throne, 
And  minds  the  Covenant  'twixt  All  and  One. 

And  the  sons  of  Noah,  that  went  forth  of  the  ark,  were'Shem, 
and  Ham,  and  Japheth :  and  Ham  is  the  father  of  Canaan. 
These  are  the  three  sons  of  Noah  :  and  of  them  was  the  whole 
earth  overspread.  And  Noah  lived  after  the  flood  three  hundred 
and  fifty  years.  And  all  the  days  of  Noah  were  nine  hundred 
and  fifty  years  :  and  he  died. 

Bow  of  beauty,  arching  o'er  us,  tinted  with  unearthly  dyes, 
Stealing  silently  before  us  on  the  cloud  of  stormy  skies  ; 
In  thy  beaming  radiance  seeming,  like  an  angel-path  from  heaven  ; 
Or  a  vision  to  our  dreaming,  of  some  fairy  fabric  given. 

Thou  art  Mercy's  emblem,  brightly  smiling  through  an  angry  frown  ; 
Fairer  for  the  gloom,  as  nightly  glow  the  gems  in  Ether's  crown. 
And  when  wrath  is  darkest  glooming  on  the  countenance  divine. 
Love's  and  Mercy's  light  assuming,  like  the  rainbow  it  doth  shine. 


24  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   XI. 

NOAH's     sons     and     grandsons.  BABEL    AND     THE 

DISPERSION. 

N'OW  these  are  the  generations  of  the  sons  of  Noah, —  Shem, 
Ham,  and  Japheth  :  and  unto  them  were  sons  born  after 
the  flood.  The  sons  of  Japheth  ;  Gomer,  and  Magog,  and 
Madai,  and  Javan,  and  Tubal,  and  Meshech,  and  Tiras. 

And  the  sons  of  Ham  ;  Cush,  and  Mizraim,  and  Phut,  and 
Canaan. 

Unto  Shem  also,  the  father  of  all  the  children  of  Eber,  the 
brother  of  Japheth  the  elder,  even  to  him  were  children  born. 
The  children  of  Shem  ;  Elam,  and  Asshur,  and  Arphaxad,  and 
Lud,  and  Aram.  These  are  the  famihes  of  the  sons  of  Noah, 
after  their  generations,  in  their  nations  :  and  by  these  were  the 
nations  divided  in  the  earth  after  the  flood. 

Let  them  that  would  build  castles  in  the  air, 

Vault  thither,  without  step  or  stair. 

Instead  of  feet  to  cHmb,  take  wings  to  fly, 

And  think  their  turrets  top  the  sky. 

But  let  me  lay  all  my  foundations  deep. 

And  learn,  before  I  run,  to  creep. 

Who  digs  through  rocks  to  lay  his  groundworks  low. 

May  in  good  time  build  high,  and  sure,  though  slow. 

The  whole  earth  was  of  one  language,  and  of  one  speech. 
And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  journeyed  from  the  east,  that  they 
found  a  plain  in  the  land  of  Shinar  ;  and  they  dwelt  there.  And 
they  said  one  to  another,  Go  to,  let  us  make  brick,  and  burn 
them  thoroughly.  And  they  had  brick  for  stone,  and  slime  had 
they  for  mortar.  And  they  said,  Go  to,  let  us  build  us  a  city, 
and  a  tower  whose  top  may  reach  unto  heaven  ;  and  let  us  make 
us  a  name,  lest  we  be  scattered  abroad  upon  the  face  of  the 
whole  earth. 

Glory  is  like  a  circle  in  the  water, 

Which  never  ceaseth  to  enlarge  itself, 

Till,  by  broad  spreading,  it  disperse  to  naught. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  2$ 

And  the  Lord  came  down  to  see  the  city  and  the  tower,  which 
the  children  of  men  builded.  And  the  Lord  said,  Behold,  the 
people  is  one,  and  they  have  all  one  language  ;  and  this  they 
begin  to  do  :  and  now  nothing  will  be  restrained  from  them, 
which  they  have  imagined  to  do.  Go  to,  let  us  go  down,  and 
there  confound  their  language,  that  they  may  not  understand 
one  another's  speech.  So  the  Lord  scattered  them  abroad  from 
thence  upon  the  face  of  all  the  earth  :  and  they  left  off  to  build 
the  city.  Therefore  is  the  name  of  it  called  Babel ;  because  the 
Lord  did  there  confound  the  language  of  all  the  earth  :  and  from 
thence  did  the  Lord  scatter  them  abroad  upon  the  face  of  all 
the  earth. 

God,  in  derision,  sets 
Upon  tlieir  tongues  a  various  spirit,  to  rase 
Quite  out  their  native  language  ;  and,  instead, 
To  sow  a  jangling  noise  of  words  unl<nown. 
Forthwith  a  hideous  gabble  rises  loud. 
Among  the  builders  ;  each  to  other  calls 
Not  understood  ;  till  hoarse,  and  all  in  rage, 
As  mocked  they  storm  :  great  laughter  was  in  heaven, 
And  looking  down,  to  see  the  hubbub  strange. 
And  hear  the  din.     Thus  was  the  building  left 
Ridiculous,  and  the  work,  Confusion  named. 


When  Babel  was  confounded,  and  the  great 
Confederacy  of  projects  wild  and  vain 
Was  split  into  diversity  of  tongues, 
Then,  as  a  shepherd  separates  his  flock, 
These  to  the  upland,  to  the  valley  those, 
God  drave  asunder  and  assigned  their  lot 
To  all  the  nations. 


Heroes  and  kings  obey  the  charm, 
Withdraw  the  proud  high-reaching  arm  ; 

There  is  an  oath  on  high, 
That  ne'er  on  brow  of  mortal  birth 
Shall  blend  again  the  crowns  of  earth. 

Nor  in  according  cry 
Her  many  voices  mingled  own 
One  tyrant  Lord,  one  idol  throne : 

But  to  His  triumph  soon 
He  shall  descend,  v^rho  rules  above, 
And  the  pure  language  of  His  love 

All  tongues  of  men  shall  tune. 


PERIOD    11. 

FROM    THE    CALL    OF    ABRAHAM    TO    THE 
DEATH    OF   JOSEPH. 

B.C.     I921-1635. 


CHAPTER    XII. 

THE    CALL    OF   ABRAM. THE   VISION. THE    COVENANT. 

True  Faith  and  Reason  are  the  soul's  two  eyes  ; 
Faith  evermore  looks  upward,  and  descries 
Objects  remote  ;  but  Reason  can  discover 
Things  only  near,  sees  nothing  that's  above  her: 
They  are  not  matches  ;  often  disagree  ; 
And  sometimes  both  are  closed,  and  neither  see. 

NOW  the  Lord  had  said  unto  Abram,  Get  thee  out  of  thy 
country,  and  from  thy  kindred,  and  from  thy  father's  house, 
unto  a  land  that  I  will  shew  thee  :  and  I  will  make  of  thee  a 
great  nation,  and  I  will  bless  thee,  and  make  thy  name  great ;  and 
thou  shalt  be  a  blessing  :  and  I  will  bless  them  that  bless  thee, 
and  curse  him  that  curseth  thee  :  and  in  thee  shall  all  fam- 
ilies of  the  earth  be  blessed.  So  Abram  departed,  as  the  Lord 
had  spoken  unto  him  ;  and  Lot  went  with  him  :  and  Abram  was 
seventy  and  five  years  old  when  he  departed  out  of  Haran.  And 
Abram  took  Sarai  his  wife,  and  Lot  his  brother's  son,  and  all 
their  substance  that  they  had  gathered,  and  the  souls  that  they 
had  gotten  in  Haran  ;  and  they  went  forth  to  go  into  the  land  of 
Canaan  ;  and  into  the  land  of  Canaan  they  came. 

I  see  him  as  thou  canst  not,  with  what  faith 

He  leaves  his  gods,  his  friends  and  native  soil, 

Ur  of  Chaldea,  passing  now  the  ford 

To  Haran  ;  after  him  a  cumbrous  train 

Of  herds  and  flocks,  and  numerous  servitude  ; 

Not  wandering  poor,  but  trusting  all  his  wealth 

With  God,  who  called  him,  in  a  land  unknown. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS.  2/ 

And  Abram  passed  through  the  land  unto  the  place  of 
Sichem,  unto  the  plain  of  Moreh.  And  the  Canaanite  was  then 
in  the  land.'  And  the  Lord  appeared  unto  Abram,  and  said, 
Unto  thy  seed  will  I  give  this  land  :  and  there  builded  he  an  altar 
unto  the  Lord,  who  appeared  unto  him.  And  he  removed  from 
thence  unto  a  mountain  on  the  east  of  Beth-el,  and  pitched  his 
tent,  having  Beth-el  on  the  west,  and  Hai  on  the  east :  and  there 
he  builded  an  altar  unto  the  Lord,  and  called  upon  the  name  of  the 
Lord.     And  Abram  journeyed,  going  on  still  toward  the  south. 

No  foot  of  land  do  I  possess  ; 
No  cottage  in  this  wilderness  ; 

A  poor  wayfaring  man, 
I  lodge  awhile  in  tents  below, 
Or  gladly  wander  to  and  fro. 

Till  I  my  Canaan  gain. 

Nothing  on  earth  I  call  my  own, 
A  stranger  to  the  world,  unknown, 

I  all  their  goods  despise  ; 
I  trample  on  their  whole  delight, 
And  seek  a  city  out  of  sight, 

A  city  in  the  skies. 

After  these  things  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Abram  in 
a  vision,  saying,  Fear  not,  Abram  :  I  am  thy  shield,  and  thy 
exceeding  great  reward.  And  Abram  said.  Lord  God,  what  wilt 
thou  give  me,  seeing  I  go  childless,  and  the  steward  of  my  house 
is  this  Eliezer  of  Damascus  }  And  Abram  said,  Behold,  to  me 
thou  hast  given  no  seed  :  and,  lo,  one  born  in  my  house  is  mine 
heir.  And,  behold,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  him,  say- 
ing. This  shall  not  be  thine  heir  ;  but  he  that  shall  come  forth 
out  of  thine  own  bowels  shall  be  thine  heir.  And  he  brought 
him  forth  abroad,  and  said.  Look  now  toward  heaven,  and  tell 
the  stars,  if  thou  be  able  to  number  them  :  and  he  said  unto  him, 
So  shall  thy  seed  be.  And  he  believed  in  the  Lord  ;  and  he 
counted  it  to  him  for  righteousness.  And  he  said  unto  him,  I 
am  the  Lord  that  brought  thee  out  of  Ur  of  the  Chaldees,  to 
give  thee  this  land  to  inherit  it.  And  he  said,  Lord  God,  where- 
by shall  I  know  that  I  shall  inherit  it }  And  he  said  unto  him, 
Take  me  a  heifer  of  three  years  old,  and  a  she-goat  of  three 
years  old,  and  a  ram  of  three  years  old,  and  a  turtledove,  and  a 
young  pigeon.  And  he  took  unto  him  all  these,  and  divided 
them  in  the  midst,  and  laid  each  piece  one  against  another :  but 


28  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

the  birds  divided  he  not.  And  when  the  fowls  came  down  upon 
the  carcasses,  Abram  drove  them  away.  And  when  the  sun  was 
going  down,  a  deep  sleep  fell  upon  Abram  ;  and,  lo,  a  horror  of 
great  darkness  fell  upon  him.  And  he  said  unto  Abram,  Know 
of  a  surety  that  thy  seed  shall  be  a  stranger  in  a  land  that  is  not 
theirs,  and  shall  serve  them  ;  and  they  shall  afflict  them  four 
hundred  years  ;  and  also  that  nation,  whom  they  shall  serve,  will 
I  judge  :  and  afterward  shall  they  come  out  with  great  substance. 
And  thou  shalt  go  to  thy  fathers  in  peace  ;  thou  shalt  be  buried 
in  a  good  old  age.  But  in  the  fourth  generation  they  shall  come 
hither  again  :  for  the  iniquity  of  the  Amorites  is  not  yet  full. 
And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  when  the  sun  went  down,  and  it  was 
dark,  behold  a  smoking  furnace,  and  a  burning  lamp  that  passed 
between  those  pieces.  In  the  same  day  the  Lord  made  a  cove- 
nant with  Abram,  saying,  Unto  thy  seed  have  I  given  this  land, 
from  the  river  of  Egypt  unto  the  great  river,  the  river  Euphrates. 

Ah,  who  can  tell  the  hidden  way, 

His  feet  so  soon  must  tread  ; 
How  he  shall  follow  and  obey, 

Or  where  he  shall  be  led  ? 
Unknown,  untried,  the  paths  must  be, 
That  lead,  my  Saviour,  up  to  Thee ! 

Through  flowery  meads,  through  verdant  glades, 

By  waters  still  and  clear  ; 
Or  through  dark  vales  and  dismal  shades, 

'Mid  landscapes  bleak  and  drear  ; 
Such  may  the  hidden  pathway  be, 
That  leads,  my  Saviour,  up  to  Thee 


CHAPTER   XIII. 

THE    NAMES     CHANGED. THE     COVENANT     RENEWED. 

CIRCUMCISION. 

What  pleases  God,  O  pious  soul, 
Accept  with  joy  ;  though  thunders  roll, 
And  tempests  lower  on  every  side. 
Thou  knowest  naught  can  thee  betide, 
But  pleases  God. 

NOW  Sarai,  Abram's  wife,  bare  him  no  children  :  and  she 
had  a  handmaid,  an  Egyptian,  whose  name  was  Hagar. 
And  Sarai,  Abram's  wife,  took  Hagar  her  maid  the  Egyptian, 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  29 

after  Abram  had  dwelt  ten  years  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and  gave 
her  to  her  husband  Abram  to  be  his  wife.  And  Hagar  bare 
Abram  a  son :  and  Abram  called  his  son's  name,  which  Hagar 
bare,  Ishmael.  And  Abram  was  fourscore  and  six  years  old, 
when  Hagar  bare  Ishmael  to  Abram. 

And  when  Abram  was  ninety  years  old  and  nine,  the  Lord 
appeared  to  Abram,  and  said  unto  him,  I  am  the  Almighty  God  ; 
walk  before  me,  and  be  thou  perfect.  And  I  will  make  my 
covenant  between  me  and  thee,  and  will  multiply  thee  exceed- 
ingly. And  Abram  fell  on  his  face :  and  God  talked  with 
him,  saying,  As  for  me,  behold,  my  covenant  is  with  thee,  and 
thou  shalt  be  a  father  of  many  nations.  Neither  shall  thy 
name  any  more  be  called  Abram,  but  thy  name  shall  be  Abra- 
ham ;  for  a  father  of  many  nations  have  I  made  thee.  And 
I  will  make  thee  exceeding  fruitful,  and  I  will  make  nations 
of  thee,  and  kings  shall  come  out  of  thee.  And  I  will  estab- 
lish my  covenant  between  me  and  thee  and  thy  seed  after 
thee  in  their  generations,  for  an  everlasting  covenant,  to  be  a 
God  unto  thee  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee.  And  I  will  give  unto 
thee,  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee,  the  land  wherein  thou  art  a 
stranger,  all  the  land  of  Canaan,  for  an  everlasting  possession  ; 
and  I  will  be  their  God.' 

As  morning  dews  from  Charran's  plains 
On  sunbeams  take  their  heavenward  flight, 
Thus  quickly,  O  my  Father,  God  ! 
Obedient  to  Thy  sovereign  call, 
I  left  my  home  and  kindred  all, 
To  camp  and  follow  where  Thy  nod 
Should  show  the  way  by  day  and  night, 
'Mid  sultry  wilds,  or  chilling  rains. 

O  blessed  hope  !  O  gracious  boon  ! 
Is  God  my  portion,  ne'er  to  fail, 
And  Canaan  fair,  my  heritage  ? 
Shall  nations  glory  in  my  name, 
As  father  ?  —  Vision  of  growing  fame  ! 
The  World  in  me,  from  age  to  age, 
A  faithful  Saviour-sire  shall  hail:  — 
And  did  I  quit  my  home  too  soon .'' 

And  God  said  unto  Abraham,  Thou  shalt  keep  my  covenant 
therefore,  thou,  and  thy  seed  after  thee  in  their  generations. 
This  is  my  covenant,  which  ye  shall  keep,  between  me  and  you 


30  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

and  thy  seed  after  thee  ;  Every  man  child  among  you  shall  be 
circumcised.  And  ye  shall  circumcise  the  flesh  of  your  foreskin  ; 
and  it  shall  be  a  token  of  the  covenant  betwixt  me  and  you. 
And  he  that  is  eight  days  old  shall  be  circumcised  among  you, 
every  man  child  in  your  generations,  he  that  is  born  in  the  house, 
or  bought  with  money  of  any  stranger,  which  is  not  of  thy  seed. 
He  that  is  born  in  thy  house,  and  he  that  is  bought  with  thy 
money,  must  needs  be  circumcised  :  and  my  covenant  shall  be 
in  your  flesh  for  an  everlasting  covenant.  And  the  uncircum- 
cised  man  child  whose  flesh  of  his  foreskin  is  not  circumcised, 
that  soul  shall  be  cut  off  from  his  people  ;  he  hath  broken  my 
covenant. 

And  God  said  unto  Abraham,  As  for  Sarai  thy  wife,  thou  shalt 
not  call  her  name  Sarai,  but  Sarah  shall  her  name  be.  And  I 
will  bless  her,  and  give  thee  a  son  also  of  her :  yea,  I  will  bless 
her,  and  she  shall  be  a  mother  of  nations  ;  kings  of  people  shall 
be  of  her.  Then  Abraham  fell  upon  his  face,  and  laughed,  and 
said  in  his  heart.  Shall  a  child  be  born  unto  him  that  is  a  hun- 
dred years  old }  and  shall  Sarah,  that  is  ninety  years  old,  bear  ? 
And  Abraham  said  unto  God,  Oh  that  Ishmael  might  live  before 
thee  !  And  God  said,  Sarah  thy  wife  shall  bear  thee  a  son 
indeed  ;  and  thou  shalt  call  his  name  Isaac :  and  I  will  establish 
my  covenant  with  him  for  an  everlasting  covenant,  and  with  his 
seed  after  him.  And  as  for  Ishmael,  I  have  heard  thee :  Behold, 
I  have  blessed  him  and  will  make  him  fruitful,  and  will  multiply 
him  exceedingly  ;  twelve  princes  shall  he  beget,  and  I  will  make 
him  a  great  nation.  But  my  covenant  will  I  establish  with  Isaac, 
which  Sarah  shall  bear  unto  thee  at  this  set  time  in  the  next 
year.  And  he  left  off  talking  with  him,  and  God  went  up  from 
Abraham, 

Whate'er  my  God  ordains  is  right, 

His  will  is  ever  just ; 
Howe'er  He  order  now  my  cause, 
I  will  be  still  and  trust. 
He  is  my  God, 
Though  dark  my  road, 
He  holds  me  that  I  shall  not  fall, 
Wherefore  to  Him  I  leave  it  all. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  3 1 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

Abraham's  angel  guests.  —  he  pleads  for  sodom. 

Put  we  our  quarrel  to  the  will  of  Heaven, 
Who,  when  He  sees  the  hours  ripe  on  earth, 
Will  rain  hot  vengeance  on  offenders'  heads. 

AND  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him  in  the  plains  of  Mamre  : 
and  he  sat  in  the  tent  door  in  the  heat  of  the  day  ;  and  he 
Hfted  up  his  eyes  and  looked,  and,  lo,  three  men  stood  by  him  : 
and  when  he  saw  them,  he  ran  to  meet  them  from  the  tent  door, 
and  bowed  himself  toward  the  ground,  and  said.  My  Lord,  if  now 
I  have  found  favour  in  thy  sight,  pass  not  away,  I  pray  thee,  from 
thy  servant :  let  a  little  water,  I  pray  you,  be  fetched,  and  wash 
your  feet,  and  rest  yourselves  under  the  tree :  and  I  will  fetch  a 
morsel  of  bread,  and  comfort  ye  your  hearts  ;  after  that  ye  shall 
pass  on  :  for  therefore  are  ye  come  to  your  servant.  And  they 
said,  So  do,  as  thou  hast  said.  And  Abraham  hastened  into  the 
tent  unto  Sarah,  and  said,  Make  ready  quickly  three  measures 
of  fine  meal,  knead  it,  and  make  cakes  upon  the  hearth.  And 
Abraham  ran  unto  the  herd,  and  fetched  a  calf  tender  and  good, 
and  gave  it  unto  a  young  man  ;  and  he  hasted  to  dress  it.  And 
he  took  butter,  and  milk,  and  the  calf  which  he  had  dressed,  and 
set  it  before  them  ;  and  he  stood  by  them  under  the  tree,  and 
they  did  eat. 

Sweet  title  that  delighteth  me  —  rank  earnestly  implored  ; 
O,  what  can  reach  my  dignity .''  I  am  Thy  servant,  Lord  ! 

And  the  Lord  said,  Shall  I  hide  from  Abraham  that  thing 
which  I  do  ;  seeing  that  Abraham  shall  surely  become  a  great 
and  mighty  nation,  and  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  shall  be 
blessed  in  him  .''  For  I  know  him,  that  he  will  command  his 
children  and  his  household  after  him,  and  they  shall  keep  the 
way  of  the  Lord,  to  do  justice  and  judgment  ;  that  the  Lord  may 
bring  upon  Abraham  that  which  he  hath  spoken  of  him.  And 
the  Lord  said.  Because  the  cry  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  is  great, 
and  because  their  sin  is  very  grievous,  I  will  go  down  now,  and 
see  whether  they  have  done  altogether  according  to  the  cry  of  it, 


32  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

which  is  come  unto  me  ;  and  if  not,  I  will  know.  And  the  men 
turned  their  faces  from  thence,  and  went  toward  Sodom  :  but 
Abraham  stood  yet  before  the  Lord. 

And  is  there  care  in  heaven,  and  is  there  love 

In  heavenly  spirits  to  these  creatures  base, 

That  may  compassion  of  their  evils  move  .'* 

There  is,  —  else  much  more  wretched  were  the  case 

Of  men  than  beasts.     But,  oh  !  the  exceeding  grace 

Of  higiiest  God  that  loves  His  creatures  so, 

And  all  His  works  with  mercy  doth  embrace, 

That  blessed  angels  He  sends  to  and  fro 

To  serve  to  wicked  men,  to  serve  His  wicked  foe  ! 

And  Abraham  drew  near,  and  said.  Wilt  thou  also  destroy  the 
righteous  with  the  wicked .?  Peradventure  there  be  fifty  right- 
eous within  the  city :  wilt  thou  also  destroy  and  not  spare  the 
place  for  the  fifty  righteous  that  are  therein }  That  be  far  from 
thee  to  do  after  this  manner,  to  slay  the  righteous  with  the 
wicked  ;  and  that  the  righteous  should  be  as  the  wicked,  that  be 
far  from  thee.  Shall  not  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth  do  right .'' 
And  the  Lord  said,  If  I  find  in  Sodom  fifty  righteous  within  the 
city,  then  I  will  spare  all  the  place  for  their  sakes.  And  Abra- 
ham answered  and  said.  Behold  now,  I  have  taken  upon  me  to 
speak  unto  the  Lord,  which  am  but  dust  and  ashes  :  Peradven- 
ture there  shall  lack  five  of  the  fifty  righteous  :  wilt  thou  destroy 
all  the  city  for  lack  of  five  .■'  And  he  said,  If  I  find  there  forty 
and  five,  I  will  not  destroy  it.  And  he  spake  unto  him  yet  again, 
and  said,  Peradventure  there  shall  be  forty  found  there.  And  he 
said,  I  will  not  do  it  for  forty's  sake.  And  he  said  unto  him.  Oh 
let  not  the  Lord  be  angry,  and  I  will  speak :  Peradventure  there 
shall  thirty  be  found  there.  And  he  said,  I  will  not  do  it,  if  I 
find  thirty  there.  And  he  said,  Behold  now,  I  have  taken  upon 
me  to  speak  unto  the  Lord  :  Peradventure  there  shall  be  twenty 
found  there.  And  he  said,  I  will  not  destroy  it  for  twenty's  sake. 
And  he  said.  Oh  let  not  the  Lord  be  angry,  and  I  will  speak  yet 
but  this  once :  Peradventure  ten  shall  be  found  there.  And  he 
said,  I  will  not  destroy  it  for  ten's  sake. 

More  things  are  wrought  by  prayer 

Than  this  world  dreams  of.     Wherefore,  let  thy  voice 

Rise  like  a  fountain  for  me  night  and  day. 

For  what  are  men  better  than  sheep  or  goats, 

That  nourish  a  blind  life  within  the  brain, 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  33 

If,  knowing  God,  they  lift  not  hands  of  prayer, 
Both  for  themselves  and  those  who  call  them  friend! 
For  so  the  whole  round  earth  is  every  way 
i3ound'by  gold  chains  about  the  feet  of  God. 


CHAPTER    XV. 

LOT    DELIVERED. SODOM    AND    GOMORRAH    DESTROYED. 

Angels  of  life  and  death  alike  are  His  ; 

Without  his  leave  they  pass  no  threshold  o'er ; 
Who,  then,  would  wish  or  dare,  believing  this, 

Against  his  messengers  to  shut  the  door  ? 

AND  there  came  two  angels  to  Sodom  at  even  ;  and  Lot  sat 
in  the  gate  of  Sodom  :  and  Lot  seeing  them  rose  up  to 
meet  them  ;  and  he  bowed  himself  with  his  face  toward  the 
ground  ;  and  he  said,  Behold  now,  my  lords,  turn  in,  I  pray  you, 
into  your  servant's  house,  and  tarry  all  night,  and  wash  your 
feet,  and  ye  shall  rise  up  early,  and  go  on  your  ways.  And  they 
said,  Nay  ;  but  we  will  abide  in  the  street  all  night.  And  he 
pressed  upon  them  greatly  ;  and  they  turned  in  unto  him,  and 
entered  into  his  house  ;  and  he  made  them  a  feast,  and  did  bake 
unleavened  bread,  and  they  did  eat. 

There's  a  wail  in  the  blast  that  is  sweeping  the  plain, 
And  the  sky  is  o'erspread  with  a  mantle  of  gloom, 
For  vengeance  broods  over  Iniquity's  reign, 
And  the  angels  of  warning  now  herald  its  doom  ! 

Mourn — mourn  o'er  the  city  that  lifteth  its  pride. 
The  wrath  that  is  kindling  shall  humble  it  low, 
And  consuming  destruction  encompass  it  wide, 
For  the  just  are  not  found  who  may  ruin  forego. 

And  the  men  said  unto  Lot,  Hast  thou  any  here  besides  }  son 

in  law,  and  thy  sons,  and  thy  daughters,  and  whatsoever  thou 

hast  in  the  city,  bring  them  out  of  this  place  :  for  we  will  destroy 

this  place,  because  the  cry  of  them  is  -waxen  great  before  the 

face  of  the  Lord  ;  and  the  Lord  hath  sent  us  to  destroy  it.    And 

Lot  went  out,  and  spake  unto  his  sons  in  law,  which  married  his 

daughters,  and  said,  Up,  get  you  out  of  this  place  ;  for  the  Lord 

will  destroy  this  city.     But  he  seemed  as  one  that  mocked  unto 

his  sons  in  law. 

3 


34  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Get  ye  up  from  the  wrath  of  God's  terrible  day  ! 
Ungirded,  unsandaled,  arise  and  away  ! 
'Tis  the  vintage  of  blood  —  'tis  the  fulness  of  time, 
And  vengeance  shall  gather  the  harvest  of  crime !  — 
Hark  !  the  growl  of  the  thunder  —  the  quaking  of  earth  ! 
Woe  —  woe  to  the  worship,  and  woe  to  the  mirth  ! 
The  black  sky  has  opened  —  there's  flame  in  the  air  — 
The  red  arm  of  vengeance  is  hfted  and  bare  ! 

And  when  the  morning  arose,  then  the  angels  hastened  Lot, 
saying,  Arise,  take  thy  wife,  and  thy  two  daughters,  which  are 
here  ;  lest  thou  be  consumed  in  the  iniquity  of  the  city.  And 
while  he  lingered,  the  men  laid  hold  upon  his  hand,  and  upon  the 
hand  of  his  wife,  and  upon  the  hand  of  his  two  daughters  ;  the 
Lord  being  merciful  unto  him :  and  they  brought  him  forth,  and 
set  him  without  the  city.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  had 
brought  them  forth  abroad,  that  he  said.  Escape  for  thy  life  ;  look 
not  behind  thee,  neither  stay  thou  in  all  the  plain ;  escape  to 
the  mountain,  lest  thou  be  consumed. 

Then  hnger  not  in  all  the  plain  ; 
Flee  for  thy  life  —  the  mountain  gain ;    • 
Look  not  behind  ;  make  no  delay  ; 
Oh,  speed  thee,  speed  thee  on  thy  way  ; 
Haste,  traveller,  haste ! 

And  Lot  said  unto  them.  Oh,  not  so,  my  lord  :  behold  now,, 
thy  servant  hath  found  grace  in  thy  sight,  and  thou  hast  magni- 
fied thy  mercy,  which  thou  hast  shewed  unto  me  in  saving  my 
life  ;  and  I  cannot  escape  to  the  mountain,  lest  some  evil  take 
me,  and  I  die  :  behold  now,  this  city  is  near  to  flee  unto,  and  it 
is  a  little  one :  Oh,  let  me  escape  thither,  (is  it  not  a  little  one .'') 
and  my  soul  shall  live.  And  he  said  unto  him,  See,  I  have 
accepted  thee  concerning  this  thing  also,  that  I  will  not  over- 
throw this  city,  for  the  which  thou  hast  spoken.  Haste  thee,- 
escape  thither ;  for  I  cannot  do  any  thing  till  thou  be  come 
thither.     Therefore  the  name  of  the  city  was  called  Zoar., 

Angel  of  wrath  !  why  linger  in  mid  air, 

While  the  devoted  city's  cry 
Louder  and  louder  swells  ?  and  canst  thou  spare, 

Thy  full-charged  vial  standing  by  ?  — 
Thus,  Avith  stern  voice,  unsparing  Justice  pleads  : 

He  hears  not  —  with  a  softened  gaze 
His  eye  is  following  where  sweet  Mercy  leads, 

And  till  she  give  the  sign,  his  fury  stays. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  35 

Guided  by  her,  along  the  mountain  road, 
•  Far  through  the  twihght  of  the  morn, 
With  hurrying  footsteps  from  the  accursed  abode 

He  sees  the  holy  household  borne : 
Angels,  or  more,  on  either  hand  are  nigh, 

To  speed  them  o'er  the  tempting  plain. 
Lingering  in  heart,  and  with  frail,  sidelong  eye, 

Seeking  how  near  they  may  unharmed  remain. 

The  sun  was  risen  upon  the  earth  when  Lot  entered  into  Zoar. 
Then  the  Lord,  rained  upon  Sodom  and  upon  Gomorrah  brimstone 
and  fire  from  the  Lord  out  of  heaven  ;  and  he  overthrew  those 
cities,  and  all  the  plain,  and  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  cities,  and 
that  which  grew  upon  the  ground.  But  his  wife  looked  back 
from  behind  him,  and  she  became  a  pillar  of  salt. 

And  Abraham  gat  up  early  in  the  morning  to  the  place  where 
he  stood  before  the  Lord  :  and  he  looked  toward  Sodom  and 
Gomorrah,  and  toward  all  the  land  of  the  plain,  and  beheld,  and, 
lo,  the  smoke  of  the  country  went  up  as  the  smoke  of  a  furnace. 

The  last  throb  of  anguish  was  fearfully  given  ; 
The  last  eye  glared  forth  in  its  madness  on  heaven  ! 
The  last  groan  of  horror  rose  wildly  and  vain, 
And  Death  brooded  over  the  pride  of  the  Plain !. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 

THE    HEIR    AND    THE    EXILE. 

O  ALL-PREPARIXG  Providence  divine  ! 
What  mortal  sense  is  able  to  define 
Thy  mysteries,  Thy  counsels  to  unfold  ! 
It  is  Thy  wisdom  strangely  that  extends 
Obscure  proceedings  to  apparent  ends. 

AND  the  Lord  visited  Sarah  as  he  had  said,  and  the  Lord 
did  unto  Sarah  as  he  had  spoken.  For  Sarah  conceived, 
and  bear  Abraham  a  son  in  his  old  age,  at  the  set  time  of  which 
God  had.  spoken  to  him.  And  Abraham  called  the  name  of  his 
son  that  was  born  unto  him,  whom  Sarah  bare  to  him,  Isaac. 
And  Abraham  circumcised  his  son  Isaac,  being  eight  days  old, 
as  God  had  commanded  him.  And  Abraham  was  a  hundred 
years  old,  when  his  son  Isaac  was  born  unto  him. 


36  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Mystery  !  mystery  !  holy  and  strange  ; 
What  a  hfe-history,  fruitful  of  change, 

And  endless  of  range, 
Is  folded  here,  sweet  within  sweet,  like  a  blossom ! 

And  Sarah  said,  God  hath  made  me  to  laugh,  so  that  all  that 
hear  me  will  laugh  with  me.  And  she  said.  Who  would  have 
said  unto  Abraham,  that  Sarah  should  have  given  children  suck  ? 
for  I  have  borne  him  a  son  in  his  old  age.  And  the  child  grew, 
and  was  weaned :  and  Abraham  made  a  great  feast  the  same 
day  that  Isaac  was  weaned. 

And  Sarah  saw  the  son  of  Hagar  the  Egyptian,  which  she  had 
borne  unto  Abraham,  mocking.  Wherefore  she  said  unto  Abra- 
ham, Cast  out  this  bondwoman  and  her  son :  for  the  son  of  this 
bondwoman  shall  not  be  heir  with  my  son,  even  with  Isaac. 
And  the  thing  was  very  grievous  in  Abraham's  sight  because  of 
his  son.  And  God  said  unto  Abraham,  Let  it  not  be  grievous 
in  thy  sight  because  of  the  lad,  and  because  of  thy  bondwoman  ; 
in  all  that  Sarah  hath  said  unto  thee,  hearken  unto  her  voice  ; 
for  in  Isaac  shall  thy  seed  be  called.  And  also  of  the  son  of 
the  bondwoman  will  I  make  a  nation,  because  he  is  thy  seed. 
And  Abraham  rose  up  early  in  the  morning,  and  took  bread,  and 
a  bottle  of  water,  and  gave  it  unto  Hagar,  putting  it  on  her 
shoulder,  and  the  child,  and  sent  her  away :  and  she  departed, 
and  wandered  in  the  wilderness  of  Beer-sheba.  And  the  water 
was  spent  in  the  bottle,  and  she  cast  the  child  under  one  of  the 
shrubs. 

She  looked  above  —  the  heavens  shone  still 

Unclouded  bright  and  clear ; 
She  listened,  but  no  fount  nor  rill 

Poured  music  on  her  ear. 
Then  once  again  her  child  she  eyed  — 

His  cheek  wore  death's  pale  hue  ; 
"Alas  !  and  is  it  thus,"  she  cried  ; 

"  Doth  God  forsake  me  too, 
.    And  with  my  earthly  foes  combine 
To  work  such  ill  for  me  and  mine  ?  " 

And  she  went,  and  sat  her  down  over  against  him  a  good 
way  off,  as  it  were  a  bowshot :  for  she  said.  Let  me  not  see  the 
death  of  the  child.  And  she  sat  over  against  him,  and  lifted  up 
her  voice,  and  wept. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  37 

Injured,  hopeless,  faint  and  weary, 
Sad,  indignant  and  forlorn, 
Through  the  desert  wild  and  dreary, 
Hagar  leads  the  child  of  scorn. 

Who  can  speak  a  mother's  anguish, 
Painted  in  that  tearless  eye, 
Which  beholds  her  darling  languish, 
Languish  unz-eheved,  to  die  ! 

And  God  heard  the  voice  of  the  lad  ;  and  the  angel  of  God 
called  to  Hagar  out  of  heaven,  and  said  unto  her,  Vv'hat  aileth 
thee,  Hagar  ?  fear  not  ;  for  God  hath  heard  the  voice  of  the  lad 
where  he  is.  Arise,  lift  up  the  lad,  and  hold  him  in  thine  hand  ; 
for  I  will  make  him  a  great  nation.  And  God  opened  her  eyes, 
and  she  saw  a  well  of  water  ;  and  she  went,  and  filled  the  bottle 
with  water,  and  gave  the  lad  drink. 

She  stood  beside  the  well  her  God  had  given 
To  gush  in  the  deep  wilderness,  and  bathed 
The  forehead  of  her  child  until  he  laughed 
In  his  reviving  happiness,  and  lisped 
His  infant  thought  of  gladness  at  the  sight 
Of  the  cool  plashing  of  his  mother's  hand. 

And  God  was  with  the  lad  ;  and  he  grew,  and  dwelt  in  the 
wilderness,  and  became  an  archer.  And  he  dwelt  in  the  wilder- 
ness of  Paran :  and  his  mother  took  him  a  wife  out  of  the  land 
of  Egypt. 


CHAPTER    XVII. 

THE    GREAT    TRIAL    AND    TRIUMPH    OF    ABRAHAM  S    FAITH. 

Prune  thou  thy  words,  the  thoughts  control  that  o'er  thee  swell  and  throng  ; 
They  will  condense  within  thy  soul  and  change  to  purpose  strong. 
Faith's  meanest  deed  more  favour  bears,  wliere  hearts  and  wills  are  weighed, 
Than  brightest  transports,  choicest  prayers,  which  bloom  their  hour  and  fade. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things,  that  God  did  tempt 
Abraham,  and  said  unto  him,  Abraham :  and  he  said, 
Behold,  here  I  am.  And  he  said,  Take  now  thy  son,  thine  only 
son  Isaac,  whom  thou  lovest,  and  get  thee  into  the  land  of 
Moriah  ;  and  offer  him  there  for  a  burnt  offering  upon  one  of 
the  mountains  which  I  will  tell  thee  of. 


38  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  Abraham  rose  up  early  in  the  morning,  and  saddled  his 
ass,  and  took  two  of  his  young  men  with  him,  and  Isaac  his  son, 
and  clave  the  wood  for  the  burnt  offering,  and  rose  up,  and 
went  unto  the  place  of  which  God  had  told  him.  Then  on  the 
third  day  Abraham  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  saw  the  place  afar  off. 
And  Abraham  said  unto  his  young  men,  Abide  ye  here  with  the 
ass  ;  and  I  and  the  lad  will  go  yonder  and  worship  and  come 
ao-ain  to  you.  And  Abraham  took  the  wood  of  the  burnt 
o^ering,  and  laid  it  upon  Isaac  his  son  ;  and  he  took  the  fire  in 
his  hand,  and  a  knife  ;  and  they  went  both  of  them  together. 
And  Isaac  spake  unto  Abraham  his  father,  and  said,  My  father : 
and  he  said,  Here  am  I,  my  son.  And  he  said,  Behold  the 
fire  and  the  wood :  but  where  is  the  lamb  for  a  burnt  offering  \ 
And  Abraham  said,  My  son,  God  will  provide  himself  a  lamb 
for  a  burnt  offering :  so  they  went  both  of  them  together.  And 
they  came  to  the  place  which  God  had  told  him  of ;  and  Abra- 
ham built  an  altar  there,  and  laid  the  wood  in  order,  and  bound 
Isaac  his  son,  and  laid  him  on  the  altar  upon  the  wood.  And 
Abraham  stretched  forth  his  hand,  and  took  the  knife  to  slay 

his  son. 

The  childlike  faith,  that  asks  not  sight, 

Waits  not  for  wonder  or  for  sign, 
Believes,  because  it  loves  aright, 

Shall  see  things  greater,  things  divine. 
Heaven  to  that  gaze  shall  open  wide, 

And  brightest  angels  to  and  fro 
On  messages  of  love  shall  glide. 

And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  called  unto  him  out  of  heaven, 
and  said,  Abraham,  Abraham :  and  he  said,  Here  am  I.  And 
he  said,  Lay  not  thine  hand  upon  the  lad,  neither  do  thou  any 
thing  unto  him :  for  now  I  know  that  thou  fearest  God,  seeing 
thou  hast  not  withheld  thy  son,  thine  only  son  from  me.  And 
Abraham  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  looked,  and  behold  behind  him 
a  ram  caught  in  a  thicket  by  his  horns  :  and  Abraham  went  and 
took  the  ram,  and  offered  him  up  for  a  burnt  offering  in  the 
stead  of  his  son.  And  Abraham  called  the  name  of  that  place 
Jehovah-jireh:  as  it  is  said  to  this  day.  In  the  mount  of  the 
Lord  it  shall  be  seen. 

He  rose  up,  and  laid 
The  wood  upon  the  altar.     All  was  done. 
He  stood  a  moment  —  and  a  deep,  quick  flush 
Passed  o'er  his  countenance  ;  and  then  he  nerved 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  39 

His  spirit  witli  a  bitter  strength,  and  spoke  — 
Isaac  !  my  only  son  !  —  The  boy  looked  up  : 
Where  is  the  lamb,  my  father  ? —  Oh,  the  tones, 
The  sweet,  familiar  voice  of  a  loved  child  !  — 
What  would  its  music  seem  at  such  an  hour  !  — 
It  was  the  last  deep  struggle.     Abraham  held 
His  loved,  his  beautiful,  his  only  son, 
And  lifted  up  his  arm,  and  called  on  God  — 
And  lo  !  Gbd"s  angel  stayed  him  —  and  he  fell 
Upon  his  face,  and  wept. 

And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  called  unto  Abraham  out  of 
heaven  the  second  tune,  and  said,  By  myself  have  I  sworn, 
saith  the  Lord,  for  because  thou  hast  done  this  thing,  and  hast 
not  withheld  thy  son,  thine  only  son,  that  in  blessing  I  will  bless 
thee,  and  in  multiplying  I  will  multiply  thy  seed  as  the  stars  of 
the  heaven,  and  as  the  sand  which  is  upon  the  sea  shore  ;  and 
thy  seed  shall  possess  the  gate  of  his  enemies :  and  in  thy  seed 
shall  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  be  blessed  ;  because  thou  hast 
obeyed  my  voice.  So  Abraham  returned  unto  his  young  men, 
and  they  rose  up  and  went  together  to  Beer-sheba ;  and  Abra- 
ham dwelt  at  Beer-sheba. 

Thee  will  I  love,  O  God,  and  own 
My  strength  is  in  Thine  arm  alone. 
Jehovah  is  my  rock,  my  tower, 
My  Saviour  in  the  darkest  hour  ; 
My  God,  my  strength,  my  confidence, 
My  buckler,  helm,  and  high  defence  : 
On  Him  I  call,  and  bless  His  name  ; 
Ne'er  shall  my  hope  be  put  to  shame. 


CHAPTER   XVIIL 

A  BRIDE    SOUGHT   FOR   ISAAC. 

Reason,  my  son 
Should  choose  himself  a  wife  ;  but  as  good  reason. 
The  father,  (all  whose  joy  is  nothing  else 
But  fair  posterity)  should  hold  some  counsel 
In  such  business. 

AND  Abraham  was  old,  and  well  stricken  in  age  :  and  the 
Lord  had  blessed  Abraham  in  all  things.     And  Abraham 
said  unto  his  eldest  servant  of  his  house,  that  ruled  over  all  that 


40  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

he  had,  Put,  I  pray  thee,  thy  hand  under  my  thigh  :  and  I  will 
make  thee  swear  by  the  Lord,  the  God  of  heaven,  and  the  God  of 
the  earth,  that  thou  shalt  not  take  a  wife  unto  my  son  of  the 
daughters  of  the  Canaanites,  among  whom  I-  dwell  :  but  thou 
shalt  go  unto  my  country,  and  to  my  kindred,  and  take  a  wife 
unto  my  son  Isaac.  And  the  servant  said  unto  him,  Peradven- 
ture  the  woman  will  not  be  willing  to  follow  me  unto  this  land  : 
must  I  needs  bring  thy  son  again  unto  the  land  from  whence 
thou  camest  ?  And  Abraham  said  unto  him,  Beware  thou  that 
thou  bring  not  my  son  thither  again. 

"  Woman  !  "     With  that  word, 
Life's  dearest  hopes  and  memories  come. 
Truth,  beauty,  love,  in  her  adored, 
And  earth's  lost  paradise  restored, 
In  the  green  bower  of  home. 

The  Lord  God  of  heaven,  which  took  me  from  my  father's 
house,  and  from  the  land  of  my  kindred,  and  which  spake  unto 
me,. and  that  sware  unto  me,  saying,  Unto  thy  seed  will  I  give 
this  land  ;  he  shall  send  his  angel  before  thee,  and  thou  shalt 
take  a  wife  unto  my  son  from  thence.  And  if  the  woman  will 
not  be  willing  to  follow  thee,  then  thou  shalt  be  clear  from  this 
my  oath  :  only  bring  not  my  son  thither  again.  And  the  servant 
put  his  hand  under  the  thigh  of  Abraham  his  master,  and  sware 
to  him  concerning  that  matter. 

Then  rest  thee,  bright  one,  in  thy  tranquil  nook, 
Fond  eyes  to  cherish  thee,  true  arms  to  keep. 

Nor  wistful  for  the  world's  gay  sunshine  look  ;  — 
In  its  own  time  the  light  will  o'er  thee  sweep. 

And  the  ser\'ant  took  ten  camels  of  the  camels  of  his  master, 
and  departed  ;  for  all  the  goods  of  his  master  were  in  his  hand  : 
and  he  arose,  and  went  to  Mesopotamia,  unto  the  city  of  Nahor, 
And  he  made  his  camels  to  kneel  down  without  the  city  by  a  well 
of  water  at  the  time  of  the  evening,  even  the  time  that  women 
go  out  to  draw  water.  And  he  said,  O  Lord  God  of  my  master 
Abraham,  I  pray  thee,  send  me  good  speed  this  day,  and  shew 
kindness  unto  my  master  Abraham.  Behold,  I  stand  here  by  the 
well  of  water ;  and  the  daughters  of  the  men  of  the  city  come 
out  to  draw  water  :  and  let  it  come  to  pass,  that  the  damsel 
to  vvdiom  I  shall  say.  Let  down  thy  pitcher,  I  pray  thee,  that  I 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  41 

may  drink  ;  and  she  shall  say,  Drink,  and  I  will  give  thy  camels 
drink  also  :  let  the  same  be  she  that  thou  hast  appointed  for  thy 
servant  Isaac  ;  and  thereby  shall  I  know  that  thou  hast  shewed 
kindness  unto  my  master. 

Sweet  stream  that  winds  through  yonder  glade, 

Apt  emblem  of  a  virtuous  maid. 

Silent  and  chaste  she  steals  along, 

Far  from  the  world's  gay  busy  throng. 

With  gentle  yet  prevailing  force. 

Intent  upon  her  destined  course  : 

Graceful  and  useful  all  she  does, 

Blessing  and  blest  <vhere'er  she  goes, 

Pure-bosomed  as  the  watery  glass. 

And  heaven  reflected  in  her  face. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  before  he  had  done  speaking,  that,  behold, 
Rebekah  came  out,  who  was  born  to  Bethuel,  son  of  Milcah,  the 
wife  of  Nahor,  Abraham's  brother,  with  her  pitcher  upon  her 
shoulder.  And  the  damsel  was  very  fair  to  look  upon,  a  virgin  : 
and  she  went  down  to  the  well,  and  filled  her  pitcher,  and  came 
up.  And  the  servant  ran  to  meet  her,  and  said.  Let  me,  I 
pray  thee,  drink  a  little  water  of  thy  pitcher.  And  she  said, 
Drink,  my  lord  :  and  she  hasted,  and  let  down  her  pitcher  upon 
her  hand,  and  gave  him  drink.  And  when  she  had  done  giving 
him  drink,  she  said,  I  will  draw  water  for  thy  camels  also,  until 
they  have  done  drinking.  And  she  hasted,  and  emptied  her 
pitcher  into  the  trough,  and  ran  again  unto  the  well  to  draw 
water,  and  drew  for  all  his  camels.  And  the  man  wondering 
at  her  held  his  peace,  to  wit  whether  the  Lord  had  made  his 
journey  prosperous  or  not. 

Win  her  with  gifts,  if  she  respect  not  words. 

Dumb  jewels  often,  in  their  silent  kind, 

More  than  quick  words  do  move  a  woman's  mind. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  as  the  camels  had  done  drinking,  that  the 
man  took  a  golden  earring  of  half  a  shekel  weight,  and  two 
bracelets  for  her  hands  of  ten  shekels  weight  of  gold  ;  and 
said.  Whose  daughter  art  thou  .''  tell  me,  I  pray  thee  :  is  there 
room  in  thy  father's  house  for  us  to  lodge  in  }  And  she  said 
unto  him,  I  am  the  daughter  of  Bethuel  the  son  of  IMilcah,  which 
she  bare  unto  Nahor.  She  said  moreover  unto  him,  We  have 
both  straw  and  provender  enough,  and  room  to  lodge  in.     And 


42  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

the  man  bowed  down  his  head,  and  worshipped  the  Lord.  And 
he  said,  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  my  master  Abraham,  who 
hath  not  left  destitute  my  master  of  his  mercy  and  his  truth  :  I 
being  in  the  way,  the  Lord  led  me  to  the  house  of  my  master's 
brethren.  And  the  damsel  ran,  and  told  them  of  her  mother's 
house  these  things. 

And  Rebekah  had  a  brother,  and  his  name  was  Laban :  and 
Laban  ran  out  unto  the  man,  unto  the  well.  And  it  came  to  pass, 
when  he  saw  the  earring,  and  bracelets  upon  his  sister's  hands, 
and  when  he  heard  the  words  of  Rebekah  his  sister,  saying.  Thus 
spake  the  man  unto  me,  that  he  pame  unto  the  man  ;  and,  be- 
hold, he  stood  by  the  camels  at  the  well.  And  he  said,  Come  in, 
thou  blessed  of  the  Lord  ;  wherefore  standest  thou  without  t  for 
I  have  prepared  the  house,  and  room  for  the  camels. 

Come  in,  thou  blessed  of  the  Lord, 

Stranger  nor  foe  art  thou  : 
We  welcome  thee  with  warm  accord, 

Our  friend,  our  brother,  now. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

REHEARSALS.  —  PROPOSALS.  —  ESPOUSALS. 

Joy  serious  and  subhme, 
Such  as  doth  nerve  the  energies  of  prayer, 
Should  swell  the  bosom  when  a  maiden's  hand. 
Filled  with  life's  dewy  flowerets,  girdeth  on 
That  harness  which  the  ministry  of  death 
Alone  unlooseth,  but  whose  fearful  power 
May  stamp  the  sentence  of  eternity. 

AND  the  man  came  into  the  house  :  and  he  ungirded  his 
camels,  and  gave  straw  and  provender  for  the  camels,  and 
water  to  wash  his  feet,  and  the  men's  feet  that  were  with  him. 
And  there  was  set  meat  before  him  to  eat :  but  he  said,  I  will 
not  eat,  until  I  have  told  mine  errand.  And  he  said,  Speak  on. 
And  he  said,  I  am  Abraham's  servant.  And  the  Lord  hath 
blessed  my  master  greatly,  and  he  is  become  great :  and  he  hath 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  43 

given  him  flocks,  and  herds,  and  silver,  and  gold,  and  men-ser- 
vants, and  maid-servants,  and  camels,  and  asses.  And  Sarah  my 
master's  wife  bare  a  son  to  my  master  when  she  was  old  :  and 
imto  him  hath  he  given  all  that  he  hath.  And  my  master  made 
mc  swear,  saying,  Thou  shalt  not  take  a  wife  to  my  son  of  the 
daughters  of  the  Canaanites,  in  whose  land  I  dwell :  but  thou 
shalt  go  unto  my  father's  house,  and  to  my  kindred,  and  take  a 
wife  unto  my  son.  And  I  said  unto  my  master,  Peradventure 
the  woman  will  not  follow  me.  And  he  said  unto  me.  The  Lord, 
before  whom  I  walk,  will  send  his  angel  with  thee,  and  prosper 
thy  way  ;  and  thou  shalt  take  a  wife  for  my  son  of  my  kindred, 
and  of  my  father's  house  :  then  shalt  thou  be  clear  from  this  my 
oath,  when  thou  comest  to  my  kindred  ;  and  if  they  give  not 
thee  one,  thou  shalt  be  clear  from  my  oath. 

A  wife's  a  man's  best  piece  ;  who  till  he  marries, 

Wants  making  up  ;  she  is  the  shrine  to  which 

Nature  doth  send  us  forth  on  pilgrimage  ; 

She  was  a  scion  taken  from  that  tree, 

Into  which,  if  she  has  no  second  grafting, 

The  world  can  have  no  fruit ;  she  is  man's 

Arithmetic,  which  teaches  him  to  number 

And  multiply  himself  in  his  own  children  ; 

She  is  the  good  man's  paradise,  and  the  bad's 

First  step  to  heaven  ;  a  treasure  which,  who  wants, 

Cannot  be  trusted  to  posterity, 

Nor  pay  his  own  debts  :  she's  a  golden  sentence 

Writ  by  our  Maker,  which  the  angels  may 

Discourse  of,  only  men  know  how  to  use, 

And  none  but  devils  violate. 

And  I  came  this  day  unto  the  well,  and  said,  O  Lord  God  of 
my  master  Abraham,  if  now  thou  do  prosper  my  way  which  I 
go  :  behold,  I  stand  by  the  well  of  water  ;  and  it  shall  come 
to  pass,  that  when  the  virgin  cometh  forth  to  draw  water  and  I 
say  to  her.  Give  me,  I  pray  thee,  a  little  water  of  thy  pitcher  to 
drink  ;  and  she  say  to  me,  Both  drink  thou,  and  I  will  also  draw 
for  thy  camels  :  let  the  same  be  the  woman  whom  the  Lord  hath 
appointed  out  for  my  master's  son.  And  before  I  had  done 
speaking  in  mine  heart,  behold,  Rebekah  came  forth  with  her 
pitcher  on  her  shoulder  ;  and  she  went  down  unto  the  well,  and 
drew  water :  and  I  said  unto  her,  Let  me  drink,  I  pray  thee. 
And  she  made  haste,  and  let  down  her  pitcher  from  her  shoul- 


44  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

der,  and  said,  Drink,  and  I  will  give  thy  camels  drink  also :  so  I 
drank,  and  she  made  the  camels  drink  also.  And  I  asked  her, 
and  said,  Whose  daughter  art  thou  ?  And  she  said,  The  daugh- 
ter of  Bethuel,  Nahor's  son,  whom  Milcah  bare  unto  him  :  and  I 
put  the  earring  upon  her  face,  and  the  bracelets  upon  her  hands. 
And  I  bowed  down  my  head,  and  worshipped  the  Lord,  and 
blessed  the  Lord  God  of  my  master  Abraham,  which  had  led  me 
in  the  right  way  to  take  my  master's  brother's  daughter  unto  his 
son.  And  now,  if  ye  will  deal  kindly  and  truly  with  my  master, 
tell  me :  and  if  not,  tell  me ;  that  I  may  turn  to  the  right  hand, 
or  to  the  left. 

Dare  to  be  true,  nothing  can  need  a  lie  ; 

A  fault  which  needs  it  most,  grows  two  thereby. 

Then  Laban  and  Bethuel  answered  and  said,  The  thing  pro- 
ceedeth  from  the  Lord  :  we  cannot  speak  unto  thee  bad  or  good. 
Behold,  Rebekah  is  before  thee  ;  take  her,  and  go,  and  let  her  be 
thy  master's  son's  wife,  as  the  Lord  hath  spoken.  And  it  came 
to  pass,  that,  when  Abraham's  servant  heard  their  words,  he 
worshipped  the  Lord,  bowing  himself  to  the  earth.  And  the 
servant  brought  forth  jewels  of  silver,  and  jewels  of  gold,  and 
raiment,  and  gave  them  to  Rebekah  :  he  gave  also  to  her  brother 
and  to  her  mother  precious  things. 

Old  sir,  I  know 
She  prizes  not  such  trifles  as  these  are. 
The  gifts  she  looks  from  me  are  packed  and  locked 
Up  in  my  heart,  which  I  have  given  already, 
But  not  delivered. 

And  they  did  eat  and  drink,  he  and  the  men  that  were  with 
him,  and  tarried  all  night ;  and  they  rose  up  in  the  morning,  and 
he  said.  Send  me  away  unto  my  master.  And  her  brother  and 
her  mother  said.  Let  the  damsel  abide  with  us  a  few  days,  at  the 
least  ten  ;  after  that  she  shall  go.  And  he  said  unto  them.  Hin- 
der me  not,  seeing  the  Lord  hath  prospered  my  way  ;  send  me 
away  that  I  may  go  to  my  master.  And  they  said.  We  will  call 
the  damsel,  and  inquire  at  her  mouth.  And  they  called  Rebekah, 
and  said  unto  her,  Wilt  thou  go  with  this  man  }  And  she  said, 
I  will  go.  And  they  sent  away  Rebekah  their  sister,  and  her 
nurse,  and  Abraham's  servant,  and  his  men.  And  they  blessed 
Rebekah,  and  said  unto  her,  Thou  art  our  sister ;  be  thou  the 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  45 

mother  of  thousands  of  millions,  and  let  thy  seed  possess  the 
gate  of  those  which  hate  them. 

The  voice  of  joy  this  happy  day  demands  ; 

Resound  the  song,  and  in  our  God  confide : 
Beneath  His  canopy  the  bridegroom  stands, 

In  all  her  beauty  shines  the  lovely  bride. 
O,  may  their  joy  still  blossom,  ever  new, 
Fair  as  a  garden  to  the  ravished  view  ! 

Sing  from  your  bowers,  ye  daughters  of  the  song, 
Behold  the  bride  with  starlike  glory  shine  ; 

May  each  succeeding  day  still  glide  along 
Fair  as  the  first,  begirt  with  grace  divine  : 

Far  from  her  tent  may  care  and  sorrow  fly, 

While  she  o'erjoyed  beholds  her  numerous  progeny. 

And  Rebekah  arose,  and  her  damsels,  and  they  rode  upon  the 
camels,, and  followed  the  man  :  and  the  servant  took  Rebekah, 
and  went  his  way.  And  Isaac  came  from  the  way  of  the  well 
Lahai-roi  ;  for  he  dwelt  in  the  south  country.  And  Isaac  went  out 
to  meditate  in  the  field  at  the  eventide  :  and  he  lifted  up  his  eyes, 
and  saw,  and,  behold,  the  camels  were  coming.  And  Rebekah 
lifted  up  her  eyes,  and  when  she  saw  Isaac,  she  lighted  off  the 
camel.  For  she  had  said  unto  the  servant.  What  man  is  this 
that  walketh  in  the  field  to  meet  us  }  And  the  servant  had  said. 
It  is  my  master :  therefore  she  took  a  vail,  and  covered  herself. 
And  the  servant  told  Isaac  all  things  that  he  had  done.  And 
Isaac  brought  her' into  his  mother  Sarah's  tent,  and  took  Re- 
bekah, and  she  became  his  wife  ;  and  he  loved  her :  and  Isaac 
was  comforted  after  his  mother's  death. 

Across  the  threshold  led, 
And  every  tear  kissed  off  as  soon  as  shed, 
His  house  she  enters,  there  to  be  a  light 
Shining  within,  when  all  without  is  night ; 
A  guardian  angel  o'er  his  life  presiding. 
Doubling  his  pleasure,  and  his  cares  dividing  ! 


46  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER    XX. 

Abraham's  death.  —  esau   and  jacob   born.  —  the 
promise  renewed  to  isaac. 

A  CLOUD  lay  cradled  near  the  setting  sun, 

A  gleam  of  crimson  tinged  its  braided  snow: 
Long  had  I  watched  the  glory  moving  on, 

O'er  the  still  radiance  of  the  lake  below: 
Tranquil  its  spirit  seemed,  and  floated  slow, 

E'en  in  its  very  motion  there  was  rest. 
While  every  breath  of  eve  that  chanced  to  blow, 

Wafted  the  traveller  to  the  beauteous  west. 
Emblem,  methought,  of  the  departed  soul. 

To  whose  white  robe  the  gleam  of  bliss  is  given, 
And  by  the  breath  of  mercy  made  to  roll 

Right  onward  to  the  golden  gates  of  heaven: 
Where  to  the  eyes  of  faith  it  peaceful  lies, 
And  tells  to  man  his  glorious  destinies. 

AND  Abraham  gave  all  that  he  had  unto  Isaac,  But  unto 
the  sons  of  the  concubines,  which  Abraham  had,  Abra- 
ham gave  gifts,  and  sent  them  away  from  Isaac  his  son,  while  he 
yet  lived,  eastward,  unto  the  east  country.  And  these  are  the 
days  of  the  years  of  Abraham's  life  which  he  lived,  a  hundred 
threescore  and  fifteen  years.  Then  Abraham  gave  up  the  ghost, 
and  died  in  a  good  old  age,  an  old  man,  and  full  of  years  ;  and 
was  gathered  to  his  people.  And  his  sons  Isaac  and  Ishmael 
buried  him  in  the  cave  of  Macpelah,  in  the  field  of  Ephron  the 
son  of  Zohar  the  Hittite,  which  is  before  Mamre ;  the  field 
which  Abraham  purchased  of  the  sons  of  Heth ;  there  was 
Abraham  buried,  and  Sarah  his  wife. 

Sweet  is  the  scene  when  Virtue  dies  !  — 
When  sinks  a  righteous  soul  to  rest, 
How  mildly  beam  the  closing  eyes  ! 
How  gently  heaves  the  expiring  breast ! 
Triumphant  smiles  the  victor  brow. 
Fanned  by  some  angel's  purple  wing  ;  — 
Where  is,  O  Grave  !  thy  victory  now  ? 
And  where,  insidious  Death  !  thy  sting  ? 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  47 

And  it  came  to  pass  after  the  death  of  Abraham,  that  God 
blessed  his .  son  Isaac  ;  and  Isaac  dwelt  by  the  well  Lahai-roi. 
And  these  are  the  generations  of  Isaac,  Abraham's  son :  Abra- 
ham begat  Isaac  :  and  Isaac  was  forty  years  old  when  he  took 
Rebekah  to  wife,  the  daughter  of  Bethuel  the  Syrian  of  Padan- 
aram,  the  sister  to  Laban  the  Syrian.  And  Isaac  entreated  the 
Lord  for  his  wife,  because  she  was  barren  :  and  the  Lord  was 
entreated  of  him,  and  Rebekah  his  wife  conceived. 

Nature  may  falter,  but  never  God's  promise, 
Hence  did  the  heir  of  the  covenant  plead : 
"  God  of  my  father,  by  whom  every  life  is, 
Kindly  fulfil  what  Thy  love  has  decreed  ; 
Count,  if  thou  canst,  all  the  sands  of  the  sea-shore, 
Tell,  too,  each  star  that  bestuds  the  blue  sky  ; 
Yet  shall  thy  children  outnumber  them  far  more, 
Blessing  all  nations  both  distant  and  nigh.  " 

Cease,  then,  Rebekah,  those  strange  cogitations 
Pensively  cherished  now  oft  in  thy  mind  ; 
Voices  of  nature  yield  cheering  monitions, 
Gladness  for  yearnings  full  soon  thou  shalt  find  !  — 
Embryo  nations  together  are  striving. 
Germs  of  renown  in  the  ages  to  come  ; 
Hush,  then,  all  plaints,  for  thy  day-star  is  rising. 
Pledge  of  new  joys  round  the  hearth-stone  of  home  ! 

And  Isaac  was  threescore  years  old  when  she  bare  them. 
And  the  boys  grew :  and  Esau  was  a  cunning  hunter,  a  man  of 
the  field  ;  and  Jacob  was  a  plain  man,  dwelling  in  tents.  And 
Isaac  loved  Esau,  because  he  did  eat  of  his  venison  :  but  Re- 
bekah loved  Jacob. 

And  Jacob  sod  pottage  :  and  Esau  came  from  the  field,  and  he 
was  faint :  and  Esau  said  to  Jacob,  Feed  me,  I  pray  thee,  with 
that  same  red  pottage  ;  for  I  am  faint :  therefore  was  his  name 
called  Edom.  And  Jacob  said.  Sell  me  this  day  thy  birthright. 
And  Esau  said.  Behold,  I  am  at  the  point  to  die  :  and  what  profit 
shall  this  birthright  do  to  me .''  And  Jacob  said.  Swear  to  me 
this  day ;  and  he  sware  unto  him  :  and  he  sold  his  birthright 
unto  Jacob.  Then  Jacob  gave  Esau  bread  and  pottage  of  len- 
tiles  ;  and  he  did  eat  and  drink,  and  rose  up,  and  went  his  Vv^ay. 
Thus  Esau  despised  his  birthright. 

Ye  joys,  too  dearly  bought,  which  time  can  ne'er  renew, 
Dear  torments  of  my  thought ; 


48  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Why,  when  ye  fled,  fled  not  your  memory  too  ? 

Alas  !  of  hopes  bereft,  the  dreams  that  once  they  were, 

Are  all  that  now  is  left, 
And  memory  thus  but  turns  them  all  to  care  ! 

And  there  was  a  famine  in  the  land,  besides  the  first  famine 
that  was  in  the  days  of  Abraham.  And  Isaac  went  unto  Abim- 
elech  king  of  the  Philistines  unto  Gerar.  And  the  Lord  appeared 
unto  him,  and  said  unto  him,  Go  not  down  into  Egypt ;  dwell  in 
the  land  which  I  shall  tell  thee  of.  Sojourn  in  this  land,  and  I 
will  be  with  thee,  and  will  bless  thee  ;  for  unto  thee,  and  unto 
thy  seed,  I  will  give  all  these  countries,  and  I  will  perform  the 
oath-  which  I  sware  unto  Abraham  thy  father ;  and  I  will  make 
thy  seed  to  multiply  as  the  stars  of  heaven,  and  will  give  unto 
thy  seed  all  these  countries  ;  and  in  thy  seed  shall  all  the  nations 
of  the  earth  be  blessed  :  because  that  Abraham  obeyed  my  voice, 
and  kept  my  charge,  my  commandments,  my  statutes,  and  my 

laws. 

True  faith  will  grasp  His  mercy  fast, 
And  hope  bring  patience  at  the  last, 
Then  both  within  thy  heart  enshrine, 
So  shall  the  heritage  be  thine. 
That  pleases  God. 


CHAPTER   XXI. 

JACOB    GUILEFULLY    GETS    ESAU's    BLESSING. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  Isaac  was  old,  and  his  eyes 
were  dim,  so  that  he  could  not  see,  he  called  Esau  his 
eldest  son,  and  said  unto  him,  My  son:  and  he  said  unto  him. 
Behold,  here  am  I.  And  he  said,  Behold  now,  I  am  old,  I  know 
not  the  day  of  my  death  :  now  therefore  take,  I  pray  thee,  thy 
weapons,  thy  quiver  and  thy  bow,  and  go  out  to  the  field,  and 
take  me  some  venison  ;  and  make  me  savoury  meat,  such  as  I 
love,  and  bring  it  to  me,  that  I  may  eat  ;  that  my  soul  may  bless 
thee  before  I  die.  And  Rebekah  heard  when  Isaac  spake  to 
Esau  his  son.  And  Esau  went  to  the  field  to  hunt  for  venison, 
and  to  bring  it. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  49 

I  charge  thee,  fling  away  ambition  : 
By  that  sin  fell  the  angels ;  how  can  man,  then. 
The  image  of  his  Maker,  hope  to  win  by't? 
Love  thyself  last :  clierish  those  hearts  that  hate  thee : 
Corruption  wins  not  more  than  honesty. 
Still  in  thy  right  hand  carry  gentle  peace. 
To  silence  envious  tongues  :  be  just  and  fear  not. 
Let  all  the  ends  thou  aim'st  at  be  thy  country's, 
Thy  God's,  and  truth's. 

And  Rebekah  spake  unto  Jacob  her  son,  saying,  Behold,  I 
heard  thy  father  speak  unto  Esau  thy  brother,  saying.  Bring  me 
venison,  and  make  me  savoury  meat,  that  I  may  eat,  and  bless 
thee  before  the  Lord  before  my  death.  Now  therefore,  my  son, 
obey  my  voice  according  to  that  which  I  command  thee.  Go 
now  to  the  flock,  and  fetch  me  from  thence  two  good  kids  of  the 
goats  ;  and  I  will  make  them  savoury  meat  for  thy  father,  such 
as  he  loveth  :  and  thou  shalt  bring  it  to  thy  father,  that  he  may 
eat,  and  that  he  may  bless  thee  before  his  death.  And  Jacob  said 
to  Rebekah  his  mother,  Behold,  Esau  my  brother  is  a  hairy  man, 
and  I  am  a  smooth  man  :  my  father  perad venture  will  feel  me,  and 
I  shall  seem  to  him  as  a  deceiver  ;  and  I  shall  bring  a  curse  upon 
me,  and  not  a  blessing.  And  his  mother  said  unto  him.  Upon  me 
be  thy  curse,  my  son  :  only  obey  my  voice,  and  go  fetch  me  them. 
And  he  went,  and  fetched,  and  brought  them  to  his  mother :  and 
his  mother  made  savoury  meat,  such  as  his  father  loved.  And 
Rpbekah  took  goodly  raiment  of  her  eldest  son  Esau,  which  were 
with  her  in  the  house,  and  put  them  upon  Jacob  her  younger  son  : 
and  she  put  the  skins  of  the  kids  of  the  goats  upon  his  hands,  and 
upon  the  smooth  of  his  neck  :  and  she  gave  the  savoury  meat  and 
the  bread,  which  she  had  prepared,  into  the  hand  of  her  son  Jacob. 

And  he  came  unto  his  father,  and  said.  My  father.  And  he 
said,  Here  am  I  ;  who  art  thou,  my  son  .'*  And  Jacob  said  unto 
his  father,  I  am  Esau  thy  first-born  ;  I  have  done  according  as 
thou  badest  me  :  arise,  I  pray  thee,  sit  and  eat  of  my  venison, 
that  thy  soul  may  bless  me. 

What  man  so  wise,  what  earthly  wit  so  ware, 

As  to  descry  the  crafty  cunning  train, 
By  which  deceit  doth  mark  in  visor  fair. 

And  cast  her  colours  dy^d  deep  in  grain, 
To  seem  like  truth,  whose  shape  she  well  can  feign, 
And  fitting  gestures  to  her  purpose  frame. 
The  guiltless  man  with  guile  to  entertain  ? 
4 


50  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  he  said,  Bring  it  near  to  me,  and  I  will  eat  of  my  son's 
venison,  that  my  soul  may  bless  thee.  And  he  brought  it  near 
to  him,  and  he  did  eat :  and  he  brought  him  wine,  and  he  drank. 
And  his  father  Isaac  said  unto  him,  Come  near  now,  and  kiss  me, 
my  son.  And  he  came  near,  and  kissed  him  :  and  he  smelled  the 
smell  of  his  raiment,  and  blessed  him,  and  said,  See,  the  smell  of 
my  son  is  as  the  smell  of  a  field  which  the  Lord  hath  blessed  : 
therefore  God  give  thee  of  the  dew  of  heaven,  and  the  fatness  of 
the  earth,  and  plenty  of  corn  and  wine :  let  people  serve  thee, 
and  nations  bow  down  to  thee  :  be  lord  over  thy  brethren,  and 
let  thy  mother's  sons  bow  down  to  thee :  cursed  be  every  one 
that  curseth  thee,  and  blessed  be  he  that  blesseth  thee. 

O  what  a  tangled  web  we  weave, 
When  first  we  practice  to  deceive  ' 

And  it  came  to  pass,  as  soon  as  Isaac  had  made  an  end  of 
blessing  Jacob,  and  Jacob  was  yet  scarce  gone  out  from  the 
presence  of  Isaac  his  father,  that  Esau  his  brother  came  in  from 
his  hunting.  And  he  also  had  made  savoury  meat,  and  brought 
it  unto  his  father,  and  said  unto  his  father.  Let  my  father  arise, 
and  eat  of  his  son's  venison,  that  thy  soul  may  bless  me.  And 
Isaac  his  father  said  unto  him,  Who  art  thou .''  And  he  said,  I 
am  thy  son,  thy  first-born,  Esau.  And  Isaac  trembled  very  ex-, 
ceedingly,  and  said,  Who  .-'  where  is  he  that  hath  taken  venison, 
and  brought  it  me,  and  I  have  eaten  of  all  before  thou  camest, 
and  have  blessed  him  .^  yea,  and  he  shall  be  blessed.  And  when 
Esau  heard  the  words  of  his  father,  he  cried  with  a  great  and 
exceeding  bitter  cry,  and  said  unto  his  father.  Bless  me,  even  me 
also,  O  my  father.  And  he  said  Thy  brother  came  with  subtilty, 
and  hath  taken  away  thyblessing.  And  he  said.  Is  not  he  rightly 
named  Jacob.-*  for  he  hath  supplanted  me  .these  two  times:  he- 
took  away  my  birthright ;  and,  behold,  now  he  hath  taken  away 
my  blessing.  And  he  said,  Hast  thou  not  reserved  a  blessing 
for  me  }  And  Isaac  answered  and  said  unto  Esau,  Behold,  I 
have  made  him  thy  lord,  and  all  his  brethren  have  I  given  to  him 
for  servants  ;  and  with  corn  and  wine  have  I  sustained  him  :  and 
what  shall  I  do  now  unto  thee,  my  son  "i  And  Esau  said  unto 
his  father.  Hast  thou  but  one  blessing,  my  father }  bless  me,  even 
me  also,  O  my  father.  And  Esau  lifted  up  his  voice,  and  wept 
And  Isaac  his  father  answered  and  said  unto  him.  Behold,  thy 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  5^ 

dwelling  shall  be  the  fatness  of  the  earth,  and  of  the  dew  of 
heaven  from  above  ;  and  by  thy  sword  shalt  thou  live,  and  shalt 
serve  thy  brother  :  and  it  shall  come  to  pass  when  thou  shalt  have 
the  dominion,  that  thou  shalt  break  his  yoke  from  off  thy  neck. 

We  barter  life  for  pottage  ;  sell  true  bliss 

For  wealth  or  power,  for  pleasure  or  renown  ; 
Thus,  Esau-like,  our  Father's  blessing  miss. 

Then  wash  with  fruitless  tears  our  faded  crown. 
Our  faded  crown,  despised  and  flung  aside, 

Shall  on  some  brother's  brow  immortal  bloom  : 
No  partial  hand  the  blessing  may  misguide ; 

No  flattering  fancy  change  our  Monarch's  doom ; 
His  righteous  doom,  that  meek,  true-hearted  Love 

The  everlasting  birthright  should  receive, 
The  softest  dews  drop  on  her  from  above, 

The  richest  green  her  mountain  garland  weave  ; 
Her  brethren,  mightiest,  wisest,  eldest  born. 

Born  to  her  sway,  and  move  at  her  behest  : 
Isaac's  fond  blessing  may  not  fall  on  scorn. 

Nor  Balaam's  curse  on  love,  which  God  hath  blest 


CHAPTER   XXII. 

Jacob's  blessing,  vision,  and  vow. 

Fear  not,  Jacob,  thou  art  Mine, 

And  My  presence  with  thee  goes ; 
On  thy  heart  My  love  shall  shine. 

And  My  arm  subdue  thy  foes ; 
From  My  presence  comfort  take, 

For  My  help  in  trouble  call ; 
Never  will  I  thee  forsake. 

Till  I  have  accomplished  all. 

ND  Isaac  called  Jacob,  and  blessed  him,  and  charged  him, 

and  said  unto  him,  Thou  shalt  not  take   a  wife  of   the 

daughters  of  Canaan.  Arise,  go  to  Padan-aram,  to  the  house  of 
Bethuel  thy  mother's  father  ;  and  take  thee  a  wife  from  thence 
of  the  daughters  of  Laban  thy  mothers  brother.  And  God 
Almighty  bless  thee,  and  make  thee  fruitful,  and  multiply  thee, 
that  thou  mayst  be  a  multitude  of  people  ;  and  give  thee  the 


A 


52  THE  EIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

blessing  of  Abraham,  to  thee,  and  to  thy  seed  with  thee ;  that 
thou  mayest  inherit  the  land  wherein  thou  art  a  stranger,  which 
God  gave  unto  Abraham.  And  Isaac  sent  away  Jacob  :  and  he 
went  to  Padan-aram  unto  Laban,  son  of  Bethuel  the  Syrian,  the 
brother  of  Rebekah,  Jacob's  and  Esau's  mother. 

Nearer  to  thy  God  in  sleep, 
Tasting  fellovvsliip  more  deep,  . 
Entering  heaven  in  glorious  dreams, 
Drinking  there  of  living  streams, 
Meeting  angel-friends  above, 
Greeting  them  in  peace  and  love, 
Hearing  songs  unheard  on  earth, 
Songs  of  everlasting  mirth  ; 
Who  that  dream  vi^ould  seek  to  break, 
Who  from  such  a  sleep  would  wake  ? 

And  Jacob  went  out  from  Beer-sheba,  and  went  toward  Haran. 
And  he  lighted  upon  a  certain  place,  and  tarried  there  all  night, 
because  the  sun  was  set ;  and  he  took  of  the  stones  of  that  place, 
and  put  them  for  his  pillows,  and  lay  down  in  that  place  to  sleep. 
And  he  dreamed,  and  behold  a  ladder  set  up  on  the  earth,  and 
the  top  of  it  reached  to  heaven :  and  behold  the  angels  of  God 
ascending  and  descending  on  it. 

Far  as  the  eye  can  glance,  on  height  o'er  height 
Rise  fiery  waving  wings,  and  star-crowned  brows. 
Millions  on  millions,  brif^hter  and  more  bright, 
Till  all  is  lost  in  one  supreme,  unmingled  light. 

And,  behold,  the  Lord  stood  above  it,  and  said,  I  am  the  Lord 
God  of  Abraham  thy  father,  and  the  God  of  Isaac  :  the  land 
whereon  thou  liest,  to  thee  will  I  give  it,  and  to  thy  seed  ;  and 
thy  seed  shall  be  as  the  dust  of  the  earth ;  and  thou  shalt  spread 
abroad  to  the  west,  and  to  the  east,  and  to  the  north,  and  to  the 
south  :  and  in  thee  and  in  thy  seed  shall  all  the  families  of  the 
earth  be  blessed.  And,  behold,  I  am  with  thee,  and  will  keep 
thee  in  all  places  whither  thou  goest,  and  will  bring  thee  again 
into  this  land  ;  for  I  will  not  leave  thee,  until  I  have  done  that 
which  I  have  spoken  to  thee  of. 

But,  two  beside  the  sleeping  pilgrim  stand, 
Like  cherub-kings,  with  lifted,  mighty  plume, 
Fixed,  sun-bright  eyes,  and  looks  of  high  command : 
They  tell  the  patriarch  of  his  glorious  doom  ; 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  53 

Father  of  countless  myriads  that  shall  come, 

Sweeping  the  land  like  billows  of  the  sea, 

Bright  as  the  stars  of  heaven  from  twilight's  gloom, 

Till  He  is  given  whom  angels  long  to  see. 

And  Israel's  splendid  line  is  crowned  with  Deity. 

And  Jacob  awaked  out  of  his  sleep,  and  he  said.  Surely  the 
Lord  is  in  this  place ;  and  I  knew  it  not.  And  he  was  afraid, 
and  said,  How  dreadful  is  this  place!  this  is  none  other  but  the 
house  of  God,  and  this  is  the  gate  of  heaven.  And  Jacob  rose 
up  early  in  the  morning,  and  took  the  stone  that  he  had  put  for 
his  pillows,  and  set  it  up  for  a  pillar,  and  poured  oil  upon  the  top 
of  it.  And  he  called  the  name  of  that  place  Beth-el :  but  the 
name  of  that  city  was  called  Luz  at  the  first.  And  Jacob  vowed 
a  vow,  saying,  If  God  will  be  with  me,  and  will  keep  me  in  this 
way  that  I  go,  and  will  give  me  bread  to  eat,  and  raiment  to  put 
on,  so  that  I  come  again  to  my  father's  house  in  peace ;  then 
shall  the  Lord  be  my  God  :  and  this  stone,  which  I  have  set  for 
a  pillar,  shall  be  God's  house  :  and  of  all  that  thou  shalt  give  me 
I  will  surely  give  the  tenth  unto  thee. 

Why  could  not  I,  in  spirit,  raise 
Pillar  of  Bethel  to  His  praise 
Who  blessed  me,  and  free  worship  pay, 
Like  Isaac's  son  upon  his  way  ? 
■  Are  holy  thoughts  but  happy  dreams 
Chased  by  despair,  as  starry  gleams 
By  clouds  .'' —  Nay,  turn,  and  read  thy  mind ; 
Nay,  look  on  Nature's  face,  and  find 
Kind,  gentle  graces,  thoughts  to  raise 
The  tired  spirit,  —  hope  and  praise. 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 

Jacob's  journey,  sojourn,  and  return. 

THEN  Jacob  went  on  his  journey,  and  came  into  the  land  of 
the  people  of  the  east.  And  he  looked,  and  behold  a  well 
in  the  field,  and,  lo,  there  were  three  flocks  of  sheep  lying  by  it  ; 
for  out  of  that  well  they  watered  the  flocks  :  and  a  great  stone 


54  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

was  upon  the  well's  mouth.  And  thither  were  all  the  flocks 
gathered  :  and  they  rolled  the  stone  from  the  well's  mouth,  and 
watered  the  sheep,  and  put  the  stone  again  upon  the  well's  mouth 
in  his  place.  And  Jacob  said  unto  them,  My  brethren,  whence 
be  ye  .-'  And  they  said,  Of  Haran  are  we.  And  he  said  unto 
them.  Know  ye  Laban  the  son  of  Nahor  .-'  And  they  said.  We 
know  him.  And  he  said  unto  them,  Is  he  well .-'  And  they  said, 
He  is  well :  and,  behold,  Rachel  his  daughter  cometh  with  the 
sheep. 

But  where  is  she,  the  bridal  flower, 
That  must  be  made  a  wife  ere  noon  ? 
She  enters,  glowing  with  the  noon 

Of  Eden  on  its  bridal  bower. 

And  while  he  yet  spake  with  them,  Rachel  came  with  her 
father's  sheep :  for  she  kept  them.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when 
Jacob  saw  Rachel  the  daughter  of  Laban  his  mother's  brother, 
and  the  sheep  of  Laban  his  mother's  brother,  that  Jacob  went 
near,  and  rolled  the  stone  from  the  well's  mouth,  and  watered  the 
flock  of  Laban  his  mother's  brother.  And  Jacob  kissed  Rachel, 
and  lifted  up  his  voice,  and  wept.  And  Jacob  told  Rachel  that 
he  was  her  father's  brother,  and  that  he  was  Rebekah's  son  :  and 
she  ran  and  told  her  father.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Laban 
heard  the  tidings  of  Jacob  his  sister's  son,  that  he  ran  to  meet 
him,  and  embraced  him,  and  kissed  him,  and  brought  him  to  his 
house.  And  he  told  Laban  all  these  things.  And  Laban  said 
to  him.  Surely  thou  art  my  bone  and  my  flesh.  And  he  abode 
with  him  the  space  of  a  month. 

Wedded  love  is  founded  on  esteem, 
Which  the  fair  merits  of  the  mind  engage  ; 
For  those  are  charms  that  never  can  decay  ; 
But  time,  that  gives  new  whiteness  to  the  swan, 
Improves  their  lustre. 

And  Laban  said  unto  Jacob,  Because  thou  art  my  brother, 
shouldest  thou  therefore  serve  me  for  nought  .''  tell  me,  what  shall 
thy  wages  be  t  And  Laban  had  two  daughters  :  the  name  of  the 
elder  was  Leah,  and  the  name  of  the  younger  was  Rachel.  Leah 
was  tender  eyed ;  but  Rachel  was  beautiful  and  well  favoured. 
And  Jacob  loved  Rachel ;  and  said,  I  will  serve  thee  seven  years 
for  Rachel  thy  younger  daughter.  And  Laban  said,  It  is  better 
that  I  give  her  to  thee,  than  that  I  should  give  her  co  another 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  55 

man  :  abide  with  me.  And  Jacob  served  seven  years  for  Ra- 
chel ;  and  they  seemed  unto  him  but  a  few  days  for  the  love  he 
had  to  her. 

Oh  there  is  one  affection  which  no  stain 

Of  earth  can  darken :  when  two  find  — 

The  softer  and  the  manlier  —  that  a  chain 

Of  kindred  taste  has  softened  mind  to  mind  ; 

'Tis  an  attraction  from  all  sense  refined  ; 

The  good  can  only  know  it.     'Tis  not  blind, 

As  love  is  unto  baseness.     Its  desire 

Is  but,  with  hands  entwined,  to  lift  our  being  higher. 

And  Jacob  said  unto  Laban,  Give  me  my  wife,  for  my  days 
are  fulfilled,  that  I  may  go  in  unto  her.  And  Laban  gathered 
together  all  the  men  of  the  place,  and  made  a  feast.  And  it 
came  to  pass  in  the  evening,  that  he  took  Leah  his  daughter  and 
brought  her  to  him  ;  and  he  went  in  unto  her. 

Ah  that  deceit  should  steal  such  gentle  shapes, 
And  with  a  virtuous  visor  hide  deep  vice ! 

And  it  came  to  pass,  that  in  the  morning,  behold,  it  was  Leah  : 
and  he  said  to  Laban,  What  is  this  thou  hast  done  unto  me .-'  did 
not  I  serve  with  thee  for  Rachel .''  wherefore  then  hast  thou  be- 
guiled me }  And  Laban  said.  It  must  not  be  so  done  in  our 
country,  to  give  the  younger  before  the  first-born.  Fulfil  her 
week,  and  we  will  give  thee  this  also,  for  the  service  which  thou 
shalt  serve  with  me  yet  seven  other  years.  And  Jacob  did  so, 
and  fulfilled  her  week  :  and  he  gave  him  Rachel  his  daughter  to 
wife  also.  And  the  man  increased  exceedingly,  and  had  much 
cattle,  and  maid-servants,  and  men-servants,  and  camels,  and 
asses.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Jacob,  Return  unto  the  land  of 
thy  fathers,  and  to  thy  kindred  ;  and  I  will  be  with  thee. 

Leave  me,  O  Love !  which  reachest  but  to  dust ; 
And  thou,  my  mind,  aspire  to  higher  things. 
Grow  rich  in  that  which  never  taketh  rust : 
Whatever  fades,  but  fading  pleasure  brings. 
Draw  in  thy  beams,  and  humble  all  thy  might 
To  that  sweet  yoke  where  lasting  freedoms  be  ; 
Which  breaks  the  clouds,  and  opens  forth  the  light, 
And  doth  both  shine,  and  give  us  sight  to  see. 

Then  Jacob  rose  up,  and  set  his  sons  and  his  wives  upon 
camels  ;  and  he  carried  away  all  his  cattle,  and   all  his  goods 


56  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

which  he  had  gotten,  the  cattle  of  his  getting,  which  he  had 
gotten  in  Padan-aram  ;  for  to  go  to  Isaac  his  father  in  the  land  of 
Canaan. 

The  sea  of  fortune  doth  not  ever  flow, 
She  draws  her  favours  to  the  lowest  ebb, 
Her  tides  have  equal  times  to  come  and  go, 
Her  loom  doth  weave  the  fine  and  coarsest  web  ; 
No  joy  so  great,  but  runneth  to  an  end  ; 
No  hap  so  hard,  but  may  in  fine  amend. 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 

Jacob's  propitiatory  present.  —  his  wrestling  prayer. 
—  HIS  princely  title. 

Appeared  before  mine  eyes 
A  man  of  God  :  his  habit  and  his  guise 
Were  such  as  lofty  prophets  used  to  wear : 
But  in  his  dreadful  looks  there  did  appear 
Something  that  made  me  tremble  :  in  his  eye 
Mildness  was  mixt  with  awful  majesty. 

AND  Jacob  went  on  his  way,  and  the  angels  of  God  met  him. 
And  when  Jacob  saw  them,  he  said,  This  is  God's  host : 
and  he  called  the  name  of  that  place  Mahanaim.  And  Jacob  sent 
messengers  before  him  to  Esau  his  brother  unto  the  land  of  Seir, 
the  country  of  Edom.  And  he  commanded  them,  saying.  Thus 
shall  ye  speak  unto  my  lord  Esau  ;  Thy  servant  Jacob  saith  thus, 
I  have  sojourned  with  Laban,  and  stayed  there  until  now  :  and  I 
have  oxen,  and  asses,  flocks,  and  men-servants,  and  women-ser- 
vants :  and  I  have  sent  to  tell  my  lord,  that  I  may  find  grace  in 

thy  sight. 

Some  faiths  are  like  those  mills  that  cannot  grind 
Their  corn,  unless  they  work  against  the  wind. 

And  the  messengers  returned  to  Jacob,  saying,  We  came  to 
thy  brother  Esau,  and  also  he  cometh  to  meet  thee,  and  four 
hundred  men  with  him.  Then  Jacob  was  greatly  afraid  and  dis- 
tressed :  and  he  divided  the  people  that  was  with  him,  and  the 
flocks,  and  herds  and  the  camels,  into  two  bands  ;  and  said.  If 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  57 

Esau  come  to  the  one  company,  and  smite  it,  then  the  other 
company  which  is  left  shall  escape. 

Nothing  more  grateful  to  the  highest  eyes, 
Nothing  more  firm  in  danger  to  protect  us, 

Nothing  more  forcible  to  pierce  the  skies, 
And  not  depart  till  mercy  do  protect  us ; 

And,  as  the  soul  life  to  the  body  gives, 

So  prayer  revives  the  soul,  by  prayer  it  lives. 

And  Jacob  said,  O  God  of  my  father  Abraham,  and  God  of  my 
father  Isaac,  the  Lord  which  saidst  unto  me,  Return  unto  thy 
country,  and  to  thy  kindred,  and  I  will  deal  well  with  thee  :  I  am 
not  worthy  of  the  least  of  all  the  mercies,  and  of  all  the  truth, 
which  thou  hast  shewed  unto  thy  servant  ;  for  with  my  staff  I 
passed  over  this  Jordan ;  and  now  I  am  become  two  bands. 
Deliver  me,  I  pray  thee,  from  the  hand  of  my  brother,  from  the 
hand  of  Esau  :  for  I  fear  him,  lest  he  will  come  and  smite  me, 
and  the  mother  with  the  children.  And  thou  saidst,  I  will 
surely  do  thee  good,  and  make  thy.  seed  as  the  sand  of  the  sea, 
which  cannot  be  numbered  for  multitude. 

My  lord,  I  have  remembrances  of  yours, 
That  I  have  longed  long  to  re-deliver ; 
I  pray  you  now  receive  them. 

And  with  them,  words  of  so  sweet  breath  composed, 
As  make  the  things  more  rich  :  the  perfume  lost. 
Take  these  again  ;  for  to  the  noble  mind. 
Rich  gifts  wax  poor  when  givers  prove  unkind. 

And  he  lodged  there  that  same  night  ;  and  took  of  that  which 
came  to  his  hand  a  present  for  Esau  his  brother  ;  two  hundred 
she-goats  and  twenty  he-goats,  two  hundred  ewes  and  twenty 
rams,  thirty  milch  camels  with  their  colts,  forty  kine  and  ten 
bulls,  twenty  she-asses  and  ten  foals.  And  he  delivered  them 
into  the  hand  of  his  servants,  every  drove  by  themselves  ;  and 
said  unto  his  servants.  Pass  over  before  me,  and  put  a  space  be- 
twixt drove  and  drove.  And  he  commanded  the  foremost,  saying. 
When  Esau  my  brother  meeteth  thee,  and  asketh  thee,  saying. 
Whose  art  thou  }  and  whither  goest  thou  .?  and  whose  are  these 
before  thee  ?  Then  thou  shalt  say,  They  be  thy  servant  Jacob's  ; 
it  is  a  present  sent  unto  my  lord  Esau  :  and,  behold,  also  he  is 
behind  us.  And  so  commanded  he  the  second,  and  the  third, 
and  all  that  followed  the  droves,  saying,  On  this  manner  shall  ye 


58  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

speak  unto  Esau,  when  ye  find  him.  And  say  ye  moreover, 
Behold,  thy  servant  Jacob  is  behind  us.  For  he  said,  I  will 
appease  him  with  the  present  that  goeth  before  me,  and  after- 
ward I  will  see  his  face  ;  perad venture  he  will  accept  of  me.  So 
went  the  present  over  before  him  ;  and  himself  lodged  that  night 
in  the  company.  And  he  rose  up  that  night,  and  took  his  two 
wives,  and  his  two  women-servants,  and  his  eleven  sons,  and 
passed  over  the  ford  Jabbok.  And  he  took  them,  and  sent  them 
over  the  brook,  and  sent  over  that  he  had. 

Come,  O  thou  Traveller  unknown, 

Whom  still  I  hold,  but  cannot  see  ! 
My  company  before  is  gone, 

And  I  am  left  alone  with  Thee  : 
With  Thee  all  night  I  mean  to  stay, 
And  wrestle  till  the  break  of  day. 

Yield  to  me  now,  for  I  am  weak ; 

But  confident  in  self-despair  : 
Speak  to  my  heart  in  blessings  speak : 

Be  conquered  by  my  instant  prayer. 
Speak  !  or  Thou  never  hence  shalt  move, 
And  tell  me  if  thy  Name  be  Love. 

And  Jacob  was  left  alone  ;  and  there  wrestled  a  man  with  him 
until  the  breaking  of  the  day.  And  when  he  saw  that  he  pre- 
vailed not  against  him,  he  touched  the  hollow  of  his  thigh  ;  and 
the  hollow  of  Jacob's  thigh  was  out  of  joint,  as  he  wrestled  with 
him.  And  he  said,  Let  me  go,  for  the  day  breaketh.  And  he 
said,  I  will  not  let  thee  go,  except  thou  bless  me.  And  he  said 
unto  him,  What  is  thy  name }  And  he  said,  Jacob.  And  he 
said,  Thy  name  shall  be  called  no  more  Jacob,  but  Israel  :  for  as 
a  prince  hast  thou  power  with  God  and  with  men,  and  hast  pre- 
vailed. And  Jacob  asked  him,  and  said.  Tell  me,  I  pray  thee, 
thy  name.  And  he  said.  Wherefore  is  it  that  thou  dost  ask  after 
my  name  t  And  he  blessed  him  there.  And  Jacob  called  the 
name  of  the  place  Peniel :  for  I  have  seen  God  face  to  face,  and 
my  life  is  preserved. 

I  will  not  let  Thee  go,  Thou  help  in  time  of  need  ! 

Heap  ill  on  ill,  I  trust  Thee  still, 
E'en  when  it  seems  as  Thou  wouldst  slay  indeed  ! 
Do  as  Thou  wilt  with  me,  I  yet  will  cling  to  Thee ! 
Hide  Thou  thy  face,  yet,  help  in  time  of  need, 

I  will  not  let  Thee  go  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  59 


CHAPTER   XXV. 

THE    FRATERNAL    MEETING. 

That  which  combined  us  was  most  great,  and  let  not 

A  leaner  action  rend  us.     What's  amiss, 

May  it  be  gendy  heard  :  when  we  debate 

Our  trivial  difference  loud,  we  do  commit 

Murder  in  healing  wounds.     Then,  noble  partners, 

Touch  you  the  sourest  points  with  sweetest  terms. 

AND  Jacob  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  looked,  and,  behold,  Esau 
came,  and  with  him  four  hundred  men.  And  he  divided 
the  children  unto  Leah,  and  unto  Rachel,  and  unto  the  two 
handmaids.  And  he  put  the  handmaids  and  their  children  fore- 
most, and  Leah  and  her  children  after,  and  Rachel  and  Joseph 
hindermost.  And  he  passed  over  before  them,  and  bowed  him- 
self to  the  ground  seven  times,  until  he  came  near  to  his  brother. 
And  Esau  ran  to  meet  him,  and  embraced  him,  and  fell  on  his 
neck,  and  kissed  him  :  and  they  wept.  And  he  lifted  up  his 
eyes,  and  saw  the  women  and  the  children,  and  said,  Who  are 
those  with  thee }  And  he  said,  The  children  which  God  hath 
graciously  given  thy  servant.  Then  the  handmaidens  came 
near,  they  and  their  children,  and  they  bowed  themselves.  And 
Leah  also  with  her  children  came  near,  and  bowed  themselves  : 
and  after  came  Joseph  near  and  Rachel,  and  they  bowed  them- 
selves. 

Blissed  be  simple  life  withouten  dreid; 

Blisseil  be  sober  feast  in  quiete  ; 

Wha  has  eneuch  of  no  more  has  he  neid, 

Though  it  be  litde  into  quantity. 

Grit  abundance,  and  bhnd  prosperity, 

Oft  timis  make  ane  evil  conclusion; 

The  sweetest  life,  theirfor,  in  this  country, 

Is  of  sickerness,  with  small  possession. 

And  he  said.  What  meanest  thou  by  all  this  drove  which  I 
met }  And  he  said,  These  are  to  find  grace  in  the  sight  of  my 
Lord.  And  Esau  said,  I  have  enough,  my  brother ;  keep  that 
thou  hast  unto  thyself.  And  Jacob  said,  Nay,  I  pray  thee,  if 
now  I  have  found  grace  in  thy  sight,  then  receive  my  present  at 


6o  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

my  hand :  for  therefore  I  have  seen  thy  face,  as  though  I  had 
seen  the  face  of  God,  and  thou  wast  pleased  with  me.  Take,  I 
pray  thee,  my  blessing  that  is  brought  to  thee  ;  because  God 
hath  dealt  graciously  with  me,  and  because  I  have  enough.  And 
he  urged  him,  and  he  took  it.  And  he  said,  Let  us  take  our 
journey,  and  let  us  go,  and  I  will  go  before  thee.  And  he  said 
unto  him,  My  lord  knoweth  that  the  children  are  tender,  and 
the  flocks  and  herds  with  young  are  with  me  ;  and  if  men  should 
overdrive  them  one  day,  all  the  flock  will  die.  Let  my  lord,  I 
pray  thee,  pass  over  before  his  servant  ;  and  I  will  lead  on  softly, 
according  as  the  cattle  that  goeth  before  me  and  the  children  be 
able  to  endure,  until  I  come  unto  my  lord  unto  Seir.  And  Esau 
said.  Let  me  now  leave  with  thee  some  of  the  folk  that  are  with 
me.  And  he  said.  What  needeth  it  .''  let  me  find  grace  in  the 
sight  of  my  lord. 

It  is  the  Mind  that  maketh  good  or  ill, 
That  maketh  wretch  or  happy  rich  or  poor  ; 
For  some  that  hath  abundance  at  his  will, 
Hath  not  enough,  but  wants  in  greater  store  ; 
And  other,  that  hath  little,  asks  no  more, 
But  in  that  little  is  both  rich  and  wise  ; 
For  wisdom  is  most  riches  :  fools,  therefore, 
They  are,  which  fortune  do  by  vows  devise, 
Sith  each  himself  his  life  may  fortunize. 

So  Esau  returned  that  day  on  his  way  unto  Seir.  And  Jacob 
journeyed  t(5  Succoth,  and  built  him  a  house,  and  made  booths 
for  his  cattle  :  therefore  the  name  of  the  place  is  called  Succoth. 
And  Jacob  came  to  Shalem,  a  city  of  Shechem,  which  is  in  the 
land  of  Canaan,  when  he  came  from  Padan-aram,  and  pitched  his 
tent  before  the  city.  And  he  bought  a  parcel  of  a  field,  where 
he  had  spread  his  tent,  at  the  hand  of  the  children  of  Hamor, 
Shechem's  father,  for  a  hundred  pieces  of  money.  And  he 
erected  there  an  altar,  and  called  it  El-Elohe-Israel. 

There  is  a  history  in  all  men's  lives, 
Figuring  the  nature  of  the  times  deceased  ; 
The  which  observed,  a  man  may  prophesy, 
-With  a  near  aim,  of  the  main  chance  of  things 
As  yet  not  come  to  life,  which  in  their  seeds, 
And  weak  beginnings,  lie  intreasured. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  6 1 


CHAPTER   XXVI. 

JOSEPH,    THE    BELOVED    SON,    AND    HATED    BROTHER. 

Men  that  make 
Envy  and  crooked  malice  nourishment, 
Dare  bite  the  best. 

AND  Jacob  dwelt  in  the  land  wherein  his  father  was  a  stranger, 
in  the  land  of  Canaan.  These  are  the  generations  of 
Jacob.  Joseph,  being  seventeen  years  old,  was  feeding  the  flock 
with  his  brethren  ;  and  the  lad  was  with  the  sons  of  Bilhah,  and 
with  the  sons  of  Zilpah,  his  father's  wives  :  and  Joseph  brought 
unto  his  father  their  evil  report.  Now  Israel  loved  Joseph  more 
than  all  his  children,  because  he  was  the  son  of  his  old  age  :  and 
he  made  him  a  coat  of  many  colours.  And  when  his  brethren 
saw  that  their  father  loved  him  more  than  all  his  brethren,  they 
hated  him,  and  could  not  speak  peaceably  unto  him. 

And  Joseph  dreamed  a  dream,  and  he  told  it  his  brethren  :  and 
they  hated  him  yet  the  more.  And  he  said  unto  them,  Hear,  I 
pray  you,  this  dream  which  I  have  dreamed  :  for,  behold,  we 
were  binding  sheaves  in  the  field,  and,  lo,  my  sheaf  arose,  and 
also  stood  upright  ;  and,  behold,  your  sheaves  stood  round  about, 
and  made  obeisance  to  my  sheaf.  And  his  brethren  said  to  him, 
Shalt  thou  indeed  reign  over  us  }  or  shalt  thou  indeed  have 
dominion  over  us  .-•  And  they  hated  him  yet  the  more  for  his 
dreams,  and  for  his  words. 

Beside  thine  hearth,  thine  home  within, 
Lies  couched  and  still  a  deadly  sin, 

O  chain  it  while  'tis  time  ! 
Learn  on  thy  brother's  joy  to  gaze 
With  thankful  eye  ;  and  Heaven's  high  counsel  praise, 

That  crowned  him  with  the  forfeit  of  thy  crime. 

And  he  dreamed  yet  another  dream,  and  told  it  his  brethren, 
and  said,  Behold,  I  have  dreamed  a  dream  more  ;  and,  behold, 
the  sun  and  the  moon  and  the  eleven  stars  made  obeisance  to 
me.  And  he  told  it  to  his  father,  and  to  his  brethren  :  and  his 
father  rebuked  him,  and  said  unto  him.  What  is  this  dream  that 
thou  hast  dreamed  }     Shall  I  and  thy  mother  and  thy  brethren 


62  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

indeed  come  to  bow  down  ourselves  to  thee  to  the  earth  ?     And 
his  brethren  envied  him  ;  but  his  father  observed  the  saying. 

God  keeps  His  holy  mysteries 

Just  on  the  outside  of  man's  dream  ; 
In  diapason  slow,  we  think  , 

To  hear  their  pinions  rise  and  sink, 
While  they  float  pure  beneath  His  eyes, 

Like  swans  adown  a  stream. 

And  his  brethren  went  to  feed  their  father's  flock  in  Shechem. 
And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  Do  not  thy  brethren  feed  the  flock 
in  Shechem  .-*  come,  and  I  will  send  thee  unto  them.  And  he 
said  to  him,  Here  am  I.  And  he  said  to  him,  Go,  I  pray  thee, 
see  whether  it  be  well  with  thy  brethren,  and  well  with  the 
flocks  ;  and  bring  me  word  again.  So  he  sent  him  out  of  the 
vale  of  Hebron,  and  he  came  to  Shechem. 

And  a  certain  man  found  him,  and,  behold,  he  was  wandering 
in  the  field  :  and  the  man  asked  him,  saying.  What  seekest  thou  .-• 
And  he  said,  I  seek  my  brethren  :  tell  me,  I  pray  thee,  where 
they  feed  their  flocks.  And  the  man  said,  They  are  departed 
hence  ;  for  I  heard  them  say,  Let  us  go  to  Dothan.  And  Joseph 
went  after  his  brethren,  and  found  them  in  Dothan.  And  when 
they  saw  him  afar  off,  even  before  he  came  near  unto  them, 
they  conspired  against  him  to  slay  him.  And  they  said  one  to 
another,  Behold,  this  dreamer  cometh.  Come  now  therefore, 
and  let  us  slay  him,  and  cast  him  into  some  pit,  and  we  will  say, 
Some  evil  beast  hath  devoured  him  ;  and  we  shall  see  what  will 
become  of  his  dreams.  And  Reuben  heard  it,  and  he  delivered 
him  out  of  their  hands  ;  and  said.  Let  us  not  kill  him.  And 
Reuben  said  unto  them,  Shed  no  blood,  but  cast  him  into  this 
pit  that  is  in  the  wilderness,  and  lay  no  hand  upon  him  ;  that 
he  might  rid  him  out  of  their  hands,  to  deliver  him  to  his 
father  again. 

O  conspiracy  !, 

Sham'st  thou  to  show  thy  dangerous  brow  by  night, 

When  evils  are  most  free  ?     O  !  then,  by  day 

Where  wilt  thou  find  a  cavern  dark  enough 

To  mask  thy  monstrous  visage  ?     Seek  none,  conspiracy  ; 

Hide  it  in  smiles,  and  affability  : 

For  if  thou  path,  thy  native  semblance  on, 

Not  Erebus  itself  were  dim  enough 

To  hide  thee  from  prevention. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  63 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joseph  was  come  unto  his  breth- 
ren, that  they  stripped  Joseph  out  of  his  coat,  his  coat  of  many- 
colours  that  was  on  him  ;  and  they  took  him,  and  cast  him  into 
a  pit :  and  the  pit  was  empty,  there  was  no  water  in  it.  And 
they  sat  down  to  eat  bread  :  and  they  Hfted  up  their  eyes  and 
looked,  and,  behold,  a  company  of  Ishmaelites  came  from  Gilead, 
with  their  camels  bearing  spicery  and  balm  and  myrrh,  going  to 
carry  it  down  to  Egypt.  And  Judah  said  unto  his  brethren. 
What  profit  is  it  if  we  slay  our  brother,  and  conceal  his  blood  } 
Come,  and  let  us  sell  him  to  the  Ishmaelites,  and  let  not  our  hand 
be  upon  him  ;  for  he  is  our  brother  and  our  flesh  :  and  his  brethren 
were  content.  Then  there  passed  by  Midianites  merchantmen  ; 
and  they  drew  and  lifted  up  Joseph  out  of  the  pit,  and  sold 
Joseph  to  the  Ishmaelites  for  twenty  pieces  of  silver  :  and  they 
brought  Joseph  into  Egypt. 

Envy's  harsh  berries  and  the  choking  pool 
Of  the  world's  scorn,  are  the  right  mother-milk 
To  the  tough  hearts  that  pioneer  their  kind, 
And  break  a  pathway  to  those  unknown  realms 
That  in  the  earth's  broad  shadow  lie  enthralled. 

And  Reuben  returned  unto  the  pit ;  and,  behold,  Joseph  was 
not  in  the  pit  ;  and  he  rent  his  clothes.  And  he  returned  unto 
his  brethren,  and  said,  The  child  is  not  ;  and  I,  whither  shall  I 
go  .''  And  they  took  Joseph's  coat,  and  killed  a  kid  of  the  goats, 
and  dipped  the  coat  in  the  blood  ;  and  they  sent  the  coat  of 
many  colours,  and  they  brought  it  to  tKeir  father  ;  and  said,  This 
have  we  found  :  know  now  whether  it  be  thy  son's  coat  or  no. 
And  he  knew  it,  and  said,  It  is  my  son's  coat  ;  an  evil  beast  hath 
devoured  him  ;  Joseph  is  without  doubt  rent  in  pieces.  And 
Jacob  rent  his  clothes,  and  put  sackcloth  upon  his  loins,  and 
mourned  for  his  son  many  days.  And  all  his  sons  and  all  his 
daughters  rose  up  to  comfort  him  ;  but  he  refused  to  be  com- 
forted ;  and  he  said.  For  I  will  go  down  into  the  grave  unto  my 
son  mourning.  Thus  his  father  wept  for  him.  And  the  Midian- 
ites sold  him  into  Egypt  unto  Potiphar,  an  officer  of  Pharaoh's, 
and  captain  of  the  guard. 

Grief  fills  the  room  up  of  my  absent  child, 
Lies  in  his  bed,  walks  up  and  down  with  me ; 
Puts  on  his  pretty  looks,  repeats  his  words, 
Remembers  me  of  all  his  gracious  parts, 
Stuffs  out  his  vacant  garments  with  his  form : 
Then  have  I  reason  to  be  fOnd  of  srief. 


64  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   XXVII. 

JOSEPH    PROMOTED,    PERSECUTED,    AND    IMPRISONED. 

"A  RAVELLED  rainbow  overhead 
Lets  down  to  life  its  varying  thread : 
Love's  blue, — joy's  gold,  —  and,  fair  between, 
Hope's  shifting  light  of  emerald  green  ; 
With,  either  side,  in  deep  rehef, 
A  crimson  Pain,  —  a  violet  Grief. 
Would'st  thou,  amid  their  gleaming  hues. 
Clutch  after  those,  and  these  refuse  ? 
Believe, — as  thy  beseeching  eyes 
Follow  their  lines,  and  sound  the  skies,  — 
There,  where  the  fadeless  glories  shine. 
An  unseen  angel  twists  the  twine. 

And  be  thou  sure,  what  tint  soe'er 
The  broken  rays  beneath  may  wear, 
It  needs  them  all,  that,  broad  and  white, 
God's  love  may  weave  the  perfect  light. 

AND  Joseph  was  brought  down  to  Egypt ;  and  Potiphar,  an 
officer  of  Pharaoh,  captain  of  the  guard,  an  Egyptian, 
bought  him  of  the  hands  of  the  Ishmaehtes,  which  had  brought 
him  down  thither.  And  the  Lord  was  with  Joseph,  and  he  was 
a  prosperous  man  ;  and  he  was  in  the  house  of  his  master  the 
Egyptian.  And  his  master  saw  that  the  Lord  was  with  him, 
and  that  the  Lord  made  all  that  he  did  to  prosper  in  his  hand. 
And  Joseph  found  grace  in  his  sight,  and  he  served  him  :  and  he 
made  him  overseer  over  his  house,  and  all  that  he  had  he  put  into 
his  hand.  And  it  came  to  pass  from  the  time  that  he  had  made 
him  overseer  in  his  house,  and  over  all  that  he  had,  that  the 
Lord  blessed  the  Egyptian's  house  for  Joseph's  sake  ;  and  the 
blessing  of  the  Lord  was  upon  all  that  he  had  in  the  house,  and 
in  the  field.  And  he  left  all  that  he  had  in  Joseph's  hand  ;  and 
he  knew  not  aught  he  had,  save  the  bread  which  he  did  eat. 
And  Joseph  was  a  goodly  person,  and  well  favoured. 

Virtue  maybe  assailed,  but  never  hurt  ; 
Surprised  by  unjust  force,  but  not  enthralled  ; 
Yea,  even  that,  which  mischief  meant  most  harm, 
Shall  in  the  happy  trial  prove  most  glory  : 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  65 

But  evil  on  itself  shall  back  recoil, 

And  mix  no  more  with  goodness  ;  when  at  last, 

Gathered  like  scum,  and  settled  to  itself, 

It  shall  be  in  eternal,  restless  change 

Self-fed  and  self-consumed  :  if  this  fail, 

The  pillared  firmament  is  rottenness, 

And  earth's  base  built  on  stubble. 

And  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things,  that  his  master's  wife 
cast  her  eyes  upon  Joseph  ;  and  she  said,  Lie  with  me.  But  he 
refused,  and  said  unto  his  master's  wife.  Behold,  my  master 
wotteth  not  what  is  with  me  in  the  house,  and  he  hath  com- 
mitted all  that  he  hath  to  my  hand  ;  there  is  none  greater  in 
this  house  than  I  ;  neither  hath  he  kept  back  any  thing  from  me 
but  thee,  because  thou  art  his  wife :  how  then  can  I  do  this 
great  wickedness,  and  sin  against  God  ? 

From  God's  glances  shrink  thou  never,  meet  them  ever; 

Who  submits  him  to  His  grace 
Finds  that  earth  no  sunshine  knoweth 
Such  as  gloweth  o'er  his  pathway  all  his  days. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  as  she  spake  to  Joseph  day  by  day,  that 
he  hearkened  not  unto  her,  to  lie  by  her,  or  to  be  with  her. 
And  it  came  to  pass  about  this  time,  that  Joseph  went  into  the 
house  ;  and  there  was  none  of  the  men  of  the  house  there 
within.  And  she  caught  him  by  his  garment,  saying.  Lie  with 
me :  and  he  left  his  garment  in  her  hand,  and  fled,  and  got  him 
out.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  she  saw  that  he  had  left  his 
garment  in  her  hand,  and  was  fled  forth,  that  she  called  unto 
the  men  of  her  house,  and  spake  unto  them,  saying,  See,  he  hath 
brought  in  a  Hebrew  unto  us  to  mock  us  ;  he  came  in  unto  me 
to  lie  with  me,  and  I  cried  with  a  loud  voice  :  and  it  came  to 
pass,  when  he  heard  that  I  lifted  up  my  voice  and  cried,  that  he 
left  his  garment  with  me,  aiid  fled,  and  got  him  out.  And  she 
laid  up  his  garment  by  her,  until  his  lord  came  home.  And  she 
spake  unto  him  according  to  these  words,  saying,  The  Hebrew 
servant,  which  thou  hast  brought  unto  us,  came  in  unto  me  to 
mock  me :  and  it  came  to  pass,  as  I  Hfted  up  my  voice  and 
cried,  that  he  left  his  garment  with  me,  and  fled  out.  And  it 
came  to  pass,  when  his  master  heard  the  words  of  his  wife, 
which  she  spake  unto  him,  saying,  A^ter  this  manner  did  thy 
servant  to  me ;    that  his  wrath   was   kindled.     And   Joseph's 


66  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

master  took  him,  and  put  him  into  the  prison,  a  place  where  the 
king's  prisoners  were  bound :  and  he  was  there  in  the  prison. 

Waken'st  thou  again  to  sorrow,  oh  !  then  borrow 

Strength  from  Him,  whose  sun-like  might 

On  the  mountain  summit  tarries. 
And  yet  carries  to  the  vales  their  mirth  and  light. 

But  the  Lord  was  with  Joseph,  and  shewed  him  mercy,  and 
gave  him  favour  in  the  sight  of  the  keeper  of  the  prison.  And 
the  keeper  of  the  prison  committed  to  Joseph's  hand  all  the 
prisoners  that  were  in  the  prison  ;  and  whatsoever  they  did 
there,  he  was  the  doer  of  it.  The  keeper  of  the  prison  looked 
not  to  any  thing  that  was  under  his  hand  ;  because  the  Lord 
was  with  him,  and  that  which  he  did,  the  Lord  made  it  to 
prosper. 

Now  let  us  thank  the  Eternal  Power :  convinced 
That  Heaven  but  tries  our  virtue  by  affliction. 
That  oft  the  cloud  which  wraps  the  present  hour 
Serves  but  to  brighten  all  our  future  days. 


CHAPTER   XXVIIL 

THE  king's   butler  AND  BAKER  COME  TO   GRIEF. 

O,  momentary  grace  of  mortal  men  ! 

Which  we  more  hunt  for  than  the  grace  of  God. 

Who  builds  his  hope  in  air  of  your  good  looks, 

Lives  like  a  drunken  sailor  on  a  mast ; 

Ready  with  every  nod  to  tumble  down 

Into  the  fatal  bowels  of  the  deep. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things,  that  the  butler  of  the 
king  of  Egypt  and  his  baker  had  offended  their  lord  the 
king  of  Egypt.  And  Pharaoh  was  wroth  against  two  of  his 
officers,  against  the  chief  of  the  butlers,  and  against  the  chief  of 
the  bakers.  And  he  put  them  in  ward  in  the  house  of  the  captain 
of  the  guard,  into  the  prison,  the  place  where  Joseph  was  bound. 
And  the  captain  of  the  guard  charged  Joseph  with  them,  and  he 
served  them  :  and  they  continued  a  season  in  ward. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  67 

Take  heed,  you  dally  not  before  your  king, 
Lest  He,  that  is  the  supreme  King  of  kings, 
Confound  your  hidden  falsehood,  and  award 
Either  of  you  to  be  the  other's  end. 

And  they  dreamed  a  dream  both  of  them,  each  man  his  dream 
in  one  night,  each  man  according  to  the  interpretation  of  his 
dream,  the  butler  and  the  baker  of  the  king  of  Egypt,  which  were 
bound  in  the  prison.  And  Josepli  came  in  unto  them  in  the 
morning,  and  looked  upon  them,  and,  behold,  they  were  sad. 
And  he  asked  Pharaoh's  officers  that  were  with  him  in  the  ward 
of  his  lord's  house,  saying,  Wherefore  look  ye  so  sadly  to-day .'' 
And  they  said  unto  him,  We  have  dreamed  a  dream,  and  there  is 
no  interpreter  of  it.  And  Joseph  said  unto  them.  Do  not  inter- 
pretations belong  to  God  .?  tell  me  them,  I  pray  you.  And  the 
chief  butler  told  his  dream  to  Joseph,  and  said  to  him,  In  my 
dream,  behold,  a  vine  was  before  me  ;  and  in  the  vine  were  three 
branches  :  and  it  was  as  though  it  budded,  and  her  blossoms  shot 
forth  ;  and  the  clusters  thereof  brought  forth  ripe  grapes  :  and 
Pharaoh's  cup  was  in  my  hand :  and  I  took  the  grapes,  and 
pressed  them  into  Pharaoh's  cup,  and  I  gave  the  cup  into  Pha- 
raoh's hand.  And  Joseph  said  unto  him.  This  is  the  interpreta- 
tion of  it :  The  three  branches  are  three  days  :  yet  within  three 
days  shall  Pharaoh  lift  up  thine  head,  and  restore  thee  unto  thy 
place  ;  and  thou  shalt  deliver  Pharaoh's  cup  into  his  hand,  after 
the  former  manner  when  thou  wast  his  butler.  But  think  on  me 
when  it  shall  be  well  with  thee,  and  shew  kindness,  I  pray  thee, 
unto  me,  and  make  mention  of  me  unto  Pharaoh,  and  bring  me 
out  of  this  house  :  for  indeed  I  was  stolen  away  out  of  the  land  of 
the  Hebrews  :  and  here  also  have  I  done  nothing  that  they  should 
put  me  into  the  dungeon.  When  the  chief  baker  saw  that  the 
interpretation  was  good,  he  said  unto  Joseph,  I  also  was  in  my 
dream,  and,  behold,  I  had  three  white  baskets  on  my  head  :  and 
in  the  uppermost  basket  there  was  of  all  manner  of  bakemeats 
for  Pharaoh  ;  and  the  birds  did  eat  them  out  of  the  basket  upon 
my  head.  And  Joseph  answered  and  said,  This  is  the  interpre- 
tation thereof  :  The  three  baskets  are  three  days  :  yet  within  three 
days  shall  Pharaoh  lift  up  thy  head  from  off  thee,  and  shall  hang 
thee  on  a  tree ;  and  the  birds  shall  eat  thy  flesh  from  off  thee. 

Nay,  do  not  say  —  stand  up  ; 
But,  pardon  first,  and  afterwards,  stand  up. 


68  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

I  never  longed  to  hear  a  word  till  now  ; 
Say  —  pardon,  king  ;  let  pity  teach  thee  how  : 
The  word  is  short,  but  not  so  short  as  sweet ; 
No  word  like  pardon,  for  kings'  mouths  so  meet. 
Twice  saying  pardon  doth  not  pardon  twain, 
But  makes  one  pardon  strong. 

And  it  came  to  pass  the  third  day,  which  was  Pharaoh's  birth- 
day, that  he  made  a  feast  unto  all  his  servants  :  and  he  lifted  up 
the  head  of  the  chief  butler  and  of  the  chief  baker  among  his 
servants.  And  he  restored  the  chief  butler  unto  his  butlership 
again,  and  he  gave  the  cup  into  Pharaoh's  hand  ;  but  he  hanged 
the  chief  baker :  as  Joseph  had  interpreted  to  them.  Yet  did  not 
the  chief  butler  remember  Joseph,  but  forgat  him. 

Blow,  blow,  thou  winter  wind, 
Thou  art  not  so  unkind  as  man's  ingratitude  ; 

Thy  tooth  is  not  so  keen. 
Because  thou  art  not  seen,  although  thy  breath  be  rude. 

Freeze,  freeze,  thou  bitter  sky. 
That  dost  not  bite  so  nigh  as  benefits  forgot : 

Though  thou  the  waters  warp, 
Thy  sting  is  not  so  sharp  as  friend  remembered  not. 


CHAPTER   XXIX. 

Pharaoh's  dreams. 

0  !  I  have  passed  a  miserable  night, 
So  full  of  fearful  dreams,  of  ugly  sights, 
That,  as  I  am  a  Christian  faithful  man, 

1  would  not  spend  another  such  a  night, 
Though  'twere  to  buy  a  world  of  happy  days, 
So  full  of  dismal  terror  ^yas  the  time. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  two  full  years,  that  Pha- 
raoh dreamed  :  and,  behold,  he  stood  by  the  river.  And, 
behold,  there  came  up  out  of  the  river  seven  well  favoured  kine 
and  fat-fleshed  ;  and  they  fed  in  a  meadow.  And,  behold,  seven 
other  kine  came  up  after  them,  out  of  the  river,  ill  favoured  and 
lean-fleshed  ;  and  stood  by  the  other  kine  upon  the  brink  of  the 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  PO^TS.  69 

river.     And  the  ill  favoured  and  lean-fleshed  kine  did  eat  up  the 
seven  well  favoured  and  fat  kine.     So  Pharaoh  awoke. 

Nor  yet  shall  people  be  too  confident 

In  judging,  even  as  he  is  who  doth  count 
The  corn  in  field  or  ever  it  be  ripe. 

For  I  have  seen  all  winter  long  the  thorn 
First  show  itself  intractable  and  fierce, 
And  after  bear  the  rose  upon  its  top  ; 

And  I  have  seen  a  ship  direct  and  swift 

Run  o'er  the  sea  throughout  its  course  entire, 
To  perish  at  the  harbour's  mouth  at  last. 

And  he  slept  and  dreamed  the  second  time  :  and,  behold,  seven 
ears  of  corn  came  up  upon  one  stalk,  rank  and  good.  And,  behold, 
seven  thin  ears  and  blasted  with  the  east  wind  sprung  up  after 
them.  And  the  seven  thin  ears  devoured  the  seven  rank  and 
full  ears.  And  Pharaoh  awoke,  and,  behold,  it  was  a  dream. 
And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning  that  his  spirit  was  troubled  ; 
and  he  sent  and  called  for  all  the  magicians  of  Egypt,  and  all  the 
wise  men  thereof :  and  Pharaoh  told  them  his  dream  ;  but  there 
was  none  that  could  interpret  them  unto  Pharaoh. 

And  slight  withal  may  be  the  things  which  bring 

Back  on  the  heart  the  weight  which  it  would  fling 

Aside  forever  ;  it  may  be  a  sound, 

A  tone  of  music,  summer's  eve,  or  spring, 

A  flower,  the  wind,  the  ocean,  which  shall  wound, 

Striking  the  electric  chain  wherewith  we  are  darkly  bound. 

And  how  and  why  we  know  not,  nor  can  trace 

Home  to  its  cloud  this  hghtning  of  the  mind, 

But  feel  the  shock  renewed,  nor  can  efface 

The  blight  and  blackening  which  it  leaves  behind. 

Then  spake  the  chief  butler  unto  Pharaoh,  saying,  I  do  re- 
member my  faults  this  day :  Pharaoh  was  wroth  with  his  ser- 
vants, and  put  me  in  ward  in  the  captain  of  the  guard's  house, 
both  me  and  the  chief  baker :  and  we  dreamed  a  dream  in  one 
night,  I  and  he  ;  we  dreamed  each  man  according  to  the  inter- 
pretation of  his  dream.  And  there  was  there  with  us  a  young 
man,  a  Hebrew,  servant  to  the  captain  of  the  guard  ;  and  we 
told  him,  and  he  interpreted  to  us  our  dreams  ;  to  each  man 
according  to  his  dream  he  did  interpret.  And  it  came  to  pass, 
as  he  interpreted  to  us,  so  it  was ;  me  he  restored  unto  mine 
office,  and  him  he  hanged. 


^0  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

The  good  man  suffers  but  to  gain, 
And  every  virtue  springs  from  pain  ; 
As  aromatic  plants  bestow 
No  spicy  fragrance  while  they  grow ; 
But  crushed,  or  trodden  to  the  ground, 
Diffuse  their  balmy  sweets  around. 

Then  Pharaoh  sent  and  called  Joseph,  and  they  brought  him 
hastily  out  of  the  dungeon :  and  he  shaved  himself,  and  changed 
his  raiment,  and  came  in  unto  Pharaoh.  And  Pharaoh  said  unto 
Joseph,  I  have  dreamed  a  dream,  and  there  is  none  that  can 
interpret  it :  and  I  have  heard  say  of  thee,  that  thou  canst  under- 
stand a  dream  to  interpret  it.  And  Joseph  answered  Pharaoh, 
saying,  It  is  not  in  me  :  God  shall  give  Pharaoh  an  answer  of 
peace.  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  In  my  dream,  behold,  I 
stood  upon  the  bank  of  the  river :  and,  behold,  there  came  up  out 
of  the  river  seven  kine,  fat-fleshed  and  well  favoured  ;  and  they 
fed  in  a  meadow  :  and,  behold,  seven  other  kine  came  up  after 
them,  poor  and  very  ill  favoured  and  lean-fleshed,  such  as  I  never 
saw  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt  for  badness  :  and  the  lean  and  the 
ill  favoured  kine  did  eat  up  the  first  seven  fat  kine  :  and  when 
they  had  eaten  them  up,  it  could  not  be  known  that  they  had 
eaten  them  ;  but  they  were  still  ill  favoured,  as  at  the  begin- 
ning. So  I  awoke.  And  I  saw  in  my  dream,  and,  behold,  seven 
ears  came  up  in  one  stalk,  full  and  good  :  and,  behold,  seven  ears, 
withered,  thin,  and  blasted  with  the  east  wind,  sprung  up  after 
them  :  and  the  thin  ears  devoured  the  seven  good  ears :  and  I 
told  this  unto  the  magicians ;  but  there  was  none  that  could 
declare  it  to  me. 

Thy  spirit  within  thee  hath  been  so  at  war, 

And  thus  that  hath  so  bestirred  thee  in  thy  sleep, 

That  beads  of  sweat  have  stood  upon  thy  brow, 

Like  bubbles  in  a  late  disturbed  stream  : 

And  in  thy  face  strange  motions  have  appeared, 

Such  as  we  see  when  men  restrain  their  breath 

On  some  great  sudden  hest. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  yi 


CHAPTER   XXX. 

JOSEPH    INTERPRETS    FOR  PHARAOH. NEW   HONOURS. 

But  there  are  deeds  which  should  not  pass  away, 

And  names  that  must  not  wither,  though  the  earth 

Forget  her  empires  with  a  just  decay, 

The  enslavers  and  the  enslaved,  their  death  and  birth  ; 

The  high,  the  mountain  majesty  of  worth 

Should  be,  and  shall,  survivor  of  its  woe, 

And  from  its  immortality  look  forth 

In  the  sun's  face,  Hke  yonder  Alpine  snow, 

Imperishably  pure  beyond  all  things  below. 

AND  Joseph  said  unto  Pharaoh,  The  dream  of  Pharaoh  is 
one :  God  hath  shewed  Pharaoh  what  he  is  about  to  do. 
The  seven  good  kine  are  seven  years  ;  and  the  seven  good  ears 
are  seven  years  :  the  dream  is  one.  And  the  seven  thin  and 
ill  favoured  kine  that  came  up  after  them  are  seven  years ;  and 
the  seven  empty  ears  blasted  with  the  east  wind  shall  be  seven 
years  of  famine.  This  is  the  thing  which  I  have  spoken  unto 
Pharaoh  :  what  God  is  about  to  do  he  sheweth  unto  Pharaoh. 
Behold,  there  come  seven  years  of  great  plenty  throughout  all 
the  land  of  Egypt :  and  there  shall  arise  after  them  seven  years 
of  famine  ;  and  all  the  plenty  shall  be  forgotten  in  the  land  of 
Egypt ;  and  the  famine  shall  consume  the  land  ;  and  the  plenty 
shall  not  be  known  in  the  land  by  reason  of  that  famine  follow- 
ing ;  for  it  shall  be  very  grievous.  And  for  that  the  dream  was 
doubled  unto  Pharaoh  twice  ;  it  is  because  the  thing  is  estab- 
lished by  God,  and  God  will  shortly  bring  it  to  pass.  Now  there- 
fore let  Pharaoh  look  out  a  man  discreet  and  wise,  and  set  him 
over  the  land  of  Egypt.  Let  Pharaoh  do  this,  and  let  him 
appoint  officers  over  the  land,  and  take  up  the  fifth  part  of  the 
land  of  Egypt  in  the  seven  plenteous  years.  And  let  them 
gather  all  the  food  of  those  good  years  that  come,  and  lay  up 
corn  under  the  hand  of  Pharaoh,  and  let  them  keep  food  in  the 
cities.  And  that  food  shall  be  for  store  to  the  land  against  the 
seven  years  of  famine,  which  shall  be  in  the  land  of  Egypt ;  that 
the  land  perish  not  through  the  famine. 


72  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Seme  must  be  great.     Great  offices  will  have 
Great  talents.     And  God  gives  every  man 
The  virtue,  temper,  understanding,  taste, 
That  lifts  him  into  life,  and  lets  him  fall 
Just  in  the  niche  he  was  ordained  to  fill. 

And  the  thing  was  good  in  the  eyes  of  Pharaoh,  and  in  the 
eyes  of  all  his  servants.  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  his  servants, 
Can  we  find  such  a  one  as  this  is,  a  man  in  whom  the  spirit  of 
God  is  .'*  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  Forasmuch  as  God 
hath  shewed  thee  all  this,  there  is  none  so  discreet  and  wise  as 
thou  art :  thou  shalt  be  over  my  house,  and  according  unto  thy 
word  shall  all  my  people  be  ruled :  only  in  the  throne  will  I  be 
greater  than  thou.  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  See,  I  have 
set  thee  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt.  And  Pharaoh  took  off  his 
ring  from  his  hand,  and  put  it  upon  Joseph's  hand,  and  arrayed 
him  in  vestures  of  fine  linen,  and  put  a  gold  chain  about  his 
neck  ;  and  he  made  him  to  ride  in  the  second  chariot  which  he 
had  ;  and  they  cried  before  him,  Bow  the  knee :  and  he  made 
him  ruler  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt.  And  Pharaoh  said  unto 
Joseph,  I  am  Pharaoh,  and  without  thee  shall  no  man  lift  up  his 
hand  or  foot  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt.  And  Pharaoh  called 
Joseph's  name  Zaphnath-paaneah  ;  and  he  gave  him  to  wife 
Asenath  the  daughter  of  Poti-pherah  priest  of  On.  And  Joseph 
went  out  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

The  gentle  heart  that  thinks  with  pain, 

It  scarce  can  lowHest  task  fulfil ; 
And,  if  it  dared  its  life  to  scan, 

Would  ask  but  pathway  low  and  still. 
Often  such  lowly  heart  is  brought 
To  act  with  power  beyond  its  thought ; 

For  God,  through  ways  they  have  not  known, 
Will  lead  His  own. 

God  doth  not  leave  His  own  : 
The  night  of  weeping  for  a  time  may  last, 

Then,  tears  all  past, 
His  going  forth  shall  as  the  morning  shine, 
The  sunrise  of  his  favour  shall  be  thine : 
God  doth  not  leave  His  own. 

And  Joseph  was  thirty  years  old  when  he  stood  before -Pharaoh 
king  of    Egypt.     And  Joseph  went  out  from  the  presence   of 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  73 

Pharaoh,  and  went  throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt.  And  in 
the  seven  plenteous  years  the  earth  brought  forth  by  handfuls. 
And  he  gathered  up  all  the  food  of  the  seven  years,  which  were 
in  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  laid  up  the  food  in  the  cities  :  the  food 
of  the  field,  which  was  round  about  every  city,  laid  he  up  in  the 
same.  And  Joseph  gathered  corn  as  the  sand  of  the  sea,  very 
much,  until  he  left  numbering  ;  for  it  was  without  number.  And 
unto  Joseph  were  born  two  sons  before  the  years  of  famine 
came  :  which  Asenath  the  daughter  of  Poti-pherah  priest  of  On 
bare  unto  him.  And  Joseph  called  the  name  of  the  first-born 
Manasseh  :  For  God,  said  he,  hath  made  me  forget  all  my  toil, 
and  all  my  father's  house.  And  the  name  of  the  second  called 
he  Ephraim :  For  God  hath  caused  me  to  be  fruitful  in  the  land 
of  my  affliction. 


CHAPTER   XXXI. 

Joseph's  brethren  sent  into  egypt  for  food. 

So  oft  the  doing  of  God's  will 

Our  foolish  wills  undoeth  ! 
And  yet  what  idle  dream  breaks  ill, 

Which  morning-light  subdueth  ? 
And  who  would  murmur  and  misdoubt, 
When  God's  great  sunrise  finds  him  out .'' 

AND  the  seven  years  of  plenteousness,  that  was  in  the  land 
of  Egypt,  were  ended.  And  the  seven  years  of  dearth 
began  to  come,  according  as  Joseph  had  said  :  and  the  dearth 
was  in  all  lands  ;  but  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt  there  was  bread. 
And  when  all  the  land  of  Egypt  was  famished,  the  people  cried 
to  Pharaoh  for  bread  :  and  Pharaoh  said  unto  all  the  Egyptians, 
Go  unto  Joseph  ;  what  he  saith  to  you,  do.  And  the  famine 
was  over  all  the  face  of  the  earth  :  and  Joseph  opened  all  the 
storehouses,  and  sold  unto  the  Egyptians  ;  and  the  famine  waxed 
sore  in  the  land  of  Egypt.  And  all  countries  came  into  Egypt 
to  Joseph  for  to  buy  corn  ;  because  that  the  famine  was  so  sore 
in  all  lands. 

Now  when  Jacob  saw  that  there  was  corn  in   Egypt,  Jacob 


74  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

said  unto  his  sons,  Why  d '  ye  look  one  upon  another  ?  And  he 
said,  Behold,  I  have  heard  that  there  is  corn  in  Egypt :  get  you 
down  thither,  and  buy  for  us  from  thence  ;  that  we  may  live,  and 
not  die. 

The  great  man  down,  you  mark  his  favourite  flies ; 

The  poor  advanced  makes  friends  of  enemies  : 

And  hitherto  doth  love  on  fortune  tend, 

For  who  not  needs  shall  never  lack  a  friend  ; 

And  who  in  want  a  hollow  friend  doth  try. 

Directly  seasons  him  his  enemy. 

And  Joseph's  ten  brethren  went  down  to  buy  corn  in  Egypt. 
But  Benjamin,  Joseph's  brother,  Jacob  sent  not  with  his  breth- 
ren ;  for  he  said,  Lest  peradventure  mischief  befall  him.  And 
the  sons  of  Israel  came  to  buy  corn  among  those  that  came  :  for 
the  famine  was  in  the  land  of  Canaan.  And  Joseph  was  the 
governor  over  the  land,  and  he  it  was  that  sold  to  all  the  people 
of  the  land  :  and  Joseph's  brethren  came,  and  bowed  down  them- 
selves before  him  with  their  faces  to  the  earth.  And  Joseph  saw 
his  brethren,  and  he  knew  them,  but  made  himself  strange  unto 
them,  and  spake  roughly  unto  them  ;  and  he  said  unto  them, 
Whence  come  ye  .-*  And  they  said,  From  the  land  of  Canaan  to 
buy  food.  And  Joseph  knew  his  brethren,  but  they  knew  not 
him.  And  Joseph  remembered  the  dreams  which  he  dreamed  of 
them,  and  said  unto  them.  Ye  are  spies  ;  to  see  the  nakedness 
of  the  land  ye  are  come.  And  they  said  unto  him.  Nay,  my 
lord,  but  to  buy  food  are  thy  servants  come.  We  are  all  one 
man's  sons  ;  we  are  true  men,  thy  servants  are  no  spies.  And 
he  said  unto  them.  Nay,  but  to  see  the  nakedness  of  the  land  ye 
are  come.  And  they  said.  Thy  servants  are  twelve  brethren, 
the  sons  of  one  man  in  the  land  of  Canaan  ;  and,  behold,  the 
youngest  is  this  day  with  our  father,  and  one  is  not.  And  Joseph 
said  unto  them,  That  is  it  that  I  spake  unto  you,  saying,  Ye  are 
spies  :  hereby  ye  shall  be  proved  :  By  the  life  of  Pharaoh  ye 
shall  not  go  forth  hence,  except  your  youngest  brother  come 
hither.  Send  one  of  you,  and  let  him  fetch  your  brother,  and  ye 
shall  be  kept  in  prison,  that  your  words  may  be  proved,  whether 
there  be  any  truth  in  you  :  or  else  by  the  life  of  Pharaoh  surely  ye 
are  spies.  And  he  put  them  all  together  into  ward  three  days. 
And  Joseph  said  unto  them  the  third  day.  This  do,  and  live  ;  for 
I  fear  God  :  if  ye  be  true  men,  let  one  of  your  brethren  be  bound 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  75 

in  the  house  of  your  prison  :  go  ye,  carry  corn  for  the  famine  of 
your  houses  :  but  bring  your  youngest  brother  unto  me  ;  so  shall 
your  words  be  verified,  and  ye  shall  "ot  die.     And  they  did  so. 

I  told  ye  all, 
When  we  put  this  dangerous  stone  a  rolling, 
'Twould  fall  upon  ourselves. 

And  they  said  one  to  another,  We  are  verily  guilty  concerning 
our  brother,  in  that  we  saw  the  anguish  of  his  soul,  when  he  be- 
sought us,  and  we  would  not  hear  ;  therefore  is  this  distress 
come  upon  us.  And  Reuben  answered  them,  saying.  Spake  I 
not  unto  you,  saying,  Do  not  sin  against  the  child  ;  and  ye  would 
not  hear .?  therefore,  behold,  also  his  blood  is  required.  And 
they  knew  not  that  Joseph  understood  them  ;  for  he  spake  unto 
them  by  an  interpreter.  And  he  turned  himself  about  from 
them,  and  wept ;  and  returned  to  them  again,  and  communed 
with  them,  and  took  from  them  Simeon,  and  bound  him  before 
their  eyes. 

Then  Joseph  commanded  to  fill  their  sacks  with  corn,  and 
to  restore  every  man's  money  into  his  sack,  and  to  give  them 
provision  for  the  way :  and  thus  did  he  unto  them.  And  they 
laded  their  asses  with  the  corn,  and  departed  thence.  And  as 
one  of  them  opened  his  sack  to  give  his  ass  provender  in  the 
inn,  he  espied  his  money  ;  for,  behold,  it  was  in  his  sack's 
mouth.  And  he  said  unto  his  brethren,  My  money  is  restored  ; 
and,  lo,  it  is  even  in  my  sack :  and  their  heart  failed  them,  and 
they  were  afraid,  saying  one  to  another.  What  is  this  that  God 
hath  done  unto  us  .'' 

Yield  not  thy  neck 
To  fortune's  yoke,  but  let  thy  dauntless  mind 
Still  ride  in  triumph  over  all  mischance. 

And  they  came  unto  Jacob  their  father  unto  the  land  of 
Canaan,  and  told  him  all  that  befell  unto  them  ;  saying,  The 
man,  who  is  the  lord  of  the  land,  spake  roughly  to  us,  and  took 
us  for  spies  of  the  country.  And  we  said  unto  him.  We  are 
true  men  ;  we  are  no  spies  :  we  be  twelve  brethren,  sons  of  our 
father ;  one  is  not,  and  the  youngest  is  this  day  with  our  father 
in  the  land  of  Canaan.  And  the  man,  the  lord  of  the  coun- 
try, said  unto  us,  Hereby  shall  I  know  that  ye  are  true  men  ; 
leave  one  of  your  brethren  here  with  me,  and  take  food  for  the 


76  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

famine  of  your  households,  and  be  gone  :  and  bring  your  young- 
est brother  unto  me :  then  shall  I  know  that  ye  are  no  spies,  but 
that  ye  are  true  men  :  so  will  I  deliver  you  your  brother,  and  ye 
shall  traffick  in  the  land. 

Doubting  things  go  ill,  often  hurts  more 
Than  to  be  sure  they  do  ;  for  certainties 
Either  are  past  remedies,  or,  timely  knowing, 
The  remedy  then  born. 

And  it  came  to  pass  as  they  emptied  their  sacks,  that,  behold, 
every  man's  bundle  of  money  was  in  his  sack  :  and  v/hen  both 
they  and  their  father  saw  the  bundles  of  money,  they  were 
afraid.  And  Jacob  their  father  said  unto  them,  Me  have  ye  be- 
reaved of  my  children :  Joseph  is  not,  and  Simeon  is  not,  and  ye 
will  take  Benjamin  away  :  all  these  things  are  against  me.  And 
Reuben  spake  unto  his  father,  saying,  Slay  my  two  sons,  if 
I  bring  him  not  to  thee :  deliver  him  into  my  hand,  and  I  will 
bring  him  to  thee  again.  And  he  said,  My  son  shall  not  go 
down  with  you  ;  for  his  brother  is  dead,  and  he  is  left  alone :  if 
mischief  befall  him  by  the  way  in  the  which  ye  go,  then  shall 
ye  bring  down  my  gray  hairs  with  sorrow  to  the  grave. 

Give  sorrow  words  ;  the  grief,  that  does  not  speak, 
Whispers  the  o'er-fraught  heart,  and  bids  it  break. 


CHAPTER   XXXIL 

THE   SECOND   JOURNEY. THE    PRINCELY  ENTERTAINMENT. 

In  the  good  care  of  God,  whose  Spirit  gave 
Your  mind  its  impulse,  can  ye  not  confide  ? 
Is  His  arm  shortened,  that  it  cannot  save  ? 
That  arm  so  oft  in  deeper  perils  tried  ! 
A  time  will  come,  not  distantly  descried, 
^  When  to  remember  every  past  dismay 
Will  be  no  less  a  pleasure  than  a  pride  ; 
Hold  then  courageous  on,  and  keep,  I  pray. 
Your  noble  hearts  in  cheer  for  that  victorious  day. 

AND  the  famine  was  sore  in  the  land.     And  it  came  to  pass, 
when  they  had  eaten  up  the  corn  which  they  had  brought 
out  of  Egypt,  their  father  said  unto  them.  Go  again,  buy  us  a 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  77 

little  food.  And  Judah  spake  unto  him,  saying,  The  man  did 
solemnly  protest  unto  us,  saying,  Ye  shall  not  see  my  face,  except 
your  brother  be  with  you.  If  thou  wilt  send  our  brother  with  us, 
we  will  go  down  and  buy  thee  food :  but  if  thou  wilt  not  send 
him,  we  will  not  go  down :  for  the  man  said  unto  us,  Ye  shall 
not  see  my  face,  except  your  brother  be  with  you.  And  Israel 
said,  Wherefore  dealt  ye  so  ill  with  me,  as  to  tell  the  man 
whether  ye  had  yet  a  brother }  And  they  said,  The  man  asked 
us  straitly  of  our  state,  and  of  our  kindred,  saying,  Is  your  father 
yet  alive  .''  have  ye  another  brother  .''  and  we  told  him  according  to 
the  tenor  of  these  words.  Could  we  certainly  know  that  he  would 
say,  Bring  your  brother  down  .-'  And  Judah  said  unto  Israel  his 
father,  Send  the  lad  with  me,  and  we  will  arise  and  go  ;  that  we 
may  live,  and  not  die,  both  we,  and  thou,  and  also  our  little  ones. 
I  will  be  surety  for  him  ;  of  my  hand  shalt  thou  require  him : 
if  I  bring  him  not  unto  thee,  and  set  him  before  thee,  then  let 
me  bear  the  blame  for  ever :  for  except  we  had  lingered,  surely 
now  we  had  returned  this  second  time.  And  their  father  Israel 
said  unto  them.  If  it  must  be  so  now,  do  this  ;  take  of  •  the  best 
fruits  in  the  land  in  your  vessels,  and  carry  down  the  man  a 
present,  a  little  balm,  and  a  little  honey,  spices  and  myrrh,  nuts 
and  almonds  :  and  take  double  money  in  your  hand  ;  and  the 
money  that  was  brought  again  in  the  mouth  of  your  sacks,  carry 
it  again  in  your  hand  ;  peradventure  it  was  an  oversight.  Take 
also  your  brother,  and  arise,  go  again  unto  the  man  :  and  God 
Almighty  give  you  mercy  before  the  man,  that  he  may  send 
away  your  other  brother,  and  Benjamin.  If  I  be  bereaved  of  my 
children,  I  am  bereaved. 

My  heart  did  heave,  and  there  came  forth,  O  God  ! 
By  that  I  knew  that  Thou  wast  in  the  grief, 
To  guide  and  govern  it  to  my  relief, 

Making  a  sceptre  of  the  rod  : 

Hadst  Thou  not  had  Thy  part, 
Sure  the  unruly  sigh  had  broke  my  heart. 

And  the  men  took  that  present,  and  they  took  double  money  in 
their  hand,  and  Benjamin  ;  and  rose  up,  and  went  down  to  Egypt, 
and  stood  before  Joseph.  And  when  Joseph  saw  Benjamin  with 
them,  he  said  to  the  ruler  of  his  house,  Bring  these  men  home, 
and  slay,  and  make  ready  ;  for  these  men  shall  dine  with  me  at 
noon.     And  the  man  did  as  Joseph  bade  ;  and  the  man  brought 


78  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

the  men  into  Joseph's  house.  And  the  men  were  afraid,  because 
they  were  brought  into  Joseph's  house  ;  and  they  said,  Because 
of  the  money  that  was  returned  in  our  sacks  at  the  first  time  are 
we  brought  in ;  that  he  may  seek  occasion  against  us,  and  fall 
upon  us,  and  take  us  for  bondmen,  and  our  asses.  And  they 
came  near  to  the  steward  of  Joseph's  house,  and  they  communed 
with  him  at  the  door  of  the  house,  and  said,  O  sir,  we  came  in- 
deed down  at  the  first  time  to  buy  food :  and  it  came  to  pass, 
when  we  came  to  the  inn,  that  we  opened  our  sacks,  and,  behold, 
every  man's  money  was  in  the  mouth  of  his  sack,  our  mon^jy  in 
full  weight :  and  we  have  brought  it  again  in  our  hand.  And 
other  money  have  we  brought  down  in  our  hands  to  buy  food : 
we  cannot  tell  who  put  our  money  in  our  sacks.  And  he  said, 
Peace  be  to  you,  fear  not :  your  God,  and  the  God  of  your  father, 
hath  given  you  treasure  in  your  sacks  :  I  had  your  money.  And 
he  brought  Simeon  out  unto  them.  And  the  man  brought  the 
men  into  Joseph's  house,  and  gave  them  water,  and  they  washed 
their  feet ;  and  he  gave  their  asses  provender.  And  they  made 
ready  the  present  against  Joseph  came  at  noon :  for  they  heard 
that  they  should  eat  bread  there. 

Charity,  decent,  modest,  easy,  kind, 
Softens  the  high,  and  rears  the  abject  mind  ; 
Knows  with  just  reins  and  gentle  hand  to  guide 
Betwixt  vile  shame  and  arbitrary  pride. 
Not  soon  provoked,  she  easily  forgives  ; 
And  much  she  suffers,  as  she  much  believes. 
Soft  peace  she  brings  wherever  she  arrives; 
She  builds  our  quiet,  as  she  forms  our  lives  ; 
Lays  the  rough  paths  of  peevish  nature  even, 
And  opens  in  each  heart  a  little  heaven. 

And  when  Joseph  came  home,  they  brought  him  the  present 
which  was  in  their  hand  into  the  house,  and  bowed  themselves  to 
him  to  the  earth.  And  he  asked  them  of  their  welfare,  and  said. 
Is  your  father  well,  the  old  man  of  whom  ye  spake  .?  Is  he  yet 
alive  1  And  they  answered.  Thy  servant  our  father  is  in  good 
health,  he  is  yet  alive.  And  they  bowed  down  their  heads,  and 
made  obeisance.  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  saw  his  brother 
Benjamin,  his  mother's  son,  and  said.  Is  this  your  younger 
brother,  of  whom  ye  spake  unto  me  ?  And  he  said,  God  be 
gracious  unto  thee,  my  son.  And  Joseph  made  haste  ;  for  his 
bowels  did  yearn  upon  his  brother :  and  he  sought  where  to 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  79 

weep ;  and  he  entered  into  his  chamber,  and  wept  there.  And 
he  washed  his  face,  and  went  out,  and  refrained  himself,  and 
said.  Set  on  bread.  And  they  set  on  for  him  by  himself,  and  for 
them  by  themselves,  and  for  the  Egyptians,  which  did  eat  with 
him,  by  themselves  :  because  the  Egyptians  might  not  eat  bread 
with  the  Hebrews  ;  for  that  is  an  abomination  unto  the  Egyp- 
tians. And  they  sat  before  him,  the  first-born  according  to  his 
birthright,  and  the  youngest  according  to  his  youth  :  and  the 
men  marvelled  one  at  another.  And  he  took  and  sent  messes 
unto  them  from  before  him  :  but  Benjamin's  mess  was  five  times 
so  much  as  any  of  theirs.    And  they  drank,  and  were  merry  with 

him. 

Whom  call  we  gay  1     That  honour  has  been  long 
The  boast  of  mere  pretenders  to  the  name. 
The  innocent  are  gay  —  the  lark  is  gay, 
That  dries  his  feathers,  saturate  with  dew, 
Beneath  the  rosy  cloud,  while  yet  the  beams 
Of  day-spring  overshoot  his  humble  nest. 
The  peasant,  too,  a  witness  of  his  song, 
Himself  a  songster,  is  as  gay  as  he. 
But  save  me  from  the  gaiety  of  those, 
Whose  headaches  nail  them  to  a  noonday  bed ; 
And  save  me  too  from  theirs,  whose  haggard  eyes 
Flash  desperation,  and  betray  their  pangs 
For  property  stripped  off  by  cruel  chance  ; 
From  gaiety  that  fills  the  bones  with  pain, 
The  mouth  with  blasphemy,  the  heart  with  woe. 


CHAPTER   XXXIII. 

JOSEPH    PLANNING. JUDAH    PLEADING. 

Build  up  heroic  lives,  and  all  be  like  a  sheathen  sabre 
Ready  to  flash  out  at  God's  call,  O  chivalry  of  labour  ! 
Triumph  and  toil  are  twins,  and  aye  joy  suns  the  cloud  of  sorrow  ; 
And  'tis  the  martyrdom  to-day,  brings  victory  to-morrow. 

AND  he  commanded  the  steward  of  his  house,  saying,  Fill 
the  men's  sacks  with  food,  as  much  as  they  can  carry,  and 
put  every  man's  money  in  his  sack's  mouth.  And  put  my  cup, 
the  silver  cup,  in  the  sack's  mouth  of  the  youngest,  and  his  corn 


8o  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

money.  And  he  did  according  to  the  word  that  Joseph  had 
spoken.  As  soon  as  the  morning  was  hght,  the  men  were  sent 
away,  they  and  their  asses.  And  when  they  were  gone  out  of 
the  city,  and  not  yet  far  off,  Joseph  said  unto  his  steward.  Up, 
follow  after  the  men  ;  and  when  thou  dost  overtake  them,  say 
unto  them,  Wherefore  have  ye  rewarded  evil  for  good  ?  Is  not 
this  it  in  which  my  lord  drinketh,  and  whereby  indeed  he 
divineth  .'*  ye  have  done  evil  in  so  doing. 

The  oft  shaken  tree  grows  faster  at  the  root, 

And  faith's  most  firm,  that's  sometimes  urged  with  doubt. 

And  he  overtook  them,  and  he  spake  unto  them  these  same 
words.  And  they  said  unto  him.  Wherefore  saith  my  lord  these 
words .''  God  forbid  that  thy  servants  should  do  according  to 
this  thing :  behold,  the  money  which  we  found  in  our  sacks' 
mouths,  we  brought  again  unto  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Canaan  : 
how  then  should  we  steal  out  of  thy  lord's  house  silver  or  gold  ? 
With  whomsoever  of  thy  servants  it  be  found,  both  let  him  die, 
and  we  also  will  be  my  lord's  bondmen.  And  he  said.  Now 
also  let  it  be  according  unto  your  words  :  he  with  whom  it  is 
found  shall  be  my  servant  ;  and  ye  shall  be  blameless.  Then 
they  speedily  took  down  every  man  his  sack  to  the  ground,  and 
opened  every  man  his  sack.  And  he  searched,  and  began  at  the 
eldest,  and  left  at  the  youngest  ;  and  the  cup  was  found  in  Ben- 
jamin's sack.  Then  they  rent  their  clothes,  and  laded  every 
man  his  ass,  and  returned  to  the  city. 

Shall  we,  then,  who  have  issued  from  the  dust, 

And  there  return,  —  shall  we,  who  toil  for  dust, 

And  wrap  our  winnings  in  this  dusty  life. 

Say,  "  No  more  tears,  Lord  God  !  the  measure  runneth  o'er  !  " 

And  Judah  and  his  brethren  came  to  Joseph's  house  ;  for  he 
was  yet  there  :  and  they  fell  before  him  on  the  ground.  And 
Joseph  said  unto  them,  What  deed  is  this  that  ye  have  done } 
wot  ye  not  that  such  a  man  as  I  can  certainly  divine }  And 
Judah  said,  What  shall  we  say  unto  my  lord  .''  what  shall  we 
speak  .-*  or  how  shall  we  clear  ourselves  }  God  hath  found  out 
the  iniquity  of  thy  servants :  behold,  we  are  my  lord's  servants, 
both  we,  and  he  also  with  whom  the  cup  is  found.  And  he 
said,  God  forbid  that  I  should  do  so  :  but  the  man  in  whose  hand 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  8 1 

the  cup  is  found,  he  shall  be  my  servant  ;  and  as  for  you,  get 
you  up  in  peace  unto  your  father. 

Oh,  block  by  block,  with  sore  and  sharp  endeavour, 
Lifelong  we  build  these  human  natures  up 

Into  a  temple  fit  for  freedom's  shrine. 
And  trial  ever  consecrates  the  cup 

Wherefrom  we  pour  her  sacrificial  wine. 

Then  Judah  came  near  unto  him,  and  said,  O  my  lord,  let  thy 
servant,  I  pray  thee,  speak  a  word  in  my  lord's  ears,  and  let  not 
thine  anger  burn  against  thy  servant :  for  thou  art  even  as 
Pharaoh.  My  lord  asked  his  servants,  saying.  Have  ye  a  father, 
or  a  brother.''  And  we  said  unto  my  lord.  We  have  a  father,  an 
old  man,  and  a  child  of  his  old  age,  a  little  one  ;  and  his  brother 
is  dead,  and  he  alone  is  left  of  his  mother,  and  his  father  loveth 
him.  And  thou  saidst  unto  thy  servants,  Bring  him  down  unto 
me,  that  I  may  set  mine  eyes  upon  him.  Arid  we  said  unto  my 
lord.  The  lad  cannot  leave  his  father :  for  if  he  should  leave  his 
father,  his  father  would  die.  And  thou  saidst  unto  thy  servants. 
Except  your  youngest  brother  come  down  with  you,  ye  shall 
see  my  face  no  more.  And  it  came  to  pass  when  we  came 
up  unto  thy  servant  my  father,  we  told  him  the  words  of  my 
lord.  And  our  father  said.  Go  again,  and  buy  us  a  little  food. 
And  we  said.  We  cannot  go  down  :  if  our  youngest  brother  be 
with  us,  then  will  we  go  down  :  for  we  may  not  see  the  man's 
face,  except  our  youngest  brother  be  with  us.  And  thy  servant 
my  father  said  unto  us.  Ye  know  that  my  wife  bare  me  two  sons  : 
and  the  one  went  out  from  me,  and  I  said,  Surely  he  is  torn  in 
pieces  ;  and  I  saw  him  not  since :  and  if  ye  take  this  also  from 
me,  and  mischief  befall  him,  ye  shall  bring  down  my  gray  hairs 
with  sorrow  to  the  grave.  Now  therefore  when  I  come  to  thy 
servant  my  father,  and  the  lad  be  not  with  us  ;  seeing  that  his 
life  is  bound  up  in  the  lad's  life  ;  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when 
he  seeth  that  the  lad  is  not  with  us,  that  he  will  die :  and  thy 
servants  shall  bring  down  the  gray  hairs  of  thy  servant  our 
father  with  sorrow  to  the  grave.  For  thy  servant  became  surety 
for  the  lad  unto  my  father,  saying.  If  I  bring  him  not  unto  thee, 
then  I  shall  bear  the  blame  to  my  father  for  ever.  Now  there- 
fore, I  pray  thee,  let  thy  servant  abide  instead  of  the  lad  a  bond- 
man to  my  lord  ;  and  let  the  lad  go  up  with  his  brethren.     For 

6 


82  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

how  shall  I  go  up  to  my  father,  and  the  lad  be  not  with  me  ?  lest 
peradventure  I  see  the  evil  that  shall  come  on  my  father. 

Methinks  if  ye  would  know 
How  visitations  of  calamity- 
Affect  the  pious  soul,  'tis  shown  you  here. 
Look  yonder  at  that  cloud,  which,  through  the  sky 
Sailing  along,  doth  cross  in  her  career 
The  rolling  moon.     I  watched  it  as  it  came. 
And  deemed  the  deep  opaque  would  blot  her  beams  ; 
But  melting  like  a  wreath  of  snow,  it  hangs 
In  folds  of  wavy  silver  round,  a,nd  clothes 
The  orb  with  richer  beauties  than  her  own  ; 
Then,  passing,  leaves  her  in  her  light  serene. 


CHAPTER   XXXIV. 

JOSEPH    IDENTIFIED. JACOB    COMFORTED. 

Our  indiscretion  sometimes  serves  us  well. 
When  our  deep  plots  do  pall ;  and  that  should  teach  us, 
There's  a  Divinity  that  shapes  our  ends, 
Rough-hew  them  how  we  will. 

THEN  Joseph  could  not  refrain  himself  before  all  them  that 
stood  by  him  ;  and  he  cried,  Cause  every  man  to  go  out 
from  me.  And  there  stood  no  man  with  him,  while  Joseph  made 
himself  known  unto  his  brethren.  And  he  wept  aloud  :  and  the 
Egyptians  and  the  house  of  Pharaoh  heard.  And  Joseph  said 
unto  his  brethren,  I  am  Joseph  ;  doth  my  father  yet  live  ?  And 
his  brethren  could  not  answer  him  ;  for  they  were  troubled  at  his 
presence.  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brethren.  Come  near  to  me, 
I  pray  you.  And  they  came  near.  And  he  said,  I  am  Joseph 
your  brother,  whom  ye  sold  into  Egypt.  Now  therefore  be  not 
grieved,  nor  angry  with  yourselves,  that  ye  sold  me  hither :  for 
God  did  send  me  before  you  to  preserve  hfe.  For  these  two 
years  hath  the  famine  been  in  the  land :  and  yet  there  are  five 
years,  in  the  which  there  shall  neither  be  earing  nor  harvest 
And  God  sent  me  before  you  to  preserve  you  a  posterity  in  the 
earth,  and  to  save  your  lives  by  a  great  deliverance.  So  now  it 
was  not  you  that  sent  me  hither,  but  God :  and  he  hath  made 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  8j 

me  a  father  to  Pharaoh,  and  lord  of  all  his  house,  and  a  ruler 
throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt.  Haste  ye,  and  go  up  to  my 
father,  and  say  unto  him.  Thus  saith  thy  son  Joseph,  God  hath 
made  me  lord  of  all  Egypt :  come  down  unto  me,  tarry  not :  and 
thou  shalt  dwell  in  the  land  of  Goshen,  and  thou  shalt  be  near 
unto  me,  thou,  and  thy  children,  and  thy  children's  children,  and 
thy  flocks,  and  thy  herds,  and  all  that  thou  hast :  and  there  will 
I  nourish  thee  ;  for  yet  there  are  five  years  of  famine  ;  lest  thou, 
and  thy  household,  and  all  that  thou  hast,  come  to  poverty.  And, 
behold,  your  eyes  see,  and  the  eyes  of  my  brother  Benjamin,  that 
it  is  my  mouth  that  speaketh  unto  you.  And  ye  shall  tell  my 
father  of  all  my  glory  in  Egypt,  and  of  all  that  ye  have  seen  ;  and 
ye  shall  haste  and  bring  down  my  father  hither.  And  he  fell 
upon  his  brother  Benjamin's  neck,  and  wept ;  and  Benjamin 
wept  upon  his  neck.  Moreover  he  kissed  all  his  brethren,  and 
wept  upon  them  :  and  after  that  his  brethren  talked  with  him. 

O  sweet  are  the  tones  of  affection  sincere, 

When  they  come  from  the  depth  of  the  heart ! 
And  sweet  are  the  words  that  banish  each  care, 
And  bid  sorrow  forever  depart ! 

And  the  fame  thereof  was  heard  in  Pharaoh's  house,  saying, 
Joseph's  brethren  are  come :  and  it  pleased  Pharaoh  well,  and 
his  servants.  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  Say  unto  thy 
brethren.  This  do  ye  ;  lade  your  beasts,  and  go,  get  you  unto  the 
land  of  Canaan  ;  and  take  your  father  and  your  households,  and 
come  unto  me :  and  I  will  give  you  the  good  of  the  land  of 
Egypt,  and  ye  shall  eat  the  fat  of  the  land.  Now  thou  art  com- 
manded, this  do  ye  ;  take  you  wagons  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt 
for  your  little  ones,  and  for  your  wives,  and  bring  your  father, 
and  come.  Also  regard  not  your  stuff ;  for  the  good  of  all  the 
land  of  Egypt  is  yours.  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  so :  and 
Joseph  gave  them  wagons,  according  to  the  commandment  of 
Pharaoh,  and  gave  them  provision  for  the  way.  To  all  of  them 
he  gave  each  man  changes  of  raiment  ;  but  to  Benjamin  he  gave 
three  hundred  pieces  of  silver,  and  five  changes  of  raiment.  And 
to  his  father  he  sent  after  this  manner  ;  ten  asses  laden  with  the 
good  things  of  Egypt,  and  ten  she-asses  laden  with  corn  and 
bread  and  meat  for  his  father  by  the  way.  So  he  sent  his  breth- 
ren away,  and  they  departed :  and  he  said  unto  them.  See  that 
ye  fall  not  out  by  the  way. 


84  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Come,  brother,  turn  with  me  from  pining  thought, 

And  all  the  inward  ills  that  sin  hath  wrought ; 

Come,  send  abroad  a  love  for  all  who  live, 

And  feel  the  deep  content  in  turn  they  give. 

Kind  wishes  and  good  deeds  —  they  make  not  poor; 

They'll  home  again,  full  laden,  to  thy  door. 

The  streams  of  love  flow  back  where  they  begin ; 

For  springs  of  outward  joys  lie  deep  within. 

And  they  went  up  out  of  Egypt,  and  came  into  the  land  of 
Canaan  unto  Jacob  their  father,  and  told  him,  saying,  Joseph 
is  yet  alive,  and  he  is  governor  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt.  And 
Jacob's  heart  fainted,  for  he  believed  them  not.  And  they  told 
him  all  the  words  of  Joseph,  which  he  had  said  unto  them  :  and 
when  he  saw  the  wagons  which  Joseph  had  sent  to  carry  him, 
the  spirit  of  Jacob  their  father  revived.  And  Israel  said.  It  is 
enough  ;  Joseph  my  son  is  yet  alive :  I  will  go  and  see  him 
before  I  die 

He  that  of  greatest  works  is  finisher, 

Oft  does  them  by  the  weakest  minister: 

So  Holy  Writ  in  babes  hath  judgment  shown. 

When  judges  have  been  babes.     Great  floods  have  flown 

From  simple  sources  ;  and  great  seas  have  dried, 

When  miracles  have  by  the  greatest  been  denied. 

Oft  expectation  fails,  and  most  oft  there 

Where  most  it  promises  ;  and  oft  it  hits, 

Where  hope  is  coldest,  and  despair  most  fits. 


CHAPTER    XXXV. 

ISRAEL    MIGRATES, THE    TWO    MEETINGS. 

God  liveth  ever  !  wherefore,  soul,  despair  thou  never  ! 

Our  God  is  good  ;  in  every  place 

His  love  is  known.  His  help  is  found  ; 

His  mighty  arm,  and  tender  grace 

Bring  good  from  ills  that  hem  us  round. 

Easier  than  we  think  can  He  turn  our  joy  to  agony. 

Soul,  remember,  'mid  thy  pains,  God  o'er  all  for  ever  reigns. 

AND  Israel  took  his  journey  with  all  that  he  had,  and  came 
to  Beer-sheba,  and  offered  sacrifices  unto  the  God  of  his 
father  Isaac.     And  God  spake  unto  Israel  in  the  visions  of  the 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  85 

night,  and  said,  Jacob,  Jacob  :  and  he  said,  Here  am  I.  And  he 
said,  I  am  God,  the  God  of  thy  father  :  fear  not  to  go  down  into 
Egypt ;  for  I  will  there  make  of  thee  a  great  nation.  I  will  go 
down  with  thee  into  Egypt  ;  and  I  will  also  surely  bring  thee  up 
again:  and  Joseph  shall  put  his  hand  upon  thine  eyes.  And 
Jacob  rose  up  from  Beer-sheba :  and  the  sons  of  Israel  carried 
Jacob  their  father,  and  their  little  ones,  and  their  wives,  in  the 
wagons  which  Pharaoh  had  sent  to  carry  him.  And  they  took 
their  cattle,  and  their  goods,  which  they  had  gotten  in  the  land 
of  Canaan,  and  came  into  Egypt,  Jacob,  and  all  his  seed  with 
him  :  his  sons,  and  his  sons'  sons  with  him,  his  daughters,  and 
his  sons'  daughters,  and  all  his  seed  brought  he  with  him  into 
Egypt. 

And  though  all  strength  still  comes  from  Heaven,  all  light  from  God  above, 
Yet  we  may  sometimes  be  His  angels,  the  apostles  of  His  love. 
Then  let  us  learn  to  help  each  other,  hoping  unto  the  end : 
Who  sees  in  every  man  a  brother,  shall  find  in  each  a  friend. 

And  he  sent  Judah  before  him  unto  Joseph,  to  direct  his  face 
unto  Goshen  ;  and  they  came  into  the  land  of  Goshen.  And 
Joseph  made  ready  his  chariot,  and  went  up  to  meet  Israel  his 
father,  to  Goshen,  and  presented  himself  unto  him  ;  and  he  fell 
on  his  neck,  and  wept  on  his  neck  a  good  while.  And  Israel 
said  unto  Joseph,  Now  let  me  die,  since  I  have  seen  thy  face, 
because  thou  art  yet  alive.  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brethren, 
and  unto  his  father's  house,  I  will  go  up,  and  shew  Pharaoh,  and 
say  unto  him,  My  brethren,  and  my  father's  house,  which  were 
in  the  land  of  Canaan,  are  come  unto  me  ;  and  the  men  are 
shepherds,  for  their  trade  hath  been  to  feed  cattle  ;  and  they 
have  brought  their  flocks,  and  their  herds,  and  all  that  they 
have.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  Pharaoh  shall  call  you, 
and  shall  say.  What  is  your  occupation }  that  ye  shall  say.  Thy 
servants'  trade  hath  been  about  cattle  from  our  youth  even  until 
now,  both  we,  and  also  our  fathers  :  that  ye  may  dwell  in  the 
land  of  Goshen  ;  for  every  shepherd  is  an  abomination  unto  the 
Egyptians. 

'Tis  Providence  alone  secures 

In  every  change,  both  mine  and  yours. 

Safety  consists  not  in  escape 

From  dangers  of  a  frightful  shape  : 

An  earthquake  may  be  bid  to  spare 

The  man  that's  strangled  by  a  hair. 


86  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Fate  steals  along  with  silent  tread, 
Found  oftenest  in  what  least  we  dread, 
Frowns  in  the  storm  with  angry  brow, 
But  in  the  sunshine  strikes  the  blow. 

Then  Joseph  came  and  told  Pharaoh,  and  said,  My  father  and 
my  brethren,  and  their  flocks,  and  their  herds,  and  all  that  they 
have,  are  come  out  of  the  land  of  Canaan  ;  and,  behold,  they 
are  in  the  land  of  Goshen.  And  he  took  some  of  his  brethren, 
even  five  men,  and  presented  them  unto  Pharaoh.  And  Pharaoh 
said  unto  his  brethren,  What  is  your  occupation  t  And  they 
said  unto  Pharaoh,  Thy  servants  are  shepherds,  both  we,  and 
also  our  fathers.  They  said  moreover  unto  Pharaoh,  For  to  so- 
journ in  the  land  are  we  come  ;  for  thy  servants  have  no  pasture 
for  their  flocks  ;  for  the  famine  is  sore  in  the  land  of  Canaan: 
now  therefore,  we  pray  thee,  let  thy  servants  dwell  in  the  land 
of  Goshen.  And  Pharaoh  spake  unto  Joseph,  saying,  Thy 
father  and  thy  brethren  are  come  unto  thee :  the  land  of  Egypt 
is  before  thee  ;  in  the  best  of  the  land  make  thy  father  and  thy 
brethren  to  dwell  ;  in  the  land  of  Goshen  let  them  dwell  :  and  if 
thou  knowest  any  men  of  activity  among  them,  then  make  them 
rulers  over  my  cattle.  And  Joseph  brought  in  Jacob  his  father, 
and  set  him  before  Pharaoh  :  and  Jacob  blessed  Pharaoh.  And 
Pharaoh  said  unto  Jacob,  How  old  art  thou  .-^  And  Jacob  said 
unto  Pharaoh,  The  days  of  the  years  of  my  pilgrimage  are  a  hun- 
dred and  thirty  years  :  few  and  evil  have  the  days  of  the  years 
of  my  life  been,  and  have  not  attained  unto  the  days  of  the 
years  of  the  life  of  my  fathers  in  the  days  of  their  pilgrimage. 
And  Jacob  blessed  Pharaoh,  and  went  out  from  before  Pharaoh. 

It  is  ten  o'clock  : 
Thus  may  we  see  how  the  world  wags  : 
'Tis  but  an  hour  ago  since  it  was  nine, 
And  after  an  hour  more  'twill  be  eleven  ; 
And  so,  from  hour  to  hour,  we  ripe  and  ripe. 
And  then,  from  hour  to  hour,  we  rot  and  rot ; 
And  thereby  hangs  a  tale  ! 

And  Joseph  placed  his  father  and  his  brethren,  and  gave  them 
a  possession  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  best  of  the  land,  in 
the  land  of  Rameses,  as  Pharaoh  had  commanded.  And  Joseph 
nourished  his  father,  and  his  brethren,  and  all  his  father's  house- 
hold, with  bread,  according  to  their  families. 


The  bible  and  the  poets.  S7 

But  if  for  wrongs  we  needs  revenge  must  have, 
Then  be  our  vengeance  of  the  noblest  kind : 

Do  we  his  body  from  our  fury  save, 

And  let  our  hate  prevail  against  his  mind  ! 

What  can  'gainst  him  a  greater  vengeance  be. 

Than  make  his  foe  more  worthy  far  than  he  ? 


CHAPTER    XXXVI. 
Joseph's  oath.  —  Jacob's  rehearsals  and  benedictions. 

But  on  he  moves  to  meet  his  latter  end, 
Angels  around  befriending  virtue's  friend  ; 
Sinks  to  the  grave  with  unperceived  decay, 
While  resignation  gently  slopes  the  way  ; 
And,  all  his  prospects  brightening  to  the  last. 
His  heaven  commences  ere  the  world  is  past. 

AND  Israel  dwelt  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  country  of 
Goshen  ;  and  they  had  possessions  therein,  and  grew,  and 
multiplied  exceedingly.  And  Jacob  lived  in  the  land  of  Egypt 
seventeen  years  :  so  the  whole  age  of  Jacob  was  a  hundred  forty 
and  seven  years.  And  the  time  drew  nigh  that  Israel  must  die  : 
and  he  called  his  son  Joseph,  and  said  unto  him,  If  now  I  have 
found  grace  in  thy  sight,  put,  I  pray  thee,  thy  hand  under  my 
thigh,  and  deal  kindly  and  truly  with  me  ;  bury  me  not,  I  pray 
thee,  in  Egypt :  but  I  will  lie  with  my  fathers,  and  thou  shalt 
carry  me  out  of  Egypt,  and  bury  me  in  their  burying-place.  And 
he  said,  I  will  do  as  thou  hast  said.  And  he  said.  Swear  unto 
me.  And  he  sware  unto  him.  And  Israel  bowed  himself  upon 
the  bed's  head. 

O  ye  who  shudder  in  this  awful  strife. 
This  wrestling  agony  of  Death  and  Life, 
Think  not  that  He,  on  whom  my  soul  is  cast, 
Will  leave  me  thus  forsaken  to  the  last ; 
Nature's  infirmity  alone  you  see  ; 
My  chains  are  breaking,  I  shall  soon  be  free : 
Though  firm  in  God  the  spirit  holds  her  trust. 
The  flesh  is  frail,  and  trembles  into  dust. 
Thou  of  my  faith  the  Author  and  the  End ! 
Mine  early,  late,  and  everlasting  Friend  ! 


88  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

The  joy,  that  once  Thy  presence  gave,  restore, 
Ere  I  am  summoned  hence,  and  seen  no  more  ; 
Down  to  the  dust  returns  this  earthly  frame  — 
Receive  my  spirit,  Lord  !  from  whom  it  came. 

And  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things,  that  one  told  Joseph, 
Behold,  thy  father  is  sick :  and  he  took  with  him  his  two  sons, 
Manasseh  and  Ephraim.  And  one  told  Jacob,  and  said,  Behold, 
thy  son  Joseph  cometh  unto  thee :  and  Israel  strengthened  him- 
self, and  sat  upon  the  bed.  And  Jacob  said  unto  Joseph,  God 
Almighty  appeared  unto  me  at  Luz  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and 
blessed  me,  and  said  unto  me,  Behold,  I  will  make  thee  fruitful, 
and  multiply  thee,  and  I  will  make  of  thee  a  multitude  of  people ; 
and  will  give  this  land  to  thy  seed  after  thee  for  an  everlasting 
possession.  And  now  thy  two  sons,  Ephraim  and  Manasseh, 
which  were  born  unto  thee  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  before  I  came 
unto  thee  into  Egypt,  are  mine  ;  as  Reuben  and  Simeon,  they 
shall  be  mine.  And  thy  issue,  which  thou  begettest  after  them, 
shall  be  thine,  and  shall  be  called  after  the  name  of  their  breth- 
ren in  their  inheritance.  And  as  for  me,  when  I  came  from 
Padan,  Rachel  died  by  me  in  the  land  of  Canaan  in  the  way, 
when  yet  there  was  but  a  little  way  to  come  unto  Ephrath  :  and 
I  buried  her  there  in  the  way  of  Ephrath  ;  the  same  is  Beth- 
lehem, 

And  Rachel  lies  in  Ephrath's  land, 

Beneath  her  lonely  oak  of  weeping; 
With  mouldering  heart  and  withering  hand, 

The  sleep  of  death  for  ever  sleeping. 

The  spring  comes  smiling  down  the  vale, 

The  lilies  and  the  roses  bringing ; 
But  Rachel  never  more  shall  hail 

The  flowers  that  in  the  world  are  springing. 

And  Israel  beheld  Joseph's  sons,  and  said.  Who  are  these } 
And  Joseph  said  unto  his  father.  They  are  my  sons,  whom  God 
hath  given  me.  And  he  said.  Bring  them,  I  pray  thee,  unto  me, 
and  I  will  bless  them.  Now  the  eyes  of  Israel  were  dim  for  age, 
so  that  he  could  not  see.  And  he  brought  them  near  unto  him ; 
and  he  kissed  them,  and  embraced  them.  And  Israel  said  unto 
Joseph,  I  had  not  thought  to  see  thy  face :  and,  lo,  God  hath 
shewed  me  also  thy  seed.  And  Joseph  brought  them  out  from 
between  his  knees,  and  he  bowed  himself  with  his  face  to  the 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  89 

earth.  And  Joseph  took  them  both,  Ephraim  in  his  right  hand 
toward  Israel's  left  hand,  and  Manasseh  in  his  left  hand  toward 
Israel's  right  hand,  and  brought  them  near  unto  him.  And 
Israel  stretched  out  his  right  hand,  and  laid  it  upon  Ephraim's 
head,  who  was  the  younger,  and  his  left  hand  upon  Manasseh's 
head,  guiding  his  hands  wittingly  ;  for  Manasseh  was  the  first- 
born. 

Where  is  the  glory  of  the  goodhest  trees 
But  in  the  fruits  and  branches  ?     The  old  stock 
Must  decay  ;  and  sprigs,  scions,  such  as  these, 
Must  become  new  stocivs,  for  us  to  glory 
In  their  fruitful  issue;  so  are  we  made 
Immortal  one  by  the  other. 

And  he  blessed  Joseph,  and  said,  God,  before  whom  my  fathers 
Abraham  and  Isaac  did  walk,  the  God  which  fed  me  all  my  life 
long  unto  this  day,  the  Angel  which  redeemed  me  from  all  evil, 
bless  the  lads  ;  and  let  my  name  be  named  on  them,  and  the 
name  of  my  fathers  Abraham  and  Isaac  ;  and  let  them  grow  into 
a  multitude  in  the  midst  of  the  earth.  And  when  Joseph  saw 
that  his  father  laid  his  right  hand  upon  the  head  of  Ephraim,  it 
displeased  him  :  and  he  held  up  his  father's  hand,  to  remove  it 
from  Ephraim's  head  unto  Manasseh's  head.  And  Joseph  said 
unto  his  father,  Not  so,  my  father  :  for  this  is  the  first-born  ;  put 
thy  right  hand  upon  his  head.  And  his  father  refused,  and  said, 
I  know  it,  my  son,  I  know  it :  he  also  shall  become  a  people,  and 
he  also  shall  be  great  :  but  truly  his  younger  brother  shall  be 
greater  than  he,  and  his  seed  shall  become  a  multitude  of  nations. 
And  he  blessed  them  that  day,  saying.  In  thee  shall  Israel  bless, 
saying,  God  make  thee  as  Ephraim  and  as  Manasseh  :  and  he 
set  Ephraim  before  Manasseh.  And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph, 
Behold,  I  die  ;  but  God  shall  be  with  you,  and  bring  you  again 
unto  the  land  of  your  fathers.  Moreover  I  have  given  to  thee 
one  portion  above  thy  brethren,  which  I  took  out  of  the  hand  of 
the  Amorite  with  my  sword  and  with  my  bow. 

In  Goshen  land  did  Jacob  see  the  fulnesse  of  his  dayes, 
And  in  his  Sonne's  prosperitie,  his  fill  of  earthly  joyes  : 
But  solemnly  before  his  death  hee  blest  his  sonnes  each  one  ; 
And  Joseph  eke  gau  vp  the  breath  ere  many  yeeres  were  gone. 


90  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   XXXVII. 

Israel's   patriarchal   prophecies.  —  his  dying   injunc- 
tion. 

Strange  is  it,  that  our  bloods, 
Of  colour,  weight,  and  heat,  poured  all  together, 
Would  quite  confound  distinction,  yet  stand  off 
In  differences  so  mighty. 

AND  Jacob  called  unto  his  sons,  and  said,  Gather  yourselves 
together,  that  I  may  tell  you  that  which  shall  befall  you  in 
the  last  days.  Gather  yourselves  together,  and  hear  ye  sons  of 
Jacob  ;  and  hearken  unto  Israel  your  father. 

Reuben,  thou  art  my  first-born,  my  might,  and  the  beginning 
of  my  strength,  the  excellency  of  dignity,  and  the  excellency  of 
power :  unstable  as  water,  thou  shalt  not  excel ;  because  thou 
wentest  up  to  thy  father's  bed  ;  then  defiledst  thou  it :  he  went 
up  to  my  couch. 

Simeon  and  Levi  are  brethren  ;  instruments  of  cruelty  are  in 
their  habitations.  O  my  soul,  come  not  thou  into  their  secret  ; 
unto  their  assembly,  mine  honour,  be  not  thou  united  :  for  in 
their  anger  they  slew  a  man,  and  in  their  self-will  they  digged 
down  a  wall.  Cursed  be  their  anger,  for  it  was  fierce  ;  and  their 
wrath,  for  it  was  cruel :  I  will  divide  tJiem  in  Jacob,  and  scatter 
them  in  Israel. 

Judah,  thou  art  he  whom  thy  brethren  shall  praise  :  thy  hand 
shall  be  in  the  neck  of  thine  enemies  ;  thy  father's  children  shall 
bow  down  before  thee.  Judah  is  a  lion's  whelp :  from  the  prey, 
my  son,  thou  art  gone  up :  he  stooped  down,  he  couched  as  a 
lion,  and  as  an  old  lion  ;  who  shall  rouse  him  up  t  The  sceptre 
shall  not  depart  from  Judah,  nor  a  lawgiver  from  between  his 
feet,  until  Shiloh  come  ;  and  unto  him  shall  the  gathering  of  the 
people  be.  Binding  his  foal  unto  the  vine,  and  his  ass's  colt  unto 
the  choice  vine  ;  he  washed  his  garments  in  wine,  and  his  clothes 
in  the  blood  of  grapes  :  his  eyes  shall  be  red  with  wine,  and  his 
teeth  white  with  milk. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  91 

Sceptre  and  Star  divine,  Who  in  Thine  inmost  shrine 
Hast  made  us  worshippers  ;  oh,  claim  Thine  own  ! 
More  than  Thy  seers  we  know  —  oh  !  teach  our  love  to  grow 
Up  to  Thy  heavenly  light,  and  reap  what  Thou  hast  sown. 

Zebulun  shall  dwell  at  the  haven  of  the  sea  ;  and  he  shall  be 
for  a  haven  of  ships  ;  and  his  border  shall  be  unto  Zidon. 

Issachar  is  a  strong  ass  couching  down  between  two  bur- 
dens :  and  he  saw  that  rest  was  good,  and  the  land  that  it  was 
pleasant ;  and  bowed  his  shoulder  to  bear,  and  became  a  servant 
unto  tribute. 

Dan  shall  judge  his  people,  as  one  of  the  tribes  of  Israel.  Dan 
shall  be  a  serpent  by  the  way,  an  adder  in  the  path,  that  biteth 
the  horse's  heels,  so  that  his  rider  shall  fall  backward.  I  have 
waited  for  thy  salvation,  O  Lord. 

Gad,  a  troop  shall  overcome  him  :  but  he  shall  overcome  at 
the  last. 

Out  of  Asher  his  bread  shall  be  fat,  and  he  shall  yield  royal 
dainties. 

Naphtali  is  a  hind  let  loose  :  he  giveth  goodly  words. 

Joseph  is  a  fruitful  bough,  even  a  fruitful  bough  by  a  well ; 
whose  branches  run  over  the  wall :  the  archers  have  sorely 
grieved  him,  and  shot  at  him,  and  hated  him  :  but  his  bow  abode 
in  strength,  and  the  arms  of  his  hands  were  made  strong  by  the 
hands  of  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob  ;  (from  thence  is  the  shepherd, 
the  stone  of  Israel  ;)  even  by  the  God  of  thy  father,  who  shall 
help  thee ;  and  by  the  Almighty,  who  shall  bless  thee  with  bless- 
ings of  heaven  above,  blessings  of  the  deep  that  lieth  under, 
blessings  of  the  breasts,  and  of  the  womb  :  the  blessings  of  thy 
father  have  prevailed  above  the  blessings  of  my  progenitors  unto 
the  utmost  bound  of  the  everlasting  hills  :  they  shall  be  on  the 
head  of  Joseph,  and  on  the  crown  of  the  head  of  him  that  was 
separate  from  his  brethren. 

Benjamin  shall  raven  as  a  wolf :  in  the  morning  he  shall  de- 
vour the  prey,  and  at  night  he  shall  divide  the  spoil. 

How  soon 

Our  new-born  light 

Attains  to  full-aged  noon  ! 

And  thus  — how  soon  to  gray-haired  night! 

We  spring,  we  bud,  we  blossom,  and  we  blast :  — 

Ere  we  can  count  our  days  — our  days  they  flee  so  fast ! 


92  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

All  these  are  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel :  and  this  is  it  that  their 
father  spake  unto  them,  and  blessed  them  ;  every  one  according 
to  his  blessing  he  blessed  them.  And  he  charged  them,  and 
said  unto  them,  I  am  to  be  gathered  unto  my  people  :  bury  me 
with  my  fathers  in  the  cave  that  is  in  the  field  of  Ephron  the 
Hittite,  in  the  cave  that  is  in  the  field  of  Machpelah,  which  is 
before  Mamre  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  which  Abraham  bought 
with  the  field  of  Ephron  the  Hittite  for  a  possession  of  a  bury- 
ing-place.  There  they  buried  Abraham  and  Sarah  his  wife  ;  there 
they  buried  Isaac  and  Rebekah  his  wife  ;  and  there  I  buried 
Leah.  The  purchase  of  the  field  and  of  the  cave  that  is  therein 
was  from  the  children  of  Heth. 

Lord  God,  now  open  wide  Thy  heaven, 

My  parting  hour  is  near  ; 
My  course  is  run,  enough  I've  striven, 

Enough  I've  suffered  here  ; 
Weary  and  sad,  my  soul  is  glad 
That  she  may  lay  her  down  to  rest ; 
Now  all  on  earth  I  can  resign. 
But  only  let  Thy  heaven  be  mine. 


CHAPTER   XXXVIII. 

THE    OATH    FULFILLED. AN    OATH    EXACTED. 

Then  was  the  drama  ended.     Not  till  then, 
So  full  of  chance  and  change  the  lives  of  men. 
Could  we  pronounce  him  happy.     Then  secure 
From  pain,  from  grief,  and  all  that  we  endure. 
He  slept  in  peace,  —  say,  rather,  soared  to  Heaven, 
Upborne  from  Earth  by  Him  to  whom  'tis  given 
In  His  right  hand  to  hold  the  golden  key 
That  opes  the  portals  of  Eternity. 

AND  when  Jacob  had  made  an  end  of  commanding  his  sons, 
he  gathered  up  his  feet  into  the  bed,  and  yielded  up  the 
ghost,  and  was  gathered  unto  his  people.  And  Joseph  fell  upon 
his  father's  face,  and  wept  upon  him,  and  kissed  him.  And 
Joseph  commanded  his  servants  the  physicians  to  embalm  his 
father :  and  the  physicians  embalmed  Israel.  And  forty  days 
were  fulfilled  for  him  ;  for  so  are  fulfilled  the  days  of  those 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS.  93 

which  are  embalmed :  and  the  Egyptians  mourned  for  him 
threescore  and  ten  days.  And  when  the  days  of  his  mourning 
were  past,  Joseph  spake  unto  the  house  of  Pharaoh,  saying.  If 
now  I  have  found  grace  in  your  eyes,  speak,  I  pray  you,  in  the 
ears  of  Pharaoh,  saying.  My  father  made  me  swear,  saying,  Lo, 
I  die :  in  my  grave  which  I  have  digged  for  me  in  the  land  of 
Canaan,  there  shalt  thou  bury  me.  Now  therefore  let  me  go 
up,  I  pray  thee,  and  bury  my  father,  and  I  will  come  again. 
And  Pharaoh  said,  Go  up,  and  bury  thy  father,  according  as  he 
made  thee  swear. 

Alas  for  him  who  never  sees 
The  stars  shine  througli  liis  cypress-trees  ! 
Who,  hopeless,  lays  his  dead  away, 
Nor  looks  to  see  the  breaking  day 
Across  the  mournful  marbles  play  ! 
Who  hath  not  learned,  in  hours  of  faith. 
The  truth  to  flesh  and  sense  unknown, 
That  Life  is  ever  lord  of  Death, 
And  Love  can  never  lose  its  own  ! 

And  Joseph  went  up  to  bury  his  father,  and  with  him  went 
up  all  the  servants  of  Pharaoh,  the  elders  of  his  house,  and  all 
the  elders  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  all  the  house  of  Joseph, 
and  his  brethren,  and  his  father's  house  :  only  their  little  ones, 
and  their  flocks,  and  their  herds,  they  left  in  the  land  of  Goshen. 
And  there  went  up  with  him  both  chariots  and  horsemen :  and 
it  was  a  very  great  company.  And  they  came  to  the  threshing 
floor  of  Atad,  which  is  beyond  Jordan  ;  and  there  they  mourned 
with  a  great  and  very  sore  lamentation  :  and  he  made  a  mourn- 
ing for  his  father  seven  days.  And  when  the  inhabitants  of  the 
land,  the  Canaanites,  saw  the  mourning  in  the  floor  of  Atad, 
they  said.  This  is  a  grievous  mourning  to  the  Egyptians : 
wherefore  the  name  of  it  was  called  Abel-mizraim,  which  is 
beyond  Jordan.  And  his  sons  did  unto  him  according  as  he 
commanded  them  :  for  his  sons  carried  him  into  the  land  of 
Canaan,  and  buried  him  in  the  cave  of  the  field  of  Machpelah, 
which  Abraham  bought  with  the  field  for  a  possession  of  a 
burying-place  of  Ephron  the  Hittite,  before  Mamre. 

Do  not,  for  ever,  with  thy  vailed  lids 

Seek  for  thy  noble  father  in  the  dust : 

Thou  know'st  'tis  common  ;  all  that  live  must  die, 

Passing  through  nature  to  eternity. 


94  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  Joseph  returned  into  Egypt,  he,  and  his  brethren,  and  all 
that  went  up  with  him  to  bury  his  father,  after  he  had  buried 
his  father. 

And  when  Joseph's  brethren  saw  that  their  father  was  dead, 
they  said,  Joseph  will  peradventure  hate  us,  and  will  certainly 
requite  us  all  the  evil  which  we  did  unto  him.  And  they  sent  a 
messenger  unto  Joseph,  saying,  Thy  father  did  command  before 
he  died,  saying,  So  shall  ye  say  unto  Joseph,  Forgive,  I  pray 
thee  now,  the  trespass  of  thy  brethren,  and  their  sin ;  for  they 
did  unto  thee  evil :  and  now,  we  pray  thee,  forgive  the  trespass 
of  the  servants  of  the  God  of  thy  father.  And  Joseph  wept 
when  they  spake  unto  him.  And  his  brethren  also  went  and 
fell  down  before  his  face  ;  and  they  said,  Behold,  we  be  thy  ser- 
vants. And  Joseph  said  unto  them,  Fear  not :  for  am  I  in  the 
place  of  God  .''  But  as  for  you,  ye  thought  evil  against  me  ;  but 
God  meant  it  unto  good,  to  bring  to  pass,  as  it  is  this  day,  to 
save  much  people  alive.  Now  therefore  fear  ye  not :  I  will 
nourish  you,  and  your  little  ones.  And  he  comforted  them,  and 
spake  kindly  unto  them. 

The  fairest  action  of  our  human  life 

Is  scorning  to  revenge  an  injury  ; 
For  who  forgives  without  a  further  strife, 

His  adversary's  heart  to  him  doth  tie. 
And  'tis  a  firmer  conquest  truly  said, 

To  win  the  heart,  than  overthrow  the  head. 

And  Joseph  dwelt  in  Egypt,  he,  and  his  father's  house :  and 
Joseph  lived  a  hundred  and  ten  years.  And  Joseph  saw 
Ephraim's  children  of  the  third  generation  :  the  children  also 
of  Machir  the  son  of  Manasseh  were  brought  up  upon  Joseph's 
knees.  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brethren,  I  die  ;  and  God  will 
surely  visit  you,  and  bring  you  out  of  this  land  unto  the  land 
which  he  sware  to  Abraham,  to  Isaac,  and  to  Jacob.  And 
Joseph  took  an  oath  of  the  children  of  Israel,  saying,  God  will 
surely  visit  you,  and  ye  shall  carry  up  my  bones  from  hence. 
So  Joseph  died,  being  a  hundred  and  ten  years  old  :  and  they 
embalmed  him,  and  he  was  put  in  a  coffin  in  Egypt. 

O,  say  not  so  :  thou  canst  not  tell  what  strength 

Thy  God  may  give  thee  at  the  length  : 

Renew  thy  vows,  and  if  thou  keep  the  last, 

Thy  God  will  pardon  all  that's  past. 

Vow,  whilst  thou  canst ;  while  thou  canst  vow,  thou  mayst 

Perhaps  perform  it,  when  thou  thinkest  least. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  95 


SELECTIONS     FROM     THE     BOOK     OF     JOB. 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

JOB   COMMENDED. SATAN    ALLOWED   TO   TEST    HIS 

INTEGRITY. 

Prosperity's  the  very  bond  of  love, 

Whose  fresh  complexion,  and  whose  heart  together, 

Affliction  alters. 

THERE  was  a  man  in  the  land  of  Uz,  whose  name  was  Job  ; 
and  that  man  was  perfect  and  upright,  and  one  that  feared 
God,  and  eschewed  evil.  And  there  were  born  unto  him  seven 
sons  and  three  daughters.  His  substance  also  was  seven  thou- 
sand sheep,  and  three  thousand  camels,  and  five  hundred  yoke  of 
oxen,  and  five  hundred  she-asses,  and  a  very  great  household  ; 
so  that  this  man  was  the  greatest  of  all  the  men  of  the  east. 
And  his  sons  went  and  feasted  in  their  houses,  every  one  his 
day  ;  and  sent  and  called  for  their  three  sisters  to  eat  and  to 
drink  with  them.  And  it  was  so,  when  the  days  of  their  feasting 
were  gone  about,  that  Job  sent  and  sanctified  them,  and  rose  up 
early  in  the  morning,  and  offered  burnt  offerings  according  to 
the  number  of  them  all ;  for  Job  said,  It  may  be  that  my  sons 
have  sinned,  and  cursed  God  in  their  hearts.  Thus  did  Job  con- 
tinually. 

O  luxury!  thou  curst  by  Heaven's  decree, 

How  ill  exchanged  are  things  like  these  for  thee  ! 

How  do  thy  potions,  with  insidious  joy, 

Diffuse  thy  pleasure  only  to  destroy  ! 

Kingdoms  by  thee,  to  sickly  greatness  grown, 

Boast  of  a  florid  vigour  not  their  own  ; 

At  every  draught  more  large  and  large  they  grow, 

A  bloated  mass  of  rank  unwieldy  woe; 

Till  sapped  their  strength,  and  every  part  unsound, 

Down,  down  they  sink,  and  spread  a  ruin  round. 

Now  there  was  a  day  when  the  sons  of  God  came  to  present 
themselves  before  the  Lord,  and  Satan  came  also  among  them. 


96  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Satan,  Whence  comest  thou  ?  Then 
Satan  answered  the  Lord,  and  said,  From  going  to  and  fro  in 
the  earth,  and  from  walking  up  and  down  in  it.  And  the  Lord 
said  unto  Satan,  Hast  thou  considered  my  servant  Job,  that  there 
is  none  hke  him  in  the  earth,  a  perfect  and  an  upright  man,  one 
that  feareth  God,  and  escheweth  evil  ?  Then  Satan  answered 
the  Lord,  and  said.  Doth  Job  fear  God  for  nought  ?  Hast  not 
thou  made  a  hedge  about  him,  and  about  his  house,  and  about 
all  that  he  hath  on  every  side  ?  thou  hast  blessed  the  work  of  his 
hands,  and  his  substance  is  increased  in  the  land.  But  put  forth 
thine  hand  now,  and  touch  all  that  he  hath,  and  he  will  curse 
thee  to  thy  face.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Satan,  Behold,  all  that 
he  hath  is  in  thy  power  ;  only  upon  himself  put  not  forth  thine 
hand.     So  Satan  went  forth  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 

All  things  that  we  ordained  festival, 
Turn  from  their  office  to  black  funeral: 
Our  instruments,  to  melancholy  bells  ; 
Our  wedding  cheer,  to  a  sad  burial  feast ; 
Our  solemn  hymns,  to  sullen  dirges  change ; 
Our  bridal  flowers  serve  for  a  burial  corse, 
And  all  things  change  them  to  the  contrary. 

And  there  was  a  day  when  his  sons  and  his  daughters  were 
eating  and  drinking  wine  in  their  eldest  brother's  house  :  and 
there  came  a  messenger  unto  Job,  and  said.  The  oxen  were 
ploughing,  and  the  asses  feeding  beside  them  :  and  the  Sabeans 
fell  upon  them,  and  took  them  away ;  yea,  they  have  slain  the 
servants  with  the  edge  of  the  sword  ;  and  I  only  am  escaped 
alone  to  tell  thee.  While  he  was  yet  speaking,  there  came  also 
another,  and  said,  The  fire  of  God  is  fallen  from  heaven,  and 
hath  burned  up  the  sheep,  and  the  servants,  and  consumed  them  ; 
and  I  only  am  escaped  alone  to  tell  thee.  While  he  was  yet 
speaking,  there  came  also  another,  and  said,  The  Chaldeans  made 
out  three  bands,  and  fell  upon  the  camels,  and  have  carried  them 
away,  yea,  and  slain  the  servants  with  the  edge  of  the  sword  ; 
and  I  only  am  escaped  alone  to  tell  thee.  While  he  was  yet 
speaking,  there  came  also  another,  and  said,  Thy  sons  and  thy 
daughters  were  eating  and  drinking  wine  in  their  eldest  brother's 
house  :  and,  behold,  there  came  a  great  wind  from  the  wilderness, 
and  smote  the  four  corners  of  the  house,  and  it  fell  upon  the 
young  men,  and  they  are  dead  ;  and  I  only  am  escaped  alone 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  97 

to  tell  thee.  Then  Job  arose,  and  rent  his  mantle,  and  shaved 
his  head,  and  fell  down  upon  the  ground,  and  worshipped,  and 
said.  Naked  came  I  out  of  my  mother's  womb,  and  naked  shall  I 
return  thither :  the  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away  ; 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord.  In  all  this  Job  sinned  not, 
nor  charged  God  foolishly. 

Then  was  I  as  a  tree. 

Whose  boughs  did  bend  with  fruit ;  but,  in  one  night, 

A  storm,  or  robbery,  call  it  what  you  will, 

Shook  down  my  mellow  hangings,  nay,  my  leaves. 

And  left  me  bare  to  weather. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Satan,  Hast  thou  considered  my  ser- 
vant Job,  that  there  is  none  like  him  in  the  earth,  a  perfect  and 
an  upright  man,  one  tliat  feareth  God,  and  escheweth  evil .-'  and 
still  he  holdeth  fast  his  integrity,  although  thou  movedst  me 
against  him,  to  destroy  him  without  cause.  And  Satan  answered 
the  Lord,  and  said,  Skin  for  skin,  yea,  all  that  a  man  hath  will  he 
give  for  his  life.  But  put  forth  thine  hand  now,  and  touch  his 
bone  and  his  flesh,  and  he  will  curse  thee  to  thy  face.  And  the 
Lord  said  unto  Satan,  Behold,  he  is  in  thine  hand  :  but  save 
his  life. 

So  went  Satan  forth  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  smote 
Job  with  sore  boils  from  the  sole  of  his  foot  unto  his  crown. 
And  he  took  him  a  potsherd  to  scrape  himself  withal ;  and  he 
sat  down  among  the  ashes. 

The  loss  of  health  the  heart  may  somewhat  craze, 
The  loss  of  wealth  distemper  may  the  mind, 
The  loss  of  honour  is  a  fearful  maze, 
The  loss  of  friends  a  care  of  grievous  kind ; 
But  all  these  woes  upon  one  heart  to  wind, 
Were  much  to  think ;  but  much  more  to  believe 
How  it  could  live,  whom,  far  more  crosses  grieve. 

Then  said  his  wife  unto  him,  Dost  thou  still  retain  thine  integ- 
rity }  curse  God,  and  die.  But  he  said  unto  her,  Thou  speakest 
as  one  of  the  foolish  women  speaketh.  What .''  shah  we  receive 
good  at  the  hand  of  God,  and  shall  we  not  receive  evil }  In  all 
this  did  not  Job  sin  with  his  hps. 

Patience  !  why,  'tis  the  soul  of  peace  ; 
Of  all  the  virtues,  'tis  the  nearest  kin  of  heaven  : 
7 


98  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

It  makes  men  look  like  gods.     The  best  of  men 
That  e'er  wore  earth  about  him  was  a  sufferer,  — 
A  soft,  meek,  patient,  humble,  tranquil  spirit,  — 
The  first  true  gentleman  that  ever  breatlied. 


CHAPTER    XL. 

job's  complaint. 

No  radiant  pearl,  which  crested  fortune  wears  ; 
No  gem,  that  twinkling  hangs  from  beauty's  ears  ; 
Not  the  bright  stars,  which  night's  blue  arch  adorn ; 
Nor  rising  sun,  that  gilds  the  vernal  morn  : 
Shine  with  such  lustre  as  the  tear  that  flows 
Down  virtue's  manly  cheek  for  others'  woes. 

NOW  when  Job's  three  friends  heard  of  all  this  evil  that  was 
come  upon  him,  they  came  every  one  from  his  own  place  ; 
Eliphaz  the  Temanite,  and  Bildad  the  Shuhite,  and  Zophar  the 
Naamathite  :  for  they  had  made  an  appointment  together  to 
come  to  mourn  with  him,  and  to  comfort  him.  And  when  they 
lifted  up  their  eyes  afar  off,  and  knew  him  not,  they  lifted  up 
their  voice,  and  wept ;  and  they  rent  every  one  his  mantle,  and 
sprinkled  dust  upon  their  heads  toward  heaven.  So  they  sat 
down  with  him  upon  the  ground  seven  days  and  seven  nights, 
and  none  spake  a  word  unto  him  :  for  they  saw  that  his  grief 
was  very  great. 

To  see  sad  sights  moves  more  than  hear  them  told ; 

For  then  the  eye  interprets  to  the  ear 

The  heavy  motion  that  it  doth  behold  ; 

When  every  part  a  part  of  woe  doth  bear, 

'Tis  but  a  part  of  sorrow  that  we  hear. 

Deep  sounds  make  lesser  noise  than  shallow  fords, 

And  sorrow  ebbs  being  blown  with  wind  of  words. 

After  this  opened  Job  his  mouth,  and  cursed  his  day.  And 
Job  spake,  and  said.  Let  the  day  perish  wherein  I  was  born,  and 
the  night  in  which  it  was  said.  There  is  a  man  child  conceived. 
Let  that  day  be  darkness  ;  let  not  God  regard  it  from  above, 
neither  let  the  light  shine  upon  it.  Let  darkness  and  the 
shadow  of   death   stain  it ;   let  a  cloud  dwell  upon  it ;   let  the 


THE   BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  99 

blackness  of  the  day  terrify  it.  As  for  that  night,  let  darkness 
seize  upon  it ;  let  it  not  be  joined  unto  the  days  of  the  year;  let 
it  not  come  into  the  number  of  the  months.  Lo,  let  that  night 
be  solitary  ;  let  no  joyful  voice  come  therein.  Let  them  curse 
it  that  curse  the  day,  who  are  ready  to  raise  up  their  mourning. 
Let  the  stars  of  the  twilight  thereof  be  dark ;  let  it  look  for 
light,  but  have  none  ;  neither  let  it  see  the  dawning  of  the  day. 

Wherefore  is  light  given  to  him  that  is  in  misery,  and  life 
unto  the  bitter  in  soul ;  which  long  for  death,  but  it  cometh  not ; 
and  dig  for  it  more  than  for  hid  treasures  ;  which  rejoice  exceed- 
ingly, and  are  glad,  when  they  can  find  the  grave .''  Why  is 
light  given  to  a  man  whose  way  is  hid,  and  whom  God  hath 
hedged  in  .''  For  my  sighing  cometh  before  I  eat,  and  my  roar- 
ings are  poured  out  like  the  waters.  For  the  thing  w^hich  I 
greatly  feared  is  come  upon  me,  and  that  which  I  was  afraid  of 
is  come  unto  me.  I  was  not  in  safety,  neither  had  I  rest,  neither 
was  I  quiet ;  yet  trouble  came. 

Deep-hearted  man,  express 
Grief  for  thy  Dead  in  silence  like  to  death: 
Most  like  a  monumental  statue  set 
In  everlasting  watch  and  moveless  woe. 
Till  itself  crumble  to  the  dust  beneath. 


CHAPTER  XLL 

THE    ORACULAR    SPEECH    OF    ELIPHAZ. 

THEN  Eliphaz  the  Temanite  answered  and  said.  If  we  assay 
to  commune  with  thee,  wilt  thou  be  grieved  .'  but  who  can 
withhold  himself  from  speaking  .-*  Behold,  thou  hast  instructed 
many,  and  thou  hast  strengthened  the  weak  hands.  Thy  words 
have  upholden  him  that  was  falling,  and  thou  hast  strengthened 
the  feeble  knees.  But  now  it  is  come  upon  thee,  and  thou  faint- 
est ;  it  toucheth  thee,  and  thou  art  troubled. 

A  spirit  passed  before  me  :   I  beheld 

The  face  of  Immortality  unveiled  — 

Deep  sleep  came  down  on  every  eye  save  mine  — 

And  there  it  stood  —  all  formless  —  but  divine  : 

Along  my  bones  the  creeping  flesh  did  quake  ; 

And  as  my  damp  hair  stiffened,  thus  it  spake  ; 


lOO  THE  BIBLE   AND    THE   POETS. 

"  Is  man  more  just  than  God  ?     Is  man  more  pure 
Than  He  who  deems  even  Seraphs  insecure  ? 
Creatures  of  clay  —  vain  dwellers  in  the  dust ! 
The  moth  survives  you,  and  are  ye  more  just  ? 
Things  of  a  day  !  you  wither  ere  the  night, 
Heedless  and  blind  to  Wisdom's  wasted  hght !  " 

Now  a  thing  was  secretly  brought  to  me,  and  mine  ear  re- 
ceived a  little  thereof.  In  thoughts  from  the  visions  of  the 
night,  when  deep  sleep  falleth  on  men,  fear  came  upon  me,  and 
trembling,  which  made  all  my  bones  to  shake.  Then  a  spirit 
passed  before  my  face  ;  the  hair  of  my  flesh  stood  up :  it  stood 
still,  but  I  could  not  discern  the  form  thereof :  an  image  was 
before  mine  eyes,  there  was  silence,  and  I  heard  a  voice,  saying, 
Shall  mortal  man  be  more  just  than  God  ?  shall  a  man  be  more 
pure  than  his  Maker  ?  Behold,  he  put  no  trust  in  his  servants  ; 
and  his  angels  he  charged  with  folly :  how  much  less  in  them 
that  dwell  in  houses  of  clay,  whose  foundation  is  in  the  dust, 
which  are  crushed  before  the  moth  ?  They  are  destroyed  from 
morning  to  evening  :  they  perish  for  ever  without  any  regarding 
it.  Doth  not  their  excellency  which  is  in  them  go  away  .''  they 
die,  even  without  wisdom. 

Why  then  must  man  obey  the  sad  decree. 

Which  subjects  neither  sun,  nor  wind,  nor  sea  ? 

A  flower  that  does  with  opening  morn  arise, 

And  flourishing  the  day,  at  evening  dies  ; 

A  winged  eastern  blast,  just  skimming  o'er 

The  ocean's  brow,  and  sinking  on  the  shore  ; 

A  fire,  whose  flames  tlirough  crackling  stubble  fly ; 

A  meteor  shooting  from  the  summer-sky  ; 

A  bowl  adown  the  bending  mountain  rolled  ; 

A  bubble  breaking,  and  a  fable  told  ; 

A  noontide  shadow,  and  a  midnight  dream, 

Are  emblems  which,  the  semblance  apt,  proclaim 

Our  earthly  course  ;  but,  O  my  soul !  so  fast 

Must  life  run  off,  and  death  for  ever  last .'' 

Although  affliction  cometh  not  forth  of  the  dust,  neither  doth 
trouble  spring  out  of  the  ground  ;  yet  man  is  born  unto  trouble, 
as  the  sparks  fly  upward.  I  would  seek  unto  God,  and  unto  God 
would  I  commit  my  cause  :  which  doeth  great  things  and  un- 
searchable ;  marvellous  things  without  number.  He  taketh  the 
wise  in  their  own  craftiness  :  and  the  counsel  of  the  froward  is 
carried  headlong.     They  meet  with  darkness  in  the  daytime. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  lOI 

and  grope  in  the  noonday  as  in  the  night.  Bui:  he  saveth  the 
poor  from  the  sword,  from  their  mouth,  and  from  the  hand  of 
the  mighty.  So  the  poor  hath  hope,  and  iniquity  stoppeth  her 
moutli.  Behold,  happy  is  the  man  whom  God  correcteth  :  there- 
fore despise  not  thou  the  chastening  of  the  Almighty :  for  he 
maketh  sore,  and  bindeth  up  :  he  woundeth,  and  his  hands  make 
whole.  He  shall  deliver  thee  in  six  troubles  :  yea,  in  seven 
there  shall  no  evil  touch  thee.  In  famine  he  shall  redeem  thee 
from  death  :  and  in  war  from  the  power  of  the  sword.  Thou 
shalt  be  hid  from  the  scourge  of  the  tongue  :  neither  shalt  thou 
be  afraid  of  destruction  when  it  cometh.  At  destruction  and 
famine  thou  shalt  laugh  :  neither  shalt  thou  be  afraid  of  the 
beasts  of  the  earth.  For  thou  shalt  be  in  league  with  the  stones 
of  the  field  :  and  the  beasts  of  the  field  shall  be  at  peace  with 
thee.  And  thou  shalt  know  that  thy  tabernacle  shall  be  in 
peace ;  and  thou  shalt  visit  thy  habitation,  and  shalt  not  sin. 
Thou  shalt  know  also  that  thy  seed  shall  be  great,  and  thine  off- 
spring as  the  grass  of  the  earth.  Thou  shalt  come  to  thy  grave 
in  a  full  age,  like  as  a  shock  of  corn  cometh  in  in  his  season. 

So  live,  that  when  thy  summons  comes  to  join 
The  innumerable  caravan,  which  moves 
To  that  mysterious  realm,  where  each  shall  take 
His  chamber  in  the  silent  halls  of  death, 
Thou  go  not,  like  the  quarry-slave  at  night. 
Scourged  to  his  dungeon,  but,  sustained  and  soothed 
By  an  unfaltering  trust,  approach  thy  grave 
Like  one  who  wraps  the  drapery  of  his  couch 
About  him,  and  lies  down  to  pleasant  dreams. 


CHAPTER    XLII. 

JOB     AND     BILDAD     DISCOURSING. 

'Tis  when  the  lights  of  earth  are  gone, 

The  heavenly  glories  shine  ; 
When  other  comforts  1  have  none, 

Thy  comfort.  Lord,  is  mine. 

Be  still,  my  throbbing  heart,  be  still, 

Cast  off  thy  weary  load, 
And  make  His  holy  will  thy  will. 

And  rest  upon  thy  God. 


102  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

BUT  Job  answered  and  said,  Oh  that  my  grief  were  thoroughly 
weighed,  and  my  calamity  laid  in  the  balances  together ! 
For  now  it  would  be  heavier  than  the  sand  of  the  sea :  therefore 
my  words  are  swallowed  up.  For  the  arrows  of  the  Almighty 
are  within  me,  the  poison  whereof  drinketh  up  my  spirit :  the 
terrors  of  God  do  set  themselves  in  array  against  me.  Oh  that  I 
might  have  my  request  ;  and  that  God  would  grant  me  the  thing 
that  I  long  for  !  Even  that  it  would  please  God  to  destroy  me  ;  that 
he  would  let  loose  his  hand,  and  cut  me  off !  Then  should  I  yet 
have  comfort ;  yea,  I  would  harden  myself  in  sorrow :  let  him  not 
spare  ;  for  I  have  not  concealed  the  words  of  the  Holy  One. 

My  days  are  swifter  than  a  weaver's  shuttle,  and  are  spent 
without  hope.  O  remember  that  my  life  is  wind :  mine  eye  shall 
no  more  see  good.  As  the  cloud  is  consumed  and  vanisheth 
away  :  so  he  that  goeth  down  to  the  grave  shall  come  up  no 
more.  He  shall  return  no  more  to  his  house,  neither  shall  his 
place  know  him  any  more.  Therefore  I  will  not  refrain  my 
mouth  ;  I  will  speak  in  the  anguish  of  my  spirit  ;  I  will  com- 
plain in  the  bitterness  of  my  soul. 

Time  speeds  away  —  away  —  away, 

Like  torrent  on  a  stormy  clay  ; 

He  undermines  the  stately  tower, 

Uproots  the  tree  and  snaps  the  flower  ; 

And  sweeps  from  our  distracted  breast 

The  friends  that  loved  —  the  friends  that  blessed; 

And  leaves  us  weeping  on  the  shore, 

To  which  they  can  return  no  more. 

Then  answered  Bildad  the  Shuhite,  and  said,  How  long  wilt 
thou  speak  these  things  .''  and  how  long  shall  the  words  of  thy 
mouth  be  like  a  strong  wind  }  Doth  God  pervert  judgment ;  or 
doth  the  Almighty  pervert  justice.''  If  thy  children  have  sinned 
against  him,  and  he  have  cast  them  away  for  their  transgression  ; 
if  thou  wouldest  seek  unto  God  betimes,  and  make  thy  supplica- 
tion to  the  Almighty  ;  if  thou  wert  pure  and  upright,  surely  now 
he  would  awake  for  thee,  and  make  the  habitation  of  thy  righteous- 
ness prosperous.  Though  thy  beginning  was  small,  yet  thy  latter 
end  should  greatly  increase. 

Behold,  God  will  not  cast  away  a  perfect  man,  neither  will  he 
help  the  evil  doers  :  till  he  fill  thy  mouth  with  laughing,  and  thy 
lips  with  rejoicing.     They  that  hate  thee  shall  be  clothed  with 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  I03 

shame ;  and   the  dwelling-place  of  the   wicked    shall  come    to 
nought. 

No  gold  is  pure  from  dross,  though  oft  refined  ; 
The  strongest  cedar's  shaken  with  the  wind  ; 
The  fairest  rose  hath  no  prerogative 
Against  the  fretting  cankerworm  ;  the  hive 
No  honey  yields  unblended  with  the  wax  ; 
The  finest  linen  hath  both  soil  and  bracks  ; 
The  best  of  men  have  sins,  none  live  secure, 
In  Nature  nothing's  perfect,  nothing  pure. 


CHAPTER   XLIII. 

THE   DISCOURSE   CONTINUED    BY  JOB   AND  ELIPHAZ. 

THEN  Job  answered  and  said,  I  know  it  is  so  of  a  truth :  but 
how  should  man  be  just  with  God  }  If  he  will  contend  with 
him,  he  cannot  answer  him  one  of  a  thousand.  He  is  wise  in 
heart,  and  mighty  in  strength  :  who  hath  hardened  himself  against 
him,  and  hath  prospered  .-'  Which  removeth  the  mountains,  and 
they  know  not ;  which  overturneth  them  in  his  anger ;  which 
shaketh  the  earth  out  of  her  place,  and  the  pillars  thereof  trem- 
ble ;  which  commandeth  the  sun,  and  it  riseth  not ;  and  sealeth 
up  the  stars  ;  which  alone  spreadeth  out  the  heavens,  and  treadeth 
upon  the  waves  of  the  sea :  which  maketh  Arcturus,  Orion,  and 
Pleiades,  and  the  chambers  of  the  south  ;  which  doeth  great  things 
past  finding  out  ;  yea,  and  wonders  without  number.  Lo,  he 
goeth  by  me,  and  I  see  him  not:  he  passeth  on  also,  but  I  per- 
ceive him  not.  Behold,  he  taketh  away,  who  can  hinder  him } 
who  will  say  unto  him.  What  doest  thou .'' 

All  heaven  and  earth  are  still,  though  not  in  sleep. 

But  breathless  as  we  grow,  when  feeling  most, 

And  silent  as  we  stand  in  thoughts  too  deep :  — 

All  heaven  and  earth  are  still.     From  the  high  host 

Of  stars,  to  the  lulled  lake  and  mountain  coast, 

All  is  concentred  in  a  life  intense. 

Where  not  a  beam,  nor  air,  nor  leaf  is  lost, 

But  hath  a  part  of  being  in  a  sense 

Of  that,  which  is  of  all  Creator  and  defence. 


104  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Now  my  days  are  swifter  than  a  post :  they  flee  away,  they  see 
no  good.  They  are  passed  away  as  the  swift  ships  :  as  the  eagle 
that  hasteth  to  the  prey.  If  I  wash  myself  with  snow-water,  and 
make  my  hands  never  so  clean  ;  yet  shalt  thou  plunge  me  in  the 
ditch,  and  mine  own  clothes  shall  abhor  me.  For  he  is  not  a 
man,  as  I  am,  that  I  should  answer  him,  and  we  should  come 
together  in  judgment.  Neither  is  there  any  daysman  betwixt  us, 
that  might  lay  his  hand  upon  us  both. 

Are  not  my  days  few  '>.  cease  then,  and  let  me  alone,  that  I 
may  take  comfort  a  little,  before  I  go  whence  I  shall  not  re- 
turn, even  to  the  land  of  darkness,  and  the  shadow  of  death ;  a 
land  of  darkness,  as  darkness  itself  ;  and  of  the  shadow  of  death, 
without  any  order,  and  where  the  light  is  as  darkness. 

And  thou,  grim  Power,  by  life  abhorred. 
While  life  a  pleasure  can  afford, 

Oh  !  hear  a  wretch's  prayer  ! 
No  more  I  shrink  appalled,  afraid; 
I  court,  I  beg  thy  friendly  aid. 

To  close  these  scenes  of  care  ! 
When  shall  my  soul,  in  silent  peace, 

Resign  life's  joyless  day  ; 
My  weary  heart  its  throbbings  cease. 

Cold  mouldering  in  the  clay  ? 

No  fear  more,  no  tear  more, 

To  stain  my  lifeless  face  ; 
Enclasped,  and  grasped 

Within  thy  cold  embrace  ! 

Then  answered  Zophar  the  Naamathite,  and  said.  Should  not  the 
multitude  of  words  be  answered  }  and  should  a  man  full  of  talk 
be  justified .?  But  oh  that  God  would  speak,  and  open  his  lips 
against  thee  ;  and  that  he  would  shew  thee  the  secrets  of  wisdom, 
that  they  are  double  to  that  which  is  !  Know  therefore  that  God 
exacteth  of  thee  less  than  thine  iniquity  deserveth.  Canst  thou 
by  searching  find  out  God  t  canst  thou  find  out  the  Almighty 
unto  perfection  }  It  is  as  high  as  heaven  ;  what  canst  thou  do  } 
deeper  than  hell ;  what  canst  thou  know  }  The  measure  thereof 
is  longer  than  the  earth,  and  broader  than  the  sea. 

Vain  restless  man  !  who,  with  presumptuous  eye, 
Wouldst  into  Heaven's  eternal  counsels  pry  ; 
Wouldst  measure  Wisdom  with  the  line  of  sense, 
And  reason  arm  against  Omnipotence  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  105 

Inquiring  worm!  pursue  the  pathless  road, 

And  try  by  searching  to  arrive  at  God : 

For  ages  on  bewildered  mayst  thou  run, 

Nor  leave  the  point  where  first  thy  quest  begun  : 

As  well  the  clay  might,  in  the  potter's  hand, 

The  reason  of  its  various  form  demand, 

As  thou  presume  to  cavil  His  decree, 

Who  gave  thee  first  to  move,  and  think,  and  see  ! 

If  thou  prepare  thy  heart,  and  stretch  out  thy  hands  toward 
him  ;  if  iniquity  be  in  thy  hand,  put  it  far  away,  and  let  not 
wickedness  dwell  in  thy  tabernacles.  For  then  shalt  thou  lift  up 
thy  face  without  spot  ;  yea,  thou  shalt  be  steadfast,  and  shalt  not 
fear :  because  thou  shalt  forget  thy  misery,  and  remember  it 
as  waters  that  pass  away  ;  and  thine  age  shall  be  clearer  than  the 
noon-day :  thou  shalt  shine  forth,  thou  shalt  be  as  the  morning. 


CHAPTER   XLIV. 

MAN    AND    HIS    MORTALITY. 

Love  us,  God  !  love  us,  man  !  we  believe,  we  achieve  — 

Let  us  love,  let  us  hve. 

For  the  acts  correspond  ; 

We  are  glorious  —  and  Die  ! 
And  again  on  the  knee  of  a  mild  Mystery 

That  smiles  with  a  change, 
Here  we  lie. 

O  Death,  O  Beyond, 
Thou  art  sweet,  thou  art  strange  ! 

AND  Job  answered  and  said,  Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is 
of  few  days,  and  full  of  trouble.  He  cometh  forth  like  a 
flower,  and  is  cut  down  :  he  fleeth  also  as  a  shadow,  and  contin- 
ueth  not.  And  dost  thou  open  thine  eyes  upon  such  a  one,  and 
bringest  me  into  judgment  with  thee  .-*  Who  can  bring  a  clean 
thing  out  of  an  unclean  .''  not  one.  Seeing  his  days  are  deter- 
mined, the  number  of  his  months  are  with  thee,  thou  hast 
appointed  his  bounds  that  he  cannot  pass  ;  turn  from  him,  that 
he  may  rest,  till  he  shall  accomplish,  as  a  hireling,  his  day.  For 
there  is  hope  of  a  tree,  if  it  be  cut  down,  that  it  will  sprout  again, 


I06  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

and  that  the  tender  branch  thereof  will  not  cease.  Though  the 
root  thereof  wax  old  in  the  earth,  and  the  stock  thereof  die  in 
the  ground  ;  yet  through  the  scent  of  water  it  will  bud,  and  bring 
forth  boughs  like  a  plant.  But  man  dieth,  and  wasteth  away : 
yea,  man  giveth  up  the  ghost,  and  where  is  he  }  As  the  waters 
fail  from  the  sea,  and  the  flood  decayeth  and  drieth  up ;  so  man 
lieth  down,  and  riseth  not :  till  the  heavens  be  no  more,  they 
shall  not  awake,  nor  be  raised  out  of  their  sleep. 

See,  how  beneath  the  moonbeams'  smile 

Yon  httle  billow  heaves  its  breast, 
And  foams  and  sparkles  for  a  while, 

And  murmuring  thus  subsides  to  rest. 

Thus  man,  the  sport  of  bliss  and  care, 

Rises  on  time's  eventful  sea  ; 
And  having  swelled  a  moment  there, 

Thus  melts  into  eternity  !  x 

Oh  that  thou  wouldest  hide  me  in  the  grave,  that  thou 
wouldest  keep  me  secret,  until  thy  wrath  be  past,  that  thou 
wouldest  appoint  me  a  set  time,  and  remember  me !  If  a  man 
die,  shall  he  live  again .''  all  the  days  of  my  appointed  time  will  I 
wait,  till  my  change  come.  Thou  shalt  call,  and  I  will  answer 
thee  :  thou  wilt  have  a  desire  to  the  work  of  thine  hands.  For 
now  thou  numberest  my  steps  :  dost  thou  not  watch  over  my 
sin .''  My  transgression  is  sealed  up  in  a  bag,  and  thou  sewest 
up  mine  iniquity.  And  surely  the  mountain  falling  cometh  to 
nought,  and  the  rock  is  removed  out  of  his  place.  The  waters 
wear  the  stones  :  thou  washest  away  the  things  which  grow  out 
of  the  dust  of  the  earth  ;  and  thou  destroyest  the  hope  of  man. 
Thou  prevailest  for  ever  against  him,  and  he  passeth :  thou 
changest  his  countenance,  and  sendest  him  away.  His  sons 
come  to  honour,  and  he  knoweth  it  not  ;  and  they  are  brought 
low,  but  he  perceiveth  it  not  of  them.  But  his  flesh  upon  him 
shall  have  pain,  and  his  soul  within  him  shall  mourn. 

Like  to  the  falling  of  a  star, 
Or  as  the  flights  of  eagles  are. 
Or  like  the  fresh  spring's  gaudy  hue, 
Or  silver  drops  of  morning  dew  ; 
Or  like  a  wind  that  chafes  the  flood, 
Or  bubbles  which  on  water  stood  ; 
Even  such  is  man,  whose  borrowed  light 
Is  straight  called  in  and  paid  to-night. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  \oy 

The  wind  blows  out,  the  bubble  dies, 
The  spring  entombed  in  autumn  lies  ; 
The  dew  dries  up,  the  star  is  shot, 
The  flight  is  past,  and  man  forgot. 


CHAPTER   XLV. 

JOR  ACCUSED  AND  EXHORTED. HIS  TRUSTFUL  REPLY. 

All  flesh  is  grass,  and  all  its  glory  fades 
Like  the  fair  flower  dishevelled  in  the  wind  ; 
Riches  have  wings,  and  grandeur  is  a  dream; 
The  man  we  celebrate  must  find  a  tomb, 
And  we  that  worship  him,  ignoble  graves. 
Nothing  is  proof  against  the  general  curse 
Of  vanity,  that  seizes  all  below. 
The  only  amaranthine  flower  on  earth 
Is  virtue  ;  the  only  lasting  treasure,  truth. 

THEN  Eliphaz  the  Temanite  answered  and  said,  Can  a  man 
be  profitable  unto  God,  as  he  that  is  wise  may  be  profita- 
ble unto  himself?  Is  it  any  pleasure  to  the  Almighty,  that  thou 
art  righteous  .■'  or  is  it  gain  to  him,  that  thou  makest  thy  ways 
perfect .-'  Will  he  reprove  thee  for  fear  of  thee .-'  will  he  enter 
with  thee  into  judgment.'*  Is  not  thy  wickedness  great.''  and 
thine  iniquities  infinite  .''  For  thou  hast  taken  a  pledge  from  thy 
brother  for  nought,  and  stripped  the  naked  of  their  clothing. 
Thou  hast  not  given  water  to  the  weary  to  drink,  and  thou  hast 
withholden  bread  from  the  hungry.  But  as  for  the  mighty  man, 
he  had  the  earth  ;  and  the  honourable  man  dwelt  in  it.  Thou 
hast  sent  widows  away  empty,  and  the  arms  of  the  fatherless 
have  been  broken.  Therefore  snares  are  round  about  thee,  and 
sudden  fear  troubleth  thee  ;  or  darkness,  that  thou  canst  not  see  ; 
and  abundance  of  waters  cover  thee.  Is  not  God  in  the  height  of 
heaven  }  and  behold  the  height  of  the  stars,  how  high  they  are ! 

From  what  pure  wells 
Of  milky  light,  what  soft  o'erflowing  urn. 
Are  all  these  lamps  so  filled  1  these  friendly  lamps, 
Forever  streaming  o'er  the  azure  deep 
To  point  our  path,  and  light  us  to  our  home. 
How  soft  they  slide  along  their  lucid  spheres  ! 


I08  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

And  silent  as  the  foot  of  Time,  fulfil 

Their  destined  courses. 

How  deep  the  silence,  yet  how  loud  the  praise  \ 

But  are  they  silent  all  ?  or  is  there  not 

A  tongue  in  every  star,  that  talks  with  man, 

And  woos  him  to  be  wise  ?  nor  woos  in  vain  : 

This  dead  of  midnight  is  the  noon  of  thought, 

And  Wisdom  mounts  her  zenith  with  the  stars. 

And  thou  sayest,  How  doth  God  know  ?  can  he  judge  through 
the  dark  cloud  ?  Thick  clouds  are  a  covering  to  him,  that  he 
seeth  not  ;  and  he  walketh  in  the  circuit  of  heaven.  Hast  thou 
marked  the  old  way  which  wicked  men  have  trodden  ?  Which 
were  cut  down  out  of  time,  whose  foundation  was  overflown  with 
a  flood  :. which  said  unto  God,  Depart  from  us:  and  what  can 
the  Almighty  do  for  them  }  Yet  he  filled  their  houses  with 
good  things  :  but  the  counsel  of  the  wicked  is  far  from  me.  The 
righteous  see  it,  and  are  glad  :  and  the  innocent  laugh  them  to 
scorn.  Whereas  our  substance  is  not  cut  down,  but  the  remnant 
of  them  the  fire  consumeth. 

Acquaint  thyself  with  God,  if  thou  wouldst  taste 
His  works.     Admitted  once  to  His  embrace. 
Thou  shalt  perceive  that  thou  wast  blind  before : 
Thine  eye  shall  be  instructed  ;  and  thine  heart 
Made  pure,  shall  relish,  with  divine  delight 
Till  then  unfelt,  what  hands  divine  have  wrought. 

A'cquaint  now  thyself  with  him,  and  be  at  peace  :  thereby  good 
shall  come  unto  thee.  Receive,  I  pray  thee,  the  law  from  his 
mouth,  and  lay  up  his  words  in  thine  heart.  If  thou  return  to 
the  Almighty,  thou  shalt  be  built  up,  thou  shalt  put  away  iniquity 
far  from  thy  tabernacles.  Then  shalt  thou  lay  up  gold  as  dust, 
and  the  gold  of  Ophir  as  the  stones  of  the  brooks.  Yea,  the 
Almighty  shall  be  thy  defence,  and  thou  shalt  have  plenty  of  sil- 
ver. For  then  shalt  thou  have  thy  delight  in  the  Almighty,  and 
shalt  lift  up  thy  face  unto  God.  Thou  shalt  make  thy  prayer 
unto  him,  and  he  shall  hear  thee,  and  thou  shalt  pay  thy  vows. 
Thou  shalt  also  decree  a  thing,  and  it  shall  be  established  unto 
thee  :  and  the  light  shall  shine  upon  thy  ways.  When  men  are 
cast  down,  then  thou  shalt  say.  There  is  lifting  up  ;  and  he  shall 
save  the  humble  person.  He  shall  deliver  the  island  of  the  inno- 
cent :  and  it  is  delivered  by  the  pureness  of  thine  hands. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  109 

Nor  let  tlie  good  man's  trust  depart, 
Thougli  life  its  common  gifts  deny, — 
Though  with  a  pierced  and  broken  heart, 
And  spurned  of  men  he  goes  to  die. 
For  God  has  marked  each  sorrowing  day, 
And  numbered  every  secret  tear, 
And  heaven's  long  age  of  bliss  shall  pay 
For  all  His  children  suffer  here. 

Then  Job  answered  and  said,  Even  to  day  is  my  complaint 
bitter :  my  stroke  is  heavier  than  my  groaning.  Oh  that  I  knew 
where  I  might  find  him  !  that  I  might  come  even  to  his  seat !  I 
would  order  my  cause  before  him,  and  fill  my  mouth  with  argu- 
ments. I  would  know  the  words  which  he  would  answer  me, 
and  understand  what  he  would  say  unto  me.  Behold,  I  go 
forward,  but  he  is  not  there  ;  and  backward,  but  I  cannot  per- 
ceive him  :  on  the  left  hand,  where  he  doth  work,  but  I  cannot 
behold  him  :  he  hideth  himself  on  the  right  hand,  that  I  cannot 
see  him  :  but  he  knoweth  the  way  that  I  take  :  when  he  hath 
tried  me,  I  shall  come  forth  as  gold.  My  foot  hath  held  his 
steps,  his  way  have  I  kept,  and  not  declined.  Neither  have  I 
gone  back  from  the  commandment  of  his  lips ;  I  have  esteemed 
the  words  of  his  mouth  more  than  my  necessary  food.  But  he 
is  in  one  mind,  and  who  can  turn  him  .''  and  what  his  soul 
desireth,  even  that  he  doeth.  For  he  performeth  the  thing  that 
is  appointed  for  me :  and  many  such  things  are  with  him. 
Therefore  am  I  troubled  at  his  presence :  when  I  consider,  I  am 
afraid  of  him.  For  God  maketh  my  heart  soft,  and  the  Almighty 
troubleth  me  :  because  I  was  not  cut  off  before  the  darkness, 
neither  hath  he  covered  the  darkness  from  my  face. 

When  some  Beloveds,  'neath  whose  eyelids  lay 

The  sweet  lights  of  my  childhood,  one  by  one 

Did  leave  me  dark  before  the  natural  sun, 

And  I  astonied  fell  and  could  not  pray,  — 

A  thought  within  me  to  myself  did  say, 

"Is  God  less  God,  that  thou  art  left  undone  ? 

Rise,  worship,  bless  Him,  in  this  sackcloth  spun, 

As  in  that  purple  !  "  —  But  I  answered,  Nay  ! 

What  child  his  filial  heart  in  words  can  loose, 

If  he  behold  his  tender  father  raise 

The  hand  that  chastens  sorely  ?  can  he  choose 

But  sob  in  silence  with  an  upward  gaze  ?  — 

And  my  great  Father,  thinking  fit  to  bruise, 

Discerns  in  speechless  tears,  both  prayer  and  praise. 


no  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

CHAPTER   XLVI. 

THE    MAJESTY    AND    HOLINESS    OF    GOD. 

THEN  answered  Bildad  the  Shuhite,  and  said,  Dominion  and 
fear  are  with  him  ;  he  maketh  peace  in  his  high  places. 
Is  there  any  number  of  his  armies  ?  and  upon  whom  doth  not 
his  hght  arise?  How  then  can  man  be  justified  with  God?  or 
how  can  he  be  clean  that  is  born  of  a  woman  ?  Behold  even  to 
the  moon,  and  it  shineth  not  ;  yea,  the  stars  are  not  pure  in  his 
sight.  How  much  less  man,  that  is  a  worm  ?  and  the  son  of 
man,  which  is  a'  worm  ? 

How  is  night's  sable  mantle  laboured  o'er, 

How  richly  wrought  with  attributes  divine  ! 

What  wisdom  shines  !  what  love  !    This  midnight  pomp, 

This  gorgeous  arch,  with  golden  worlds  inlaid, 

Built  with  divine  ambition  !  naught  to  Thee  : 

For  others  this  profusion  :  Thou  apart, 

Above,  beyond  !     Oh  tell  me,  mighty  Mind, 

Where  art  Thou  ?     Shall  I  dive  into  the  deep. 

Call  to  the  sun,  or  ask  the  roaring  winds, 

For  their  Creator  ?     Shall  I  question  loud 

The  thunder,  if  in  that  the  Almighty  dwells  ? 

Or  holds  the  furious  storms  in  straitened  reins. 

And  bids  fierce  whirlwinds  wheel  His  rapid  car  ? 

What  mean  these  questions  ?  —  Trembling  I  retract ; 

My  prostrate  soul  adores  the  present  God : 

Praise  I  a  distant  Deity  ?  — 

The  nameless  He,  whose  nod  is  nature's  birth  ; 

And  nature's  shield,  the  shadow  of  His  hand: 

Her  dissolution.  His  suspended  smile  ; 

The  great  First-Last !  pavilioned  high  He  sits 

In  darkness,  from  excessive  splendour  born  ! 

His  glory,  to  created  glory,  bright 

As  that  to  central  horrors  :   He  looks  down 

On  all  that  soars,  and  spans  immensity  ! 

But  Job  answered  and  said.  How  hast  thou  helped  him  that  is 
without  power  ?  how  savest  thou  the  arm  that  hath  no  strength  ? 
How  hast  thou  counselled  him  that  hath  no  wisdom  ?  and  how 
hast  thou  plentifully  declared  the  thing  as  it  is  ?  To  whom  hast 
thou  uttered  words  ?  and  whose  spirit  came  from   thee  ?     Dead 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  Ill 

things  are  formed  from  under  the  waters,  and  the  inhabitants 
thereof.  Hell  is  naked  before  him,  and  destruction  hath  no 
covering.  He  stretcheth  out  the  north  over  the  empty  place, 
and  hangeth  the  earth  upon  nothing.  He  bindeth  up  the  waters 
in  his  thick  clouds  ;  and  the  cloud  is  not  rent  under  them.  He 
holdeth  back  the  face  of  his  throne,  and  spreadeth  his  cloud 
upon  it.  He  hath  compassed  the  waters  with  bounds,  until  the 
day  and  night  come  to  an  end.  The  pillars  of  heaven  tremble, 
and  are  astonished  at  his  reproof.  He  divideth  the  sea  with  his 
power,  and  by  his  understanding  he  smiteth  through  the  proud. 
By  his  Spirit  he  hath  garnished  the  heavens  ;  his  hand  hath 
formed  the  crooked  serpent.  Lo,  these  are  parts  of  his  ways  ; 
but  how  little  a  portion  is  heard  of  him  .^  but  the  thundiir  of  his 
power  who  can  understand  .'* 

Supreme,  all-wise,  eternal  Potentate  ! 
Sole  Author,  sole  Disposer  of  our  fate  ! 
Enthroned  in  light  and  immortality, 
Whom  no  man  fully  sees,  and  none  can  see ! 
Original  of  Beings  !  Power  divine  ! 
Since  that  I  live,  and  that  I  think,  is  Thine ; 
Benign  Creator!  let  Thy  plastic  hand 
Dispose  its  own  effect :  let  Thy  command 
Restore,  great  Father,  Thy  instructed  son, 
And  in  my  act  may  Thy  great  will  be  done ! 


CHAPTER   XLVII. 

THE    SINCERITY    OF    JOB. HYPOCRITES. THE    WICKED 

MAKE    THEIR    BLESSINGS    CURSES. 

The  brave  do  never  shun  the  Light ; 
Just  are  their  thoughts,  and  open  are  their  tempers  ; 
Freely,  without  disguise,  they  love  or  hate : 
Still  are  they  found  in  the  fair  face  of  day, 
And  Heaven  and  men  are  judges  of  their  actions. 

MOREOVER  Job  continued  his  parable,  and  said.  As  God 
liveth,  who  hath  taken  away  my  judgment  ;  and  the  Al- 
mighty, who  hath  vexed  my  soul ;  all  the  while  my  breath  is  in 


112  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

me,  and  the  spirit  of  God  is  in  my  nostrils  ;  my  lips  shall  not 
speak  wickedness,  nor  my  tongue  utter  deceit.  God  forbid  that 
I  should  justify  you  :  till  I  die  I  will  not  remove  mine  integrity 
from  me.  My  righteousness  I  hold  fast,  and  will  not  let  it  go : 
my  heart  shall  not  reproach  me  so  long  as  I  live.  Let  mine 
enemy  be  as  the  wicked,  and  he  that  riseth  up  against  me  as  the 
unrighteous.  For  what  is  the  hope  of  the  hypocrite,  though  he 
hath  gained,  when  God  taketh  away  his  soul  .-*  Will  God  hear 
his  cry  when  trouble  cometh  upon  him  .''  Will  he  delight  him- 
self in  the  Almighty }  will  he  always  call  upon  God  .'' 

Almighty  Power,  I  love  Thee  !     Bhssful  name, 
My  healer,  God  !  and  may  my  inmost  soul 
Love  and  adore  forever  !     Oh,  'tis  good 
To  wait  submissive  at  Thy  holy  throne, 
To  leave  petitions  at  Thy  feet,  and  bear 
Thy  frowns  in  silence  with  a  patient  soul. 
The  hand  of  Mercy  is  not  short  to  save, 
Nor  is  the  ear  of  heavenly  Pity  deaf 
To  mortal  cries. 

I  will  teach  you  by  the  hand  of  God  :  that  which  is  with  the 
Almighty  will  I  not  conceal.  Behold,  all  ye  yourselves  have 
seen  it ;  why  then  are  ye  thus  altogether  vain  .'*  This  is  the 
portion  of  a  wicked  man  with  God,  and  the  heritage  of  oppress- 
ors, which  they  shall  receive  of  the  Almighty.  If  his  children 
be  multiplied,  it  is  for  the  sword  :  and  his  offspring  shall  not  be 
satisfied  with  bread.  Those  that  remain  of  him  shall  be  buried 
in  death  :  and  his  widows  shall  not  weep.  Though  he  heap  up 
silver  as  the  dust,  and  prepare  raiment  as  the  clay ;  he  may  pre- 
pare it,  but  the  just  shall  put  it  on,  and  the  innocent  shall  divide 
the  silver.  He  buildeth  his  house  as  a  moth,  and  as  a  booth  that 
the  keeper  maketh.  The  rich  man  shall  lie  down,  but  he  shall 
not  be  gathered  :  he  openeth  his  eyes,  and  he  is  not.  Terrors 
take  hold  on  him  as  waters,  a  tempest  stealeth  him  away  in  the 
night.  The  east  wind  carrieth  him  away,  and  he  departeth  :  and 
as  a  storm  hurleth  him  out  of  his  place.  For  God  shall  cast 
upon  him,  and  not  spare  :  he  would  fain  flee  out  of  his  hand. 

O  treacherous  conscience  !  while  she  seems  to  sleep, 
On  rose  and  myrUe,  lulled  with  syren  song ; 
While  she  seems,  nodding  o'er  her  charge,  to  drop 
On  headlong  Appetite  the  slackened  rein, 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  1 13 

The  sly  informer  minutes  every  fault, 

And  her  dread  diary  with  horror  fills. 

Not  the  gross  act  alone  employs  her  pen  ; 

She  dawning  purposes  of  heart  explores, 

Unnoted,  notes  each  moment  misapplied  ; 

In  leaves  more  durable  than  leaves  of  brass 

Writes  out  whole  history,  which  Death  shall  read 

In  every  pale  delinquent's  private  ear  ; 

And  judgment  publish  ;  publish  to  more  worlds 

Than  this  :  and  endless  age  in  groans  resound. 

And  think'st  thou  still  thou  canst  be  wise  too  soon  .-' 


CHAPTER   XLVIII. 

LEARNING    DIFFERS    FROM    WISDOM. 

The  Lord  of  all.  Himself  through  all  diffused, 
Sustains  and  is  the  life  of  all  that  hves. 
Nature  is  but  a  name  for  an  effect 
Whose  cause  is  God.     He  feeds  the  secret  fire 
By  which  the  mighty  process  is  maintained, 
Who  sleeps  not,  is  not  weary  ;  in  whose  sight 
Slow-circling  ages  are  as  transient  days  ; 
Whose  work  is  without  labour ;  whose  designs 
No  flaw  deforms,  no  difficulty  thwarts. 
And  whose  beneficence  no  charge  exhausts. 

SURELY  there  is  a  vein  for  the  silver,  and  a  place  for  gold 
where  they  fine  it.  Iron  is  taken  out  of  the  earth,  and 
brass  is  molten  out  of  the  stone.  He  setteth  an  end  to  dark- 
ness, and  searcheth  out  all  perfection  :  the  stones  of  darkness, 
and  the  shadow  of  death.  The  flood  breaketh  out  from  the 
inhabitant ;  even  the  waters  forgotten  of  the  foot :  they  are  dried 
up,  they  are  gone  away  from  men.  As  for  the  earth,  out  of  it 
Cometh  bread  :  and  under  it  is  turned  up  as  it  were  fire.  The 
stones  of  it  are  the  place  of  sapphires :  and  it  hath  dust  of  gold. 
There  is  a  path  which  no  fowl  knoweth,  and  which  the  vulture's 
eye  hath  not  seen  :  the  lion's  whelps  have  not  trodden  it,  nor  the 
fierce  lion  passed  by  it.  He  putteth  forth  his  hand  upon  the 
rock  ;  he  overturneth  the  mountains  by  the  roots.  He  cutteth 
out  rivers  among  the  rocks ;  and  his  eye  seeth  every  precious 

8 


114  THE  BIBLE  AND  THE  POETS. 

thing.     He  bindeth  the  floods  from  overflowing ;  and  the  thing 
that  is  hid  bringeth  he  forth  to  hght. 

Knowledge  and  wisdom,  far  from  being  one, 
Have  ofttimes  no  connection.     Knowledge  dwells 
In  heads  replete  with  thoughts  of  other  men, 
Wisdom  in  minds  attentive  to  their  own. 
Knowledge,  a  rude  unprofitable  mass, 
The  mere  materials  with  which  wisdom  builds, 
Till  smoothed  and  squared  and  fitted  to  its  place, 
Does  but  encumber  whom  it  seems  to  enrich. 
Knowledge  is  proud  that  he  has  learned  so  much  ; 
Wisdom  is  humble  that  he  knows  no  more. 

But  where  shall  wisdom  be  found  .-'  and  where  is  the  place  of 
understanding  .-'  Man  knoweth  not  the  price  thereof  ;  neither  is 
it  found  in  the  land  of  the  living.  The  depth  saith,  It  is  not  in 
me :  and  the  sea  saith,  It  is  not  with  me.  It  cannot  be  gotten 
for  gold,  neither  shall  silver  be  weighed  for  the  price  thereof.  It 
cannot  be  valued  with  the  gold  of  Ophir,  with  the  precious  onyx, 
or  the  sapphire.  The  gold  and  the  crystal  cannot  equal  it :  and 
the  exchange  of  it  shall  not  be  for  jewels  of  fine  gold.  No  men- 
tion shall  be  made  of  coral,  or  of  pearls  :  for  the  price  of  wisdom 
is  above  rubies.  The  topaz  of  Ethiopia  shall  not  equal  it,  neither 
shall  it  be  valued  with  pure  gold.  Whence  then  cometh  wisdom  .■* 
and  where  is  the  place  of  understanding  .-*  Seeing  it  is  hid  from 
the  eyes  of  all  living,  and  kept  close  from  the  fowls  of  the  air. 
Destruction  and  death  say,  We  have  heard  the  fame  thereof  with 
our  ears.  God  understandeth  the  way  thereof,  and  he  knoweth 
the  place  thereof.  For  he  looketh  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and 
seeth  under  the  whole  heaven  ;  to  make  the  weight  for  the 
winds  ;  and  he  weigheth  the  waters  by  measure.  When  he 
made  a  decree  for  the  rain,  and  a  way  for  the  lightning  of  the 
thunder ;  then  did  he  see  it,  and  declare  it ;  he  prepared  it,  yea, 
and  searched  it  out.  And  unto  man  he  said,  Behold,  the  fear 
of  the  Lord,  that  is  wisdom  ;  and  to  depart  from  evil  is  under- 
standing. 

O  Power  Supreme  !     How  secret  are  Thy  ways  ! 
Yet  man,  vain  man,  would  trace  the  mystic  maze, 
With  foolish  wisdom,  arguing,  charge  his  God, 
His  balance  hold,  and  guide  His  angry  rod  ; 
New-mould  the  spheres,  and  mend  the  sky's  design. 
And  sound  the  immense  with  his  short  scanty  line. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  II5 

Do  thou,  my  soul,  the  destined  period  wait, 
VV.hen  God  shall  solve  the  dark  decrees  cf  fate. 
His  now  unequal  dispensations  clear. 
And  make  all  wise  and  beautiful  appear. 


CHAPTER   XLIX. 

REMEMBERED    PROSPERITY. 

Ah  !  why  should  Virtue  fear  the  frowns  of  Fate  ? 
Her's,  what  no  wealth  can  buy,  no  power  create  ! 
A  little  world  of  clear  and  cloudless  day, 
Nor  wrecked  by  storms,  nor  mouldered  by  decay ; 
A  world,  with  Memory's  ceaseless  sunshine  blest, 
The  home  of  Happiness,  an  honest  breast. 

MOREOVER  Job  continued  his  parable,  and  said,  Oh  that  I 
were  as  in  months  past,  as  in  the  days  when  God  pre- 
served me  ;  when  his  candle  shined  upon  my  head,  and  when  by 
his  light  I  walked  through  darkness  ;  as  I  was  in  the  days  of  my 
youth,  when  the  secret  of  God  was  upon  my  tabernacle  ;  when 
the  Almighty  was  yet  with  me,  when  my  children  were  about 
me ;  when  I  washed  my  steps  with  butter,  and  the  rock  poured 
me  out  rivers  of  oil :  when  I  went  out  to  the  gate  through  the 
city,  when  I  prepared  my  seat  in  the  street !  The  young  men 
saw  me,  and  hid  themselves :  and  the  aged  arose,  and  stood  up. 
The  princes  refrained  talking,  and  laid  their  hand  on  their 
mouth.  The  nobles  held  their  peace,  and  their  tongue  cleaved 
to  the  roof  of  their  mouth.  When  the  ear  heard  me,  then  it 
blessed  me ;  and  when  the  eye  saw  me,  it  gave  witness  to  me : 
because  I  delivered  the  poor  that  cried,  and  the  fatherless,  and 
him  that  had  none  to  help  him.  The  blessing  of  him  that  was 
ready  to  perish  came  upon  me :  and  I  caused  the  widow's  heart 
to  sing  for  joy.  I  put  on  righteousness,  and  it  clothed  me :  my 
judgment  was  as  a  robe  and  a  diadem.  I  was  eyes  to  the  blind, 
and  feet  was  I  to  the  lame.  I  was  a  father  to  the  poor  :  and  the 
cause  which  I  knew  not  I  searched  out.  And  I  brake  the  jaws 
of  the  wicked,  and  plucked  the  spoil  out  of  his  teeth.  Then  I 
said,  I  shall  die  in  my  nest,  and  I  shall  multiply  my  days  as  the 
sand.     My  root  was  spread  out  by  the  waters,  and  the  dew  lay 


Il6  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS. 

all  night  upon  my  branch.  My  glory  was  fresh  in  me,  and  my 
bow  was  renewed  in  my  hand.  Unto  me  men  gave  ear,  and 
waited,  and  kept  silence  at  my  counsel.  After  my  words  they 
spake  not  again  ;  and  my  speech  dropped  upon  them.  And  they 
waited  for  mc  as  for  the  rain  ;  and  they  opened  their  mouth  wide 
as  for  the  latter  rain.  If  I  laughed  on  them,  they  believed  it 
not ;  and  the  light  of  my  countenance  they  cast  not  down.  I 
chose  out  their  way,  and  sat  chief,  and  dwelt  as  a  king  in  the 
army,  as  one  that  comforteth  the  mourners. 

Why  should  I  murmur  ?  for  the  sorrow 
Thus  only  longer  lived  would  be  ; 
Its  end  may  come,  and  will,  to-morrow, 
When  God  has  done  His  work  in  me  ; 
So  I  say,  trusting  —  as  God  will ! 
And,  trusting  to  the  end,  hold  still. 

He  kindles  for  my  profit  purely. 

Affliction's  glowing,  fiery  brand. 

And  all  His  heaviest  blows  are  surely 

Inflicted  by  a  Master  hand  ; 

So  I  say,  praying  —  as  God  will !  . 

And  hope  in  Him,  and  suffer  still. 


CHAPTER   L. 

CALAMITIES    BEWAILED. 

0  SUDDEN  change  !  I'm  turned  a  laughing  stocke 
To  boyes,  and  those  that  sued  to  tend  my  flock, 
Flout  at  my  sorrowes,  and  disdaining  me, 

Point  with  their  fingers,  and  cry,  This  is  he  ! 
Where'er  I  turn,  my  sorrow  new  appeares, 
I'm  vexed  abroad  with  flouts,  at  home  with  feares  ; 
My  soule  is  faint,  and  nights,  that  should  give  ease 
To  tyrM  spirits,  make  my  griefes  encrease  ; 

1  mourne  in  silence,  languish  all  alone. 
As  in  a  desert  am  reheved  by  none  : 

My  sores  have  dyed  my  skin  with  filth,  still  turning 
My  joyes  to  griefe,  and  all  my  mirth  to  mourning. 

BUT  now  they  that  are  younger  than  I  have  me  in  derision, 
whose  fathers  I  would  have  disdained  to  have  set  with  the 
dogs  of  my  flock.     Yea,  whereto  might  the  strength  of   their 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  I17 

hands  profit  me,  in  whom  old  age  was  perished  !  For  want  and 
famine  they  were  solitary :  fleeing  into  the  wilderness  in  former 
time  desolate  and  waste.  Who  cut  up  mallows  by  the  bushes, 
and  juniper-roots  for  their  meat.  They  were  driven  forth  from 
among  men,  to  dwell  in  the  cliffs  of  the  valleys,  in  caves  of  the 
earth,  and  in  the  rocks.  Among  the  bushes  they  brayed  ;  under 
the  nettles  they  were  gathered  together.  They  were  children  of 
fools,  yea,  children  of  base  men :  they  were  viler  than  the  earth. 
And  now  am  I  their  song,  yea,  I  am  their  by-v/ord.  They  abhor 
me,  they  flee  far  from  me,  and  spare  not  to  spit  in  my  face. 
Because  he  hath  loosed  my  cord,  and  afflicted  me,  they  have 
also  let  loose  the  bridle  before  me. 

He  that  lacks  time  to  mourn,  lacks  time  to  mend. 
Eternity  mourns  that.     'Tis  an  ill  cure 
For  life's  worst  ills,  to  have  no  time  to  feel  them. 
Where  sorrow's  held  intrusive,  and  turned  out, 
There  wisdom  will  not  enter,  nor  true  power, 
Nor  aught  that  dignifies  humanity. 

Upon  my  right  hand  rise  the  youth  ;  they  push  away  my 
feet,  and  they  raise  up  against  me  the  ways  of  their  destruction. 
They  mar  my  path,  they  set  forward  my  calamity,  they  have  no 
helper.  They  came  upon  me  as  a  wide  breaking  in  of  waters : 
in  the  desolation  they  rolled  themselves  upon  me.  Terrors  are 
turned  upon  me  :  they  pursue  my  soul  as  the  wind  :  and  my 
welfare  passeth  away  as  a  cloud.  And  nov/  my  soul  is  poured 
out  upon  me  ;  the  days  of  affliction  have  taken  hold  upon  me. 
My  bones  are  pierced  in  me  in  the  night  season :  and  my  sinews 
take  no  rest.  By  the  great  force  of  my  disease  is  my  garment 
changed :  it  bindeth  me  about  as  the  collar  of  my  coat.  He 
hath  cast  me  into  the  mire,  and  I  am  become  like  dust  and 
ashes.  I  cry  unto  thee,  and  thou  dost  not  hear  me  :  I  stand  up, 
and  thou  regardest  me  not.  Thou  art  become  cruel  to  me  :  with 
thy  strong  hand  thou  opposest  thyself  against  me.  Thou  liftest 
me  up  to  the  wind  ;  thou  causest  me  to  ride  upon  it,  and  dis- 
solvest  my  substance.  For  I  know  that  thou  wilt  bring  me  to 
death,  and  to  the  house  appointed  for  all  living.  Howbeit  he 
will  not  stretch  out  his  hand  to  the  grave,  though  they  cry  in 
his  destruction.  Did  not  I  weep  for  him  that  was  in  trouble  ? 
was  not  my  soul  grieved  for  the  poor  ?  When  I  locked  for  good, 
then  evil  came  unto  me  :  and  when  I  waited  for  light,  there  came 


Il8  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

darkness.  My  bowels  boiled,  and  rested  not :  the  days  of  afflic- 
tion prevented  me.  I  went  mourning  without  the  sun  :  I  stood 
up,  and  I  cried  in  the  congregation.  I  am  a  brother  to  dragons, 
and  a  companion  to  owls.  My  skin  is  black  upon  me,  and  my 
bones  are  burned  with  heat.  My  harp  also  is  turned  to  mourn- 
ing, and  my  organ  into  the  voice  of  them  that  weep. 

Come  then,  Affliction,  if  my  Father  bids, 

And  be  my  frowning  friend  :  a  friend  that  frowns 

Is  better  than  a  smiling  enemy. 

We  welcome  clouds  that  bring  the  former  rain. 

Though  they  the  present  prospect  blacken  round, 

And  shade  the  beauties  of  the  opening  year, 

That,  by  their  stores  enriched,  the  earth  may  yield 

A  fruitful  summer  and  a  plenteous  crop. 


CHAPTER   LI. 

ELIHU    DISCOURSING    OF   GOD's    SOVEREIGNTY    AND    GRACE. 

Thought,  too,  delivered  is  the  more  possessed  ; 
Teaching  we  learn  ;  and  giving  we  retain 
The  births  of  intellect  ;  when  dumb,  forgot. 
Speech  ventilates  our  intellectual  fire  ; 
Speech  burnishes  our  mental  magazine. 
Brightens  for  ornament  and  whets  for  use. 

AND  Elihu  the  son  of  Barachel  the  Buzite  answered  and 
said,  I  am  young,  and  ye  are  very  old  ;  wherefore  I  was 
afraid,  and  durst  not  shew  you  mine  opinion.  I  said,  Days 
should  speak,  and  multitude  of  years  should  teach  wisdom.  But 
there  is  a  spirit  in  man  :  and  the  inspiration  of  the  Almighty 
giveth  them  understanding. 

For  though  the  giant  ages  heave  the  hill 

And  break  the  shore,  and  evermore 

Make  and  break  and  work  their  will ; 

Though  worlds  on  worlds  in  myriad  myriads  roll 

Round  us,  each  with  different  powers, 

And  other  forms  of  life  than  ours  — 

What  know  we  greater  than  the  soul  ? 


FHE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  1 19 

Behold,  in  this  thou  art  not  just :  I  will  answer  thee,  that  God 
is  greater  than  man.  Why  dost  thou  strive  against  him  ?  for  he 
giveth  not  account  of  any  of  his  matters.  For  God  speaketh 
once,  yea  twice,  yet  man  perceiveth  it  not.  In  a  dream,  in  a 
vision  of  the  night,  when  deep  sleep  falleth  upon  men,  in  slum- 
berings  upon  the  bed  ;  then  he  openeth  the  ears  of  men,  and 
sealeth  their  instruction,  that  he  may  withdraw  man  from  his 
purpose,  and  hide  pride  from  man. 

The  man,  perhaps, 

Thou  pitiest,  draws  his  comfort  from  distress. 

That  mind  so  poised,  and  centered  in  the  good 

Supreme,  so  kindled  with  devotion's  flame, 

Might,  with  prosperity's  enchanting  cup 

Inebriate,  have  forgot  the  All-giving  hand  ; 

Might  on  earth's  vain  and  transitory  joys 

Have  built  its  sole  felicity,  nor  e'er 

Winged  a  desire  beyond. 

He  keepeth  back  his  soul  from  the  pit,  and  his  life  from  per- 
ishing by  the  sword.  He  is  chastened  also  with  pain  upon  his 
bed,  and  the  multitude  of  his  bones  with  strong  pain :  so  that 
his  life  abhorreth  bread,  and  his  soul  dainty  meat.  His  flesh 
is  consumed  away,  that  it  cannot  be  seen  ;  and  his  bones  that 
were  not  seen  stick  out.  Yea,  his  soul  draweth  near  unto  the 
grave,  and  his  life  to  the  destroyers.  If  there  be  a  messenger 
with  him,  an  interpreter,  one  among  a  thousand,  to  shew  unto 
man  his  uprightness  ;  then  he  is  gracious  unto  him,  and  saith. 
Deliver  him  from  going  down  to  the  pit :  I  have  found  a  ransom. 
His  flesh  shall  be  fresher  than  a  child's  :  he  shall  return  to  the 
days  of  his  youth :  he  shall  pray  unto  God,  and  he  will  be 
favourable  unto  him :  and  he  shall  see  his  face  with  joy  ;  for  he 
will  render  unto  man  his  righteousness.  He  looketh  upon  men, 
and  if  any  say,  I  have  sinned,  and  perverted  that  which  was 
right,  and  it  profited  me  not ;  he  will  deliver  his  soul  from  going 
into  the  pit,  and  his  life  shall  see  the  light. 

Thou  art  the  Life,  O  Lord  ! 

Sole  Light  of  Life  Thou  art ! 
Let  not  Thy  glorious  rays  be  poured 

In  vain  on  my  dark  heart. 
Star  of  the  East,  arise  ! 

Drive  all  my  clouds  away  ; 
Guide  me  till  earth's  dim  twilight  dies 

Into  the  perfect  day  ! 


120  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   LII. 

ELIHU   DISCOURSING   OF  GOD. HIS  WORKS  AND  HIS  WISDOM. 

And  hence  the  heavenly  Justice  can  no  more 
By  mortal  ken  be  fathomed,  than  the  sea  : 
For  though  the  eye  of  one  upon  the  shore 
May  pierce  its  shallow  tide,  the  depths  beyond 
Baffle  his  ken  ;  yet  there  is  also  laid 
A  bottom,  viewless  through  the  deep  profound. 

ELIHU  spake  moreover,  and  said,  Thinkest  thou  this  to  be 
right,  that  thou  saidst,  My  righteousness  is  more  than 
God's  ?  For  thou  saidst,  What  advantage  will  it  be  unto  thee  ? 
and,  What  profit  shall  I  have,  if  I  be  cleansed  from  my  sin  ?  I 
will  answer  thee,  and  thy  companions  with  thee.  Look  unto  the 
heavens,  and  see ;  and  behold  the  clouds  which  are  higher  than 
thou.  If  thou  sinnest,  what  doest  thou  against  him  .''  or  if  thy 
transgressions  be  multiplied,  what  doest  thou  unto  him.?  If 
thou  be  righteous,  what  givest  thou  him  .''  or  what  receiveth  he 
of  thine  hand  t  Thy  wickedness  may  hurt  a  man  as  thou  art ; 
and  thy  righteousness  may  profit  the  son  of  man.  By  reason  of 
the  multitude  of  oppressions  they  make  the  oppressed  to  cry : 
they  cry  out  by  reason  of  the  arm  of  the  mighty.  But  none 
saith.  Where  is  God  my  maker,  who  giveth  songs  in  the  night  ; 
who  teacheth  us  more  than  the  beasts  of  the  earih,  and  maketh 
us  wiser  than  the  fowls  of  heaven  t  There  they  cry,  but  none 
giveth  answer,  because  of  the  pride  of  evil  men.  Surely  God 
will  not  hear  vanity,  neither  will  the  Almighty  regard  it. 

Father  !  Thou  must  lead. 
Do  Thou,  then,  breathe  those  thoughts  into  my  mind 
By  which  such  virtue  may  in  me  be  bred, 
That  in  Thy  holy  footsteps  I  may  tread  ; 
The  fetters  of  my  tongue  do  Thou  unbind, 
That  I  may  have  the  power  to  sing  of  Thee, 
And  sound  Thy  praises  everlastingly. 

God  thundereth  marvellously  with  his  voice  ;  great  things 
doeth  he,  which  we  cannot  comprehend.  For  he  saith  to  the 
snow.  Be  thou  on  the  earth  ;  likewise  to  the  small  rain,  and  to 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  121 

the  great  rain  of  his  strength.  He  sealeth  up  the  hand  of  every 
man  ;  that  all  men  may  know  his  work.  Then  the  beasts  go 
into  dens,  and  remain  in  their  places.  Out  of  the  south  cometh 
the  whirlwind  :  and  cold  out  of  the  north.  By  the  breath  of  God 
frost  is  given  :  and  the  breadth  of  the  waters  is  straitened.  Also 
by  watering  he  wearieth  the  thick  cloud  :  he  scattereth  his  bright 
cloud  :  and  it  is  turned  round  about  by  his  counsels  :  that  they 
may  do  whatsoever  he  commandeth  them  upon  the  face  of  the 
world  in  the  earth.  He  causeth  it  to  come,  whether  for  correc- 
tion, or  for  his  land,  or  for  mercy. 

Where  moves  the  leaf  the  western  breeze, 

Where  the  fruit-tree  blossoms  wavs. 
Where  the  storm-wind  rends  the  trees, 

Where  the  mountain-torrents  rave, 
Where  ebbs  and  flows  the  sweUing  main, 

Where  the  vailey-spring  is  gushing, 

Where  the  meadow-stream  is  rushing. 
Where  the  dew  falls  and  the  rain  ; 

Every  where  o'er  nature's  face, 

I  Thy  present  footsteps  trace. 

Hearken  unto  this,  O  Job  :  stand  still,  and  consider  the  won- 
drous works  of  God.  Dost  thou  know  when  God  disposed  them, 
and  caused  the  light  of  his  cloud  to  shine  .''  Dost  thou  know  the 
balancings  of  the  clouds,  the  wondrous  works  of  him  which  is 
perfect  in  knowledge  t  How  thy  garments  are  warm,  when  he 
quieteth  the  earth  by  the  south  wind }  Hast  thou  with  him 
spread  out  the  sky,  which  is  strong,  and  as  a  molten  looking- 
glass  }  Teach  us  what  we  shall  say  unto  him  ;  for  we  cannot 
order  our  speech  by  reason  of  darkness.  Shall  it  be  told  him 
that  I  speak  ?  if  a  man  speak,  surely  he  shall  be  swallowed  up. 
And  now  men  see  not  the  bright  light  which  is  in  the  clouds : 
but  the  wind  passeth,  and  cleanseth  them.  Fair  weather  cometh 
out  of  the  north:  with  God  is  terrible  majesty.  Touching  the 
Almighty,  we  cannot  find  him  out :  he  is  excellent  in  power,  and 
in  judgment,  and  in  plenty  of  justice :  he  will  not  afflict.  Men 
do  therefore  fear  him  :  he  respecteth  not  any  that  are  wise  of 
heart. 

What  love,  what  wisdom  God  displays 

On  earth  and  sea  and  sky, 
Where  all  that  fades  and  all  that  stays 
Proclaim  His  majesty  ! 


122  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

He  o'er  the  world  —  by  day,  by  night  — 
Still  watches  and  still  wakes  ; 

And,  kindly  varying  each  delight, 
The  sweet  yet  sweeter  makes. 

Ah  !  were  the  human  race  but  wise. 
And  would  they  reason  well, 

That  earth  would  be  a  paradise, 
Which  folly  makes  a  hell. 


CHAPTER   LIII. 

JOB    IS    TAUGHT    MAn's    IGNORANCE    AND    WEAKNESS. 

Fond  man  !  the  vision  of  a  moment  made  ! 
Dream  of  a  dream,  and  shadow  of  a  shade  ! 
What  worlds  hast  thou  produced,  what  creatures  framed, 
What  insects  cherished,  that  thy  God  is  blamed  ? 
When,  pained  with  hunger,  the  wild  raven's  brood 
Loud  calls  on  God,  importunate  for  food  ; 
Who  hears  their  cry,  who  grants  their  hoarse  request, 
And  stills  the  clamour  of  the  craving  nest  ? 

THEN  the  Lord  answered  Job  out  of  the  whirlwind,  and  said, 
Who  is  this  that  darkeneth  counsel  by  words  without 
knowledge }  Gird  up  now  thy  loins  like  a  man  ;  for  I  will 
demand  of  thee,  and  answer  thou  me.  Where  wast  thou  when  I 
laid  the  foundations  of  the  earth  .'*  declare,  if  thou  hast  under- 
standing. Who  hath  laid  the  measures  thereof,  if  thou  know- 
est }  or  who  hath  stretched  the  line  upon  it  .-*  whereupon  are 
the  foundations  thereof  fastened  .-*  or  who  laid  the  corner  stone 
thereof ;  when  the  morning  stars  sang  together,  and  all  the  sons 
of  God  shouted  for  joy.^  Or  who  shut  up  the  sea  with  doors, 
when  it  brake  forth,  as  if  it  had  issued  out  of  the  womb .''  when 
I  made  the  cloud  the  garment  thereof,  and  thick  darkness  a 
swaddling  band  for  it,  and  brake  up  for  it  my  decreed  place,  and 
set  bars  and  doors,  and  said,  Hitherto  shalt  thou  come,  but  no 
further :  and  here  shall  thy  proud  waves  be  stayed  ? 

If  glorious  be  that  awful  deep, 

No  human  power  can  bind. 
What  then,  art  Thou,  who  bidd'st  it  keep 

Within  its  bounds  confined  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  1 23 

Hast  thou  entered  into  the  treasures  of  the  snow  ?  or  hast 
thou  seen  the  treasures  of  the  hail,  which  I  have  reserved  against 
the  time  of  trouble,  against  the  day  of  battle  and  war  ?  By  what 
way  is  the  light  parted,  which  scattereth  the  east  wind  upon  the 
earth  ?  Who  hath  divided  a  watercourse  for  the  overflowing  of 
waters,  or  a  way  for  the  lightning  of  thunder ;  to  cause  it  to  rain 
on  the  earth,  where  no  man  is  ;  on  the  wilderness,  wherein  there 
is  no  man ;  to  satisfy  the  desolate  and  waste  ground  ;  and  to 
cause  the  bud  of  the  tender  herb  to  spring  forth  ?  Hath  the 
rain  a  father  ?  or  who  hath  begotten  the  drops  of  dew  ?  Out  of 
whose  womb  came  the  ice  ?  and  the  hoary  frost  of  heaven,  who 
hath  gendered  it  ?  The  waters  are  hid  as  with  a  stone,  and  the 
face  of  the  deep  is  frozen. 

But,  O  Thou  mighty  Mind  !  whose  powerful  word 
Said,  Thus  let  all  things  be,  and  thus  they  were  : 
Where  shall  I  seek  Thy  presence  ?  how  unblamed 
Invoke  Thy  dread  perfection  ? 
Have  the  broad  eyelids  of  the  morn  beheld  Thee  ? 
Or  does  the  beamy  shoulder  of  Orion 
Support  Thy  throne  ?     O  look  with  pity  down 
On  erring,  guilty  man  !  not  in  Thy  names 
Of  terror  clad  ;  not  with  those  thunders  armed 
That  conscious  Sinai  felt,  when  fear  appalled 
The  scattered  tribes  ! — Thou  hast  a  gentler  voice, 
That  whispers  comfort  to  the  swelling  heart, 
Abashed,  yet  longing  to  behold  her  Maker. 

Canst  thou  bind  the  sweet  influences  of  Pleiades,  or  loose  the 
bands  of  Orion }  Canst  thou  bring  forth  Mazzaroth  in  his 
season  ?  or  canst  thou  guide  Arcturus  with  his  sons  ?  Knowest 
thou  the  ordinances  of  heaven  }  canst  thou  set  the  dominion 
thereof  in  the  earth  }  Canst  thou  lift  up  thy  voice  to  the  clouds, 
that  abundance  of  waters  may  cover  thee .-'  Canst  thou  send 
lightnings,  that  they  may  go,  and  say  unto  thse,  Here  we  are .-' 
Who  hath  put  wisdom  in  the  inward  parts .''  cr  who  hath  given 
understanding  to  the  heart .-' 

Whatever  thing  is  done,  by  Him  is  done, 

Ne  any  may  His  mighty  will  withstand  ; 

Ne  any  may  His  sovereign  power  shun, 

Ne  loose  that  He  hath  bound  with  steadfast  hand  ; 

In  vain  therefore  dost  thou  take  in  hand 

To  call  to  count,  or  weigh  His  works  anew, 

Whose  counsels'  depth  thou  canst  not  understand, 


124  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Sith  of  things  subject  to  thy  daily  view 

Thou  dost  not  know  the  causes  nor  their  courses  due. 

For  take  thy  balance,  if  thou  be  so  wise, 

And  weigh  the  wind  that  under  heaven  doth  blow ; 

Or  weigh  the  light  that  in  the  east  doth  rise  ; 

Or  weigh  the  thought  that  from  man's  mind  doth  flow: 

But  if  the  weight  of  these  thou  canst  not  show, 

Weigh  but  one  word  which  from  thy  lips  doth  fall: 

For  how  canst  thou  those  greater  secrets  know. 

That  dost  not  know  the  least  thing  of  them  all  ? 

Ill  can  he  rule  the  great  that  cannot  reach  the  small. 

Gavest  thou  the  goodly  wings  unto  the  peacocks  ?  or  wings 
and  feathers  unto  the  ostrich .''  Which  leaveth  her  eggs  in  the 
earth,  and  warmeth  them  in  the  dust,  and  forgetteth  that  the  foot 
may  crush  them,  or  that  the  wild  beast  may  break  them.  She  is 
hardened  against  her  young  ones,  as  though  they  were  not  hers : 
her  labour  is  in  vain  without  fear ;  because  God  hath  deprived 
her  of  wisdom,  neither  hath  he  imparted  to  her  understanding. 
What  time  she  lifteth  up  herself  on  high,  she  scorneth  the  horse 
and  his  rider. 

Hast  thou  given  the  horse  strength  ?  hast  thou  clothed  his 
neck  with  thunder  ?  Canst  thou  make  him  afraid  as  a  grass- 
hopper '^.  the  glory  of  his  nostrils  is  terrible.  He  paweth  in  the 
valley,  and  rejoiceth  in  his  strength  :  he  goeth  on  to  meet  the 
armed  men.  He  mocketh  at  fear,  and  is  not  affrighted  ;  neither 
turneth  he  back  from  the  sword.  The  quiver  rattleth  against 
him,  the  glittering  spear  and  the  shield.  He  swalloweth  the 
ground  with  fierceness  and  rage  ;  neither  believeth  he  that  it  is 
the  sound  of  the  trumpet.  He  saith  among  the  trumpets.  Ha, 
ha !  and  he  smelleth  the  battle  afar  off,  the  thunder  of  the  cap- 
tains, and  the  shouting. 

But  at  the  clash  of  arms,  his  ear  afar 
Drinks  the  deep  sound  and  vibrates  to  the  war; 
Flames  from  each  nostril  roll  in  gathered  stream ; 
His  quivering  Hmbs  with  restless  motion  gleam; 
O'er  his  right  shoulder,  floating  free  and  fair, 
Sweeps  his  thick  mane,  and  spreads  his  pomp  of  hair; 
Swift  works  his  double  spine  ;  and  earth  around 
Rings  to  the  solid  hoof  that  wears  the  ground. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  125 


I 


CHAPTER   LIV. 

JEHOVAH    DECLARES    HIS    MIGHT    AND    MAJESTY    TO   JOB. 

O  Mighty  Spirit,  Source  whence  all  things  sprung  ! 

O  glorious  Majesty  of  perfect  Light ! 
Hath  ever  worthy  praise  to  Thee  been  sung, 

Or  mortal  heart  endured  to  meet  Thy  sight  ? 
If  they  who  sin  have  never  known, 
Must  veil  their  faces  at  Thy  throne, 
O,  how  shall  I,  who  am  but  sin  and  dust, 
Approach  untrembling  to  the  Pure  and  Just  ? 

MOREOVER  the  Lord  answered  Job,  and  said,  Shall  he  that 
contendeth  with  the  Almighty  instruct  him  ?  he  that  re- 
proveth  God,  let  him  answer  it. 

Then  Job  answered  the  Lord,  and  said,  Behold,  I  am  vile ; 
what  shall  I  answer  thee  ?  I  will  lay  mine  hand  upon  my  mouth. 
Once  have  I  spoken  ;  but  I  will  not  answer :  yea,  twice  ;  but  I 
will  proceed  no  further. 

It  is 
In  darkness  and  in  tempest  that  we  seek 
The  majesty  of  Him  who  rules  the  world. 
Benevolence,  that  has  no  heart  to  use 
The  wholesome  ministry  of  pain  and  evil, 
Becomes  at  last  weak  and  contemptible. 

Then  answered  the  Lord  unto  Job  out  of  the  whirlwind,  and 
said,  Gird  up  thy  loins  now  like  a  man :  I  will  demand  of  thee, 
and  declare  thou  unto  me.  Wilt  thou  also  disannul  my  judg- 
ment .-*  wilt  thou  condemn  me,  that  thou  mayest  be  righteous } 
Hast  thou  an  arm  like  God  t  or  canst  thou  thunder  with  a  voice 
like  him  .''  Deck  thyself  now  with  majesty  and  excellency  ;  and 
array  thyself  with  glory  and  beauty.  Cast  abroad  the  rage  of 
thy  wrath  :  and  behold  every  one  that  is  proud,  and  abase  him. 
Look  on  every  one  that  is  proud,  and  bring  him  low ;  and  tread 
down  the  wicked  in  their  place.  Hide  them  in  the  dust  together  ; 
and  bind  their  faces  in  secret.  Then  will  I  also  confess  unto 
thee  that  thine  own  right  hand  can  save  thee. 


126  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Or  that  sea-beast, 
Leviathan,  which  God  of  all  His  works 
Created  hugest  that  swim  the  ocean  stream: 
Him,  haply,  slumbering  on  the  Norway  foam, 
The  pilot  of  some  small  night-foundered  skiff, 
Deeming  some  island,  oft,  as  seamen  tell, 
With  fixed  anchor  in  his  scaly  rind 
Moors  by  his  side  under  the  lee,  while  night 
Invests  the  sea,  and  wished  morn  delays. 

Canst  thou  draw  out  leviathan  with  a  hook  ?  or  his  tongue 
with  a  cord  which  thou  lettest  down  ?  Canst  thou  put  a  hook 
into  his  nose  ?  or  bore  his  jaw  through  with  a  thorn  ?  Will  he 
make  many  supplications  unto  thee  ?  will  he  speak  soft  words 
unto  thee  ?  Will  he  make  a  covenant  with  thee  ?  wilt  thou  take 
him  for  a  servant  for  ever  ?  Wilt  thou  play  with  him  as  with  a 
bird  ?  or  wilt  thou  bind  him  for  thy  maidens  ?  Shall  the  com- 
panions make  a  banquet  of  him  ?  shall  they  part  him  among  the 
merchants  ?  Canst  thou  fill  his  skin  with  barbed  irons  ?  or  his 
head  with  fish  spears  ?  Lay  thine  hand  upon  him,  remember 
the  battle,  do  no  more.  Behold,  the  hope  of  him  is  in  vain : 
shall  not  one  be  cast  down  even  at  the  sight  of  him  ?  None  is 
so  fierce  that  dare  stir  him  up :  who  then  is  able  to  stand  before 
me  .''  Who  hath  prevented  me,  that  I  should  repay  him }  what- 
soever is  under  the  whole  heaven  is  mine.  I  will  not  conceal  his 
parts,  nor  his  power,  nor  his  comely  proportion.  Who  can  dis- 
cover the  face  of  his  garment .''  or  who  can  come  to  him  with  his 
double  bridle  .-*  Who  can  open  the  doors  of  his  face  }  his  teeth 
are  terrible  round  about.  His  scales  are  his  pride,  shut  up 
together  as  with  a  close  seal.  One  is  so  near  to  another,  that 
no  air  can  come  between  them.  They  are  joined  one  to  another, 
they  stick  together,  that  they  cannot  be  sundered.  By  his 
neesings  a  light  doth  shine,  and  his  eyes  are  like  the  eyelids  of 
the  morning.  Out  of  his  mouth  go  burning  lamps,  and  sparks 
of  fire  leap  out.  Out  of  his  nostrils  goeth  smoke,  as  out  of  a 
seething  pot  or  caldron.  His  breath  kindleth  coals,  and  a  flame 
goeth  out  of  his  mouth.  In  his  neck  remaineth  strength,  and 
sorrow  is  turned  into  joy  before  him.  The  flakes  of  his  flesh 
are  joined  together:  they  are  firm  in  themselves;  they  cannot 
be  moved.  The  sword  of  him  that  layeth  at  him  cannot  hold : 
the  spear,  the  dart,  nor  the  habergeon.  He  esteemeth  iron  as 
straw,  and  brass  as  rotten  wood.     The  arrow  cannot  make  him 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  12/ 

flee :  sling  stones  are  turned  with  him  into  stubble.  Darts  are 
counted  as  stubble  :  he  laugheth  at  the  shaking  of  a  spear.  He 
maketh  the' deep  to  boil  like  a  pot :  he  maketh  the  sea  like  a  pot 
of  ointment.  He  maketh  a  path  to  shine  after  him  ;  one  would 
think  the  deep  to  be  hoary.  Upon  earth  there  is  not  his  like, 
who  is  made  without  fear. 

The  Lord  is  great !  ye  hosts  of  heaven,  adore  Him, 

And  ye,  who  tread  this  earthly  ball, 
In  holy  songs  rejoice  aloud  before  Him, 

And  shout  His  praise,  who  made  you  alL 


CHAPTER    LV. 

RESTORED    PROSPERITY. 

Not  always  fall  of  leaf,  nor  ever  spring ; 
No  endless  night,  nor  yet  eternal  day  ; 
The  saddest  bird  a  season  finds  to  sing, 
The  roughest  storm  a  calm  may  soon  allay : 
Thus,  with  succeeding  turns,  God  tempereth  all, 
That  man  may  hope  to  rise,  yet  fear  to  fall. 

THEN  Job  answered  the  Lord,  and  said,  I  know  that  thou 
canst  do  every  thing,  and  that  no  thought  can  be  with- 
holden  from  thee.  Who  is  he  that  hideth  counsel  without 
knowledge  "i  therefore  have  I  uttered  that  I  understood  not ; 
things  too  wonderful  for  me,  which  I  knew  not.  Hear,  I  beseech 
thee,  and  I  will  speak :  I  will  demand  of  thee,  and  declare  thou 
unto  me.  I  have  heard  of  thee  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear ;  but 
now  mine  eye  seeth  thee  :  wherefore  I  abhor  myself,  and  repent 
in  dust  and  ashes. 

But  when  the  self-abhorring  thrill  is  past,  as  pass  it  must. 
When  tasks  of  life  thy  spirit  fill,  risen  from  thy  tears  and  dust, 
Then  be  the  self-renouncing  will  the  seal  of  thy  calm  trust. 

And  it  was  so,  that  after  the  Lord  had  spoken  these  words 
unto  Job,  the  Lord  said  to  Eliphaz  the  Temanite,  My  wrath  is 
kindled  against  thee,  and  against  thy  two  friends  :  for  ye  have 
not  spoken  of  me  the  thing  that  is  right,  as  my  servant  Job  hath. 


128  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Therefore  take  unto  you  now  seven  bullocks  and  seven  rams,  and 
go  to  my  servant  Job,  and  offer  up  for  yourselves  a  burnt  offer- 
ing ;  and  my  servant  Job  shall  pray  for  you  :  for  him  will  I 
accept :  lest  I  deal  with  you  after  your  folly,  in  that  ye  have  not 
spoken  of  me  the  thing  which  is  right,  like  my  servant  Job.  So 
Eliphaz  the  Temanite  and  Bildad  the  Shuhite  and  Zophar  the 
Naamathite  went,  and  did  according  as  the  Lord  commanded 
them :  the  Lord  also  accepted  Job. 

Bitter  anguish  have  I  borne, 
Keen  regret  my  heart  hath  torn, 
Sorrow  dimmed  my  weeping  eyes, 
Satan  blinded  me  with  hes  ; 

Yet  at  last  am  I  set  free. 

Help,  protection,  love,  to  me 

Once  more  true  companions  be. 

And  the  Lord  turned  the  captivity  of  Job,  when  he  prayed  for 
his  friends  :  also  the  Lord  gave  Job  twice  as  much  as  he  had 
before.  Then  came  there  unto  him  all  his  brethren,  and  all  his 
sisters,  and  all  they  that  had  been  of  his  acquaintance  before, 
and  did  eat  bread  with  him  in  his  house :  and  they  bemoaned 
him,  and  comforted  him  over  all  the  evil  that  the  Lord  had 
brought  upon  him  :  every  man  also  gave  him  a  piece  of  money, 
and  every  one  an  earring  of  gold.  So  the  Lord  blessed  the  latter 
end  of  Job  more  than  his  beginning  :  for  he  had  fourteen  thousand 
sheep,  and  six  thousand  camels,  and  a  thousand  yoke  of  oxen, 
and  a  thousand  she-asses.  He  had  also  seven  sons  and  three 
daughters.  And  he  called  the  name  of  the  first,  Jemima ;  and 
the  name  of  the  second,  Kezia  ;  and  the  name  of  the  third, 
Kerenhappuch.  And  in  all  the  land  were  no  women  found  so 
fair  as  the  daughters  of  Job  :  and  their  father  gave  them  inheri- 
tance among  their  brethren.  After  this  lived  Job  a  hundred  and 
forty  years,  and  saw  his  sons,  and  his  sons'  sons,  even  four  gen- 
•  erations.     So  Job  died,  being  old  and  full  of  days. 

Sweet  are  the  uses  of  adversity 

Which,  like  the  toad,  ugly  and  venomous, 

Wears  yet  a  precious  jewel  in  his  head  ; 

And  this  our  life,  exempt  from  public  haunt, 

Finds  tongues  in  trees,  books  in  the  running  brooks, 

Sermons  in  stones,  and  good  in  every  thing. 


PERIOD    III. 

FROM    THE    BIRTH     OF    MOSES    UNTIL    HIS 

DEATH. 
B.C.  1571-1451. 


» 


» 


CHAPTER   LVI. 

THE    ISRAELITES    OPPRESSED. THEY    MULTIPLY    UNDER 

BONDAGE. 

Oh  for  a  lodge  in  some  vast  wilderness, 
Some  boundless  contiguity  of  shade, 
Where  rumour  of  oppression  and  deceit, 
Of  unsuccessful  or  successful  war 

Might  never  reach  me  more  !  my  ear  is  pained, 
My  soul  is  sick  with  every  day's  report 
Of  wrong  and  outrage  with  which  earth  is  filled. 
There  is  no  flesh  in  man's  obdurate  heart, 
It  does  not  feel  for  man.     The  natural  bond 
Of  brotherhood  is  severed  as  the  flax 
That  falls  asunder  at  the  touch  of  fire. 

NOW  these  are  the  names  of  the  children  of  Israel,  which 
came  into  Egypt ;  every  man  and  his  household  came  with 
Jacob.  Reuben,  Simeon,  Levi,  and  Judah,  Issachar,  Zebulun, 
and  Benjamin,  Dan,  and  Naphtali,  Gad,  and  Asher.  And  all 
the  souls  that  came  out  of  the  loins  of  Jacob  were  seventy  souls  : 
for  Joseph  was  in  Egypt  already.  And  Joseph  died,  and  all  his 
brethren,  and  all  that  generation. 

Now  when  these  fathers  both  were  dead, 

And  still  their  seed  did  grow, 
There  rose  a  Pharaoh  in  his  stead. 

That  did  not  Joseph  know. 
He,  tyrant-like,  with  heavy  hand 

Of  bondage  pressed  them  downe. 
And  gaue  the  midwiues  strait  command 

The  males  to  kill  or  drowne. 
9 


ISO  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

And  the  children  of  Israel  were  fruitful,  and  increased  abun- 
dantly, and  multiplied,  and  waxed  exceeding  mighty  ;  and  the 
land  was  filled  with  them.  Now  there  arose  up  a  new  king  over 
Egypt,  which  knew  not  Joseph.  And  he  said  unto  his  people, 
Behold,  the  people  of  the  children  of  Israel  are  more  and 
mightier  than  we :  come  on,  let  us  deal  wisely  with  them  ;  lest 
they  multiply,  and  it  come  to  j^ass,  that,  when  there  falleth  out 
any  war,  they  join  also  unto  our  enemies,  and  fight  against  us, 
and  so  get  them  up  out  of  the  land.  Therefore  they  did  set  over 
them  taskmasters  to  afflict  them  with  their  burdens.  And  they 
built  for  Pharaoh  treasure-cities,  Pithom  and  Raamses.  But  the 
more  they  afflicted  them,  the  more  they  multiplied  and  grew. 
And  they  were  grieved  because  of  the  children  of  Israel.  And 
the  Egyptians  made  the  children  of  Israel  to  serve  with  rigour : 
and  they  made  their  lives  bitter  with  hard  bondage,  in  mortar, 
and  in  brick,  and  in  all  manner  of  service  in  the  field :  all  their 
service,  wherein  they  made  them  serve,  was  with  rigour. 

Thus  man  devotes  his  brother  and  destroys  ; 
And  worse  than  all,  and  most  to  be  deplored, 
As  human  nature's  broadest,  foulest  blot, 
Chains  him,  and  tasks  him,  and  exacts  his  sweat 
With  stripes,  that  mercy  with  a  bleeding  heart 
Weeps  when  she  sees  inflicted  on  a  beast. 
Then  what  is  man  ?     And  what  man  seeing  this, 
And  having  human  feelings,  does  not  blush 
And  hang  his  head,  to  think  himself  a  man  ? 

And  the  king  of  Egypt  spake  to  the  Hebrew  midwives,  and  he 
said,  When  ye  do  the  office  of  a  midwife  to  the  Hebrew  women, 
if  it  be  a  son,  then  ye  shall  kill  him  ;  but  if  it  be  a  daughter,  then 
she  shall  live.  But  the  midwives  feared  God,  and  did  not  as  the 
king  of  Egypt  commanded  them,  but  saved  the  men-children 
alive.  And  the  king  of  Egypt  called  for  the  midwives,  and  said 
unto  them,  Why  have  ye  done  this  thing,  and  have  saved  the 
men-children  alive .''  And  the  midwives  said  unto  Pharaoh, 
Because  the  Hebrew  women  arc  not  as  the  Egyptian  women ; 
for  they  are  lively,  and  are  delivered  ere  the  midwives  come  in 
unto  them.  Therefore  God  dealt  well  with  the  midwives  :  and 
the  people  multiplied,  and  waxed  very  mighty.  And  Pharaoh 
charged  all  his  people,  saying,  Every  son  that  is  born  ye  shall 
cast  into  the  river,  and  every  daughter  ye  shall  save  alive. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  131 

I  would  not  have  a  slave  to  till  my  ground, 

To  carry  me,  to  fan  me  while  I  sleep, 

And  tremble  when  I  wake,  for  all  the  wealth 

That  sinews  bought  and  sold  have  ever  earned. 

No  :  dear  as  freedom  is,  and  in  my  heart's 

Just  estimation  prized  above  all  price, 

I  had  much  rather  be  myself  the  slave 

And  wear  the  bonds,  than  fasten  them  on  him. 


CHAPTER   LVII. 

MOSES    THE    INFANT,    THE    PRINCE,    THE    AVENGER,    AND    THE 

EXILE. 

Not  chain  hereditary,  not  the  trust 

Of  frank  election  ; 
Not  even  the  high  anointing  hand  of  Heaven 
Can  authorize  oppression  ;  give  a  law 
For  lawless  power  ;  wed  faitli  to  violation  ; 
On  reason  build  misrule,  or  justly  bind 

Allegiance  to  injustice. 

AND  there  went  a  man  of  the  house  of  Levi,  and  took  to 
wife  a  daughter  of  Levi.  And  the  woman  conceived,  and 
bare  a  son  :  and  when  she  saw  him  that  he  was  a  goodly  child, 
she  hid  him  three  months.  And  when  she  could  not  longer 
hide  him,  she  took  for  him  an  ark  of  bulrushes,  and  daubed  it 
with  slime  and  with  pitch,  and  put  the  child  therein  ;  and  she 
laid  it  in  the  flags  by  the  river's  brink.  And  his  sister  stood 
afar  off,  to  wit  what  would  be  done  to  him. 

Thus  what  thou  art  foreshows  to  me 
How  greater  far  thou  soon  shalt  be  ; 
And  while  amid  thy  garlands  blow 
The  winds  that  warbling  come  and  go, 
Ever  within,  not  loud  but  clear, 
Prophetic  murmur  fills  the  ear, 
And  says  that  every  human  birth 
Anew  discloses  God  to  earth. 

And  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh  came  down  to  wash  herself  at 
the  river ;   and  her  maidens  walked  along  by  the  river's  side  : 


132  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

and  when  she  saw  the  ark  among  the  flags,  she  sent  her  maid  to 
fetch  it.  And  when  she  had  opened  it,  she  saw  the  child  :  and, 
behold,  the  babe  wept.  And  she  had  compassion  on  him,  and 
said,  This  is  one  of  the  Hebrews'  children.  Then  said  his 
sister  to  Pharaoh's  daughter.  Shall  I  go  and  call  to  thee  a  nurse 
of  the  Hebrew  women,  that  she  may  nurse  the  child  for  thee? 
And  Pharaoh's  daughter  said  to  her.  Go.  And  the  maid  went 
and  called  the  child's  mother.  And  Pharaoh's  daughter  said 
unto  her,  Take  this  child  away,  and  nurse  it  for  me,  and  I  will 
give  thee  thy  wages.  And  the  woman  took  the  child,  and 
nursed  it.  And  the  child  grew,  and  she  brought  him  unto 
Pharaoh's  daughter,  and  he  became  her  son.  And  she  called  his 
name  Moses  :  and  she  said,  Because  I  drew  him  out  of  the 
water. 

All  places  that  the  eye  of  Heaven  visits 
Are  to  a  wise  man  ports  and  happy  havens. 
Teach  thy  necessity  to  reason  thus  :  — 
Go  say,  I  sent  thee  forth  to  purchase  honour, 
And  not,  the  king  exiled  thee. 

And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  when  Moses  was  grown, 
that  he  went  out  unto  his  brethren,  and  looked  on  their  burdens  : 
and  he  spied  an  Egyptian  smiting  a  Hebrew,  one  of  his  breth- 
ren. And  he  looked  this  way  and  that  way,  and  when  he  saw 
that  there  was  no  man,  he  slew  the  Egyptian,  and  hid  him  in  the 
sand.  And  when  he  went  out  the  second  day,  behold,  two  men 
of  the  Hebrews  strove  together :  and  he  said  to  him  that  did 
the  wrong,  Wherefore  smitest  thou  thy  fellow }  And  he  said. 
Who  made  thee  a  prince  and  a  judge  over  us  .-*  intendest  thou  to 
kill  me,  as  thou  killedst  the  Egyptian  }  And  Moses  feared,  and 
said,  Surely  this  thing  is  known.  Now  when  Pharaoh  heard 
this  thing,  he  sought  to  slay  Moses.  But  Moses  fled  from  the 
face  of  Pharaoh,  and  dwelt  in  the  land  of  Midian  :  and  he  sat 
down  by  a  well.  Now  the  priest  of  Midian  had  seven  daughters  : 
and  they  came  and  drew  water,  and  filled  the  troughs  to  water 
their  father's  flock.  And  the  shepherds  came  and  drove  them 
away :  but  Moses  stood  up  and  helped  them,  and  watered  their 
flock.  And  when  they  came  to  Reuel  their  father,  he  said.  How 
is  it  that  ye  are  come  so  soon  to-day .''  And  they  said.  An 
Egyptian  delivered  us  out  of  the  hand  of  the  shepherds,  and 
also  drew  water  enough  for  us,  and  watered  the  flock.     And  he 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  133 

said  unto  his  daughters,  And  where  is  he  ?  why  is  it  that  ye 
have  left  the  man  ?  call  him,  that  he  may  eat  bread.  And  Moses 
was  content  to  dwell  with  the  man  :  and  he  gave  Moses  Zipporah 
his  daughter.  And  she  bare  him  a  son,  and  he  called  his  name 
Gershom  :  for  he  said,  I  have  been  a  stranger  in  a  strange  land. 

Are  we  not  one  ?  are  we  not  joined  by  Heaven  ? 
Each  interwoven  with  the  other's  fate.'' 
Are  we  not  mixed  hke  streams  of  meeting  rivers, 
Whose  blended  waters  are  no  more  distinguished, 
But  roll  into  the  sea  one  common  flood  .'' 

And  it  came  to  pass  in  process  of  time,  that  the  king  of 
Egypt  died  :  and  the  children  of  Israel  sighed  by  reason  of  the 
bondage,  and  they  cried,  and  their  cry  came  up  unto  God  by 
reason  of  the  bondage.  And  God  heard  their  groaning,  and 
God  remembered  his  covenant  with  Abraham,  with  Isaac,  and 
with  Jacob.  And  God  looked  upon  the  children  of  Israel, 
and  God  had  respect  unto  them-. 

The  free-born  man  thus  shrunk  into  a  slave, 
His  i^assive  limbs  to  measured  looks  confined, 
Obeyed  the  impulse  of  another  mind  ; 
A  silent,  secret,  terrible  control, 
That  ruled  his  sinews,  and  repressed  his  soul. 
Not  for  himself  he  waked  at  morning  light, 
Toiled  the  long  day,  and  sought  repose  at  night ; 
His  rest,  his  labour,  pastime,  strength,  and  health, 
Were  only  portions  of  a  master's  wealth. 


CHAPTER    LVIII. 

MOSES    COMMISSIONED    AT    THE    BURNING    BUSH. 

Far  seen  across  the  sandy  wild, 
Where,  like  a  solitary  child, 

He  thoughtless  roamed  and  free, 
One  towering  thorn  was  wrapped  in  flame  — 
Bright  without  blaze  it  went  and  came  : 

Who  would  not  turn  and  see  ? 


134  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Along  the  mountain  ledges  green 
The  scattered  sheep  at  will  may  glean 

The  desert's  spicy  stores  : 
The  while,  with  undivided  heart, 
The  shepherd  talks  with  God  apart," 

And  as  he  talks,  adores. 

NOW  Moses  kept  the  flock  of  Jethro  his  father-in-law,  the 
priest  of  Midian  :  and  he  led  the  flock  to  the  back  side  of 
the  desert,  and  came  to  the  mountain  of  God,  even  to  Horeb. 
And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him  in  a  flame  of  fire 
out  of  the  midst  of  a  bush :  and  he  looked,  and,  behold,  the  bush 
burned  with  fire,  and  the  bush  was  not  consumed.  And  Moses 
said,  I  will  now  turn  aside,  and  see  this  great  sight,  why  the 
bush  is  not  burnt.  And  when  the  Lord  saw  that  he  turned  aside 
to  see,  God  called  unto  him  out  of  the  midst  of  the  bush,  and 
said,  Moses,  Moses  :  and  he  said.  Here  am  L  And  he  said, 
Draw  not  nigh  hither :  put  off  thy  shoes  from  off  thy  feet ;  for 
the  place  whereon  thou  standest  is  holy  ground.  Moreover  he 
said,  I  am  the  God  of  thy  father,  the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God 
of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob.  And  Moses  hid  his  face ;  for  he 
was  afraid  to  look  upon  God. 

But,  awful  Sovereign  !  who  can  stand 

Before  the  terrors  of  Thy  hand. 

When  Thy  right  hand  impends  the  blow 

To  strike  a  proud  obdurate  foe  .'' 

Yet  to  Thy  saints,  O  God  of  prayer,  how  mild  Thy  mercies  shine  ! 

The  tenderest  father's  ardent  care  but  ill  resembles  Thine  : 

Thy  mercies  far,  oh,  far  above  Thy  other  wonders  shine, 

A  mother's  ever  watchful  love  but  ill  resembles  Thine. 

And  the  Lord  said,  I  have  surely  seen  the  affliction  of  my 
people  which  are  in  Egypt,  and  have  heard  their  cry  by  reason 
of  their  taskmasters  ;  for  I  know  their  sorrows  ;  and  I  am  come 
down  to  deliver  them  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Egyptians,  and  to 
bring  them  up  out  of  that  land  unto  a  good  land  and  a  large,  unto 
a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey  ;  unto  the  place  of  the 
Canaanites,  and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Amorites,  and  the  Periz- 
zites,  and  the  Hivites,and  the  Jebusites.  Now  therefore,  behold, 
the  cry  of  the  children  of  Israel  is  come  unto  me  :  and  I  have 
also  seen  the  oppression  wherewith  the  Egyptians  oppress  them. 
Come  now  therefore,  and  I  will  send  thee  unto  Pharaoh,  that 
thou  mayest  bring  forth  my  people  the  children  of  Israel  out  of 
Egypt. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  1 35 

By  thee  My  power  am  purposed  to  try, 

That  from  rough  bondage  shalt  the  Hebrews  bring, 

Bearing  that  great  and  fearful  embassy 

To  that  monarchic  and  imperious  King. 

And  Moses  said  unto  God,  Who  am  I,  that  I  should  go  unto 
Pharaoh,  and  that  I  should  bring  forth  the  children  of  Israel  out 
of  Egypt  ?  And  he  said,  Certainly  I  will  be  with  thee  ;  and  this 
shall  be  a  token  unto  thee,  that  I  have  sent  thee :  When  thou 
hast  brought  forth  the  people  out  of  Egypt,  ye  shall  serve  God 
upon  this  mountain.  And  Moses  said  unto  God,  Behold,  when 
I  come  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  shall  say  unto  them,  The 
God  of  your  fathers  hath  sent  me  unto  you ;  and  they  shall  say 
to  me.  What  is  his  name  .-*  what  shall  I  say  unto  them  t  And 
God  said  unto  Moses,  I  AM  THAT  I  AM  :  and  he  said,  Thus 
shalt  thou  say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  I  AM  hath  sent  me 
unto  you.  And  God  said  moreover  unto  Moses,  Thus  shalt  thou 
say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  The  Lord  God  of  your  fathers, 
the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob, 
hath  sent  me  unto  you :  this  is  my  name  for  ever,  and  this  is  my 
memorial  unto  all  generations.  Go,  and  gather  the  elders  of 
Israel  together,  and  say  unto  them.  The  Lord  God  of  your 
fathers,  the  God  of  Abraham,  of  Isaac,  and  of  Jacob,  appeared 
unto  me,  saying,  I  have  surely  visited  you,  and  seen  that  which 
is  done  to  you  in  Egypt :  and  I  have  said,  I  will  bring  you  up 
out  of  the  affliction  of  Egypt  unto  the  land  of  the  Canaanites, 
and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Amorites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the 
Hivites,  and  .the  Jebusites,  unto  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and 
honey.  And  they  shall  hearken  to  thy  voice :  and  thou  shalt 
come,  thou  and  the  elders  of  Israel,  unto  the  king  of  Egypt,  and 
ye  shall  say  unto  him.  The  Lord  God  of  the  Hebrews  hath  met 
with  us  :  and  now  let  us  go,  we  beseech  thee,  three  days'  journey 
into  the  wilderness,  that  we  may  sacrifice  to  the  Lord  our  God. 

Beware,  O  Power  !  for  God  is  great, 

O  Guilt,  for  God  is  just ! 
And  boast  not,  Pride  !  while  millions  pine, 

That  wealth  secures  thy  home  ; 
The  storm  that  shakes  all  hearths  but  thine, 

Is  not  the  storm  to  come  ! 

And  I  am  sure  that  the  king  of  Egypt  will  not  let  you  go,  no, 
not  by  a  mighty  hand.     And  I  will  stretch  out  my  hand,  and 


136  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

smite  Egypt  with  all  my  wonders  which  I  will  do  in  the  midst 
thereof :  and  after  that  he  will  let  you  go.  And  I  will  give  this 
people  favour  in  the  sight  of  the  Egyptians  :  and  it  shall  come 
to  pass,  that,  when  ye  go,  ye  shall  not  go  empty :  but  every 
woman  shall  borrow  of  her  neighbour,  and  of  her  that  sojourneth 
in  her  house,  jewels  of  silver,  and  jewels  of  gold,  and  raiment : 
and  ye  shall  put  them  upon  your  sons,  and  upon  your  daugh- 
ters ;  and  ye  shall  spoil  the  Egyptians. 

A  safe  stronghold  our  God  is  still,  a  sure  defence  and  weapon ; 
He  will  deliver  from  all  ill  that  unto  us  may  happen. 
Our  old  and  bitter  foe  is  fain  to  work  our  woe ; 
In  strength  and  cunning,  he  is  armed  full  fearfully ; 
On  earth  is  not  his  equal. 
By  strength  of  ours  we  naught  can  do,  the  strife  full  soon  were  ended  ; 
'  But  for  us  fights  the  Champion  true,  by  God  Himself  commended. 


CHAPTER   LIX. 

MOSES  ENCOURAGED  BY  MIRACLES. HE  MEETS  AARON. 

THEY  ASSEMBLE  THE  ELDERS. 

We  must  abide  our  opportunity  ; 
And  practise  what  is  fit,  as  what  is  needful. 
It  is  not  safe  to  enforce  a  sovereign's  ear  : 
Princes  hear  well,  if  they  at  all  will  hear. 

AND  Moses  answered  and  said.  But,  behold,  they  will  not  be- 
lieve me,  nor  hearken  unto  my  voice  :  for  they  will  say, 
The  Lord  hath  not  appeared  unto  thee.  And  the  Lord  said 
unto  him.  What  is  that  in  thine  hand  .'*  And  he  said,  A  rod. 
And  he  said.  Cast  it  on  the  ground.  And  he  cast  it  on  the 
ground,  and  it  became  a  serpent  ;  and  Moses  fled  from  before  it. 
And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Put  forth  thine  hand,  and  take 
it  by  the  tail.  And  he  put  forth  his  hand,  and  caught  it,  and  it 
became  a  rod  in  his  hand  :  that  they  may  believe  that  the  Lord 
God  of  their  fathers,  the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God  of  Isaac,  and 
the  God  of  Jacob,  hath  appeared  unto  thee. 

To  common  sense,  great  nature's  course  proclaims 

A  Deity  :  when  mankind  falls  asleep 

A  miracle  is  sent,  as  an  alarm 

To  wake  the  world,  and  prove  Him  o'er  again 

By  recent  argument,  but  not  more  strong  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  1 37 

And  the  Lord  said  furthermore  unto  him,  Put  now  thine  hand 
into  thy  bosom.  And  he  put  his  hand  into  his  bosom  :  and 
when  he  took  it  out,  behold,  his  hand  was  leprous  as  snow. 
And  he  said.  Put  thine  hand  into  thy  bosom  again.  And  he  put 
his  hand  into  his  bosom  again  ;  and  plucked  it  out  of  his  bosom, 
and,  behold,  it  was  turned  again  as  his  other  flesh.  And  it  shall 
come  to  pass,  if  they  will  not  believe  thee,  neither  hearken  to 
the  voice  of  the  first  sign,  that  they  will  believe  the  voice  of  the 
latter  sign.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  they  will  not  believe 
also  these  two  signs,  neither  hearken  unto  thy  voice,  that  thou 
shalt  take  of  the  water  of  the  river,  and  pour  it  upon  the  dry 
land  :  and  the  water  which  thou  takest  out  of  the  river  shall 
become  blood  upon  the  dry  land. 

Be  honest,  if  you  would  be  eloquent ; 
Be  not  a  chiming  fool  with  cap  and  bells  ; 
Reason  and  genuine  feeling  want  no  arts 
Of  utterance  —  ask  no  toil  of  elocution  ; 
And  when  you  are  in  earnest,  do  you  need 
A  search  for  words  ? 

And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  O  my  Lord,  I  am  not  eloquent, 
neither  heretofore,  nor  since  thou  hast  spoken  unto  thy  servant ; 
but  I  am  slow  of  speech,  and  of  a  slow  tongue.  And  the  Lord 
said  unto  him.  Who  hath  made  man's  mouth  .''  or  who  maketh 
the  dumb,  or  deaf,  or  the  seeing,  or  the  blind  .-*  have  not  I  the 
Lord  .-*  Now  therefore  go,  and  I  will  be  with  thy  mouth,  and 
teach  thee  what  thou  shalt  say.  And  he  said,  O  my  Lord,  send, 
I  pray  thee,  by  the  hand  of  him  whom  thou  wilt  send.  And  the 
anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  against  Moses,  and  he  said.  Is 
not  Aaron  the  Levite  thy  brother }  I  know  that  he  can  speak 
well.  And  also,  behold,  he  cometh  forth  to  meet  thee :  and 
when  he  seeth  thee,  he  will  be  glad  in  his  heart.  And  thou  shalt 
speak  unto  him,  and  put  words  in  his  mouth :  and  I  will  be  with 
thy  mouth,  and  with  his  mouth,  and  will  teach  you  what  ye  shall 
do.  And  he  shall  be  thy  spokesman  unto  the  people :  and  he 
shall  be,  even  he  shall  be  to  thee  instead  of  a  mouth,  and  thou 
shalt  be  to  him  instead  of  God.  And  thou  shalt  take  this  rod  in 
thine  hand,  wherewith  thou  shalt  do  signs. 

And  Moses  went  and  returned  to  Jethro  his  father-in-law,  and 
said  unto  him.  Let  me  go,  I  pray  thee,  and  return  unto  my  breth- 


138  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

ren  which  are  in  Egypt,  and  see  whether  they  be  yet  ahve.    And 
Jethro  said  to  Moses,  Go  in  peace. 

Nay,  shrink  not  from  the  word —  Farewell, 
As  if  'twere  friendship's  final  knell ; 

Such  fears  may  prove  but  vain : 
So  changeful  is  life's  fleeting  day, 
Whene'er  we  sever  Hope  may  say, 

"We  part  to  meet  again !  " 
Even  the  last  parting  earth  can  know. 
Brings  not  unutterable  woe, 

To  souls  that  heavenward  soar  ; 
For  humble  faith,  with  steadfast  eye, 
Points  to  a  brighter  world  on  high. 
Where  hearts  that  here  at  parting  sigh, 

May  meet  to  part  no  more. 

And  the  Lord  said  to  Aaron,  Go  into  the  wilderness  to  meet 
Moses.  And  he  went,  and  met  him  in  the  mount  of  God,  and 
kissed  him.  And  Moses  told  Aaron  all  the  words  of  the  Lord 
who  had  sent  him,  and  all  the  signs  which  he  had  commanded 
him. 

And  Moses  and  Aaron  went  and  gathered  together  all  the 
elders  of  the  children  of  Israel :  and  Aaron  spake  all  the  words 
which  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  Moses,  and  did  the  signs  in  the 
sight  of  the  people.  And  the  people  believed :  and  when  they 
heard  that  the  Lord  had  visited  the  children  of  Israel,  and  that" 
he  had  looked  upon  their  affliction,  then  they  bowed  their  heads 
and  worshipped. 


CHAPTER   LX. 

PHARAOH   APPROACHED. HE   WAXES   INSOLENT   AND  CRUEL. 

Yet  think  not  thou,  amidst  thy  warlike  bands, 
They  lie  beyond  redemption  in  thine  hands  : 
The  God  in  whom  they  trust  may  help  them  still, 
They  know  He  can  deliver,  and  He  ivi/l : 
Whether  by  life  or  death  afflicts  them  not. 
On  His  decree,  not  thine,  they  rest  their  lot. 

AND  afterward  Moses  and  Aaron  went  in,  and  told  Pharaoh, 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  Let  my  people  go, 
that  they  may  hold  a  feast  unto  me  in  the  wilderness.     And 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  1 39 

Pharaoh  said,  Who  is  the  Lord,  that  I  should  obey  his  voice  to 
let  Israel  go  ?  I  know  not  the  Lord,  neither  will  I  let  Israel  go. 
And  they  said.  The  God  of  the  Hebrews  hath  met  with  us  :  let 
us  go,  we  pray  thee,  three  days'  journey  into  the  desert,  and 
sacrifice  unto  the  Lord  our  God  ;  lest  he  fall  upon  us  with  pesti- 
lence, or  with  the  sword.  And  the  king  of  Egypt  said  unto 
them.  Wherefore  do  ye,  Moses  and  Aaron,  let  the  people  from 
their  works  ?  get  you  unto  your  burdens.  And  Pharaoh  said. 
Behold,  the  people  of  the  land  now  are  many,  and  ye  make  them 
rest  from  their  burdens.  And  Pharaoh  commanded  the  same 
day  the  taskmasters  of  the  people,  and  their  officers,  saying,  Ye 
shall  no  more  give  the  people  straw  to  make  brick,  as  heretofore : 
let  them  go  and  gather  straw  for  themselves.  And  the  tale  of  the 
bricks,  which  they  did  make  heretofore,  ye  shall  lay  upon  them  ; 
ye  shall  not  diminish  aught  thereof :  for  they  be  idle  ;  therefore 
they  cry,  saying.  Let  us  go  and  sacrifice  to  our  God.  Let  there 
more  work  be  laid  upon  the  men,  that  they  may  labour  therein  ; 
and  let  them  not  regard  vain  words. 

But  shall  I  reverence  pride,  and  lust,  and  rapine  ? 

No.     When  oppression  stains  the  robe  of  state, 

And  power's  a  whip  of  scorpions  in  the  hands 

Of  heartless  knaves,  to  lash  the  o'erburdened  back 

Of  honest  industry,  the  loyal  blood 

Will  turn  to  bitterest  gall,  and  the  o'ercharged  heart 

Explode  in  execration. 

And  the  taskmasters  of  the  people  went  out,  and  their  officers, 
and  they  spake  to  the  people,  saying.  Thus  saith  Pharaoh,  I  will 
not  give  you  straw.  Go  ye,  get  you  straw  where  ye  can  find  it : 
yet  not  aught  of  your  work  shall  be  diminished.  So  the  people 
were  scattered  abroad  throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt  to  gather 
stubble  instead  of  straw.  And  the  taskmasters  hasted  them, 
saying.  Fulfil  your  works,  your  daily  tasks,  as  when  there  was 
straw.  And  the  officers  of  the  children  of  Israel,  which  Pha- 
raoh's taskmasters  had  set  over  them,  were  beaten,  and  demanded, 
Wherefore  have  ye  not  fulfilled  your  task  in  making  brick  both 
yesterday  and  to-day,  as  heretofore .'' 

Ah,  silly  man,  who  dream'st  thy  honour  stands 
In  ruling  others,  not  thyself!     Thy  slaves 
Serve  thee,  and  thou  thy  slaves  ;  in  iron  bands 
Thy  servile  spirit,  pressed  with  wild  passions,  raves. 


I40  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Wouldst  thou  live  honoured  ?  —  clip  ambition's  wing  ; 
To  reason's  yoke  thy  furious  passions  bring : 
Thrice  noble  is  the  man  who  of  himself  is  king ! 

Then  the  officers  of  the  children  of  Israel  came  and  cried 
unto  Pharaoh,  saying,  Wherefore  dealest  thou  thus  with  thy  ser- 
vants ?  There  is  no  straw  given  unto  thy  servants,  and  they  say 
to  us,  Make  brick  :  and,  behold,  thy  servants  are  beaten  ;  but  the 
fault  is  in  thine  own  people.  But  he  said,  Ye  are  idle,  ye  are 
idle :  therefore  ye  say.  Let  us  go  and  do  sacrifice  to  the  Lord. 
Go  therefore  now,  and  work  ;  for  there  shall  no  straw  be  given 
you,  yet  shall  ye  deliver  the  tale  of  bricks.  And  the  officers  of 
the  children  of  Israel  did  see  that  they  were  in  evil  case,  after  it 
was  said,  Ye  shall  not  minish  aught  from  your  bricks  of  your 
daily  task. 

And  they  met  Moses  and  Aaron,  who  stood  in  the  way,  as 
they  came  forth  from  Pharaoh  :  and  they  said  unto  them.  The 
Lord  look  upon  you,  and  judge  ;  because  ye  have  made  our  sa- 
vour to  be  abhorred  in  the  eyes  of  Pharaoh,  and  in  the  eyes  of  his 
servants,  to  put  a  sword  in  their  hand  to  slay  us.  And  Moses 
returned  unto  the  Lord,  and  said.  Lord,  wherefore  hast  thou  so 
evil  entreated  this  people .-'  why  is  it  that  thou  hast  sent  me } 
For  since  I  came  to  Pharaoh  to  speak  in  thy  name,  he  hath  done 
evil  to  this  people  ;  neither  hast  thou  delivered  thy  people  at  all. 

We,  ignorant  of  ourselves, 
Beg  often  our  own  harms  ;  which  the  wise  Powers 
Deny  us  for  our  good  ;  so  find  we  profit, 
By  losing  of  our  prayers. 


CHAPTER   LXI. 


THE    NAME    AND    THE    PROMISE. 

The  God  of  Abraham  praise,  who  reigns  enthroned  above  : 
Ancient  of  everlasting  days,  and  God  of  love  : 
Jehovah,  Great  I  AM  !  by  earth  and  heaven  confessed  ; 
I  bow  and  bless  the  sacred  name,  for  ever  blest. 

THEN  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Now  shalt  thou  see  what  I 
will  do  to  Pharaoh :  for  with  a  strong  hand  shall  he  let 
them  go,  and  with  a  strong  hand  shall  he  driv^e  them  out  of  his 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  141 

land.  And  God  spake  unto  Moses,  and  said  unto  him,  I  am  the 
Lord :  and  I  appeared  unto  Abraham,  unto  Isaac,  and  unto 
Jacob,  by  the  name  of  God  Almighty  ;  but  by  my  name  JEHO- 
VAH WAS  I  not  known  to  them.  And  I  have  also  established 
my  covenant  with  them,  to  give  them  the  land  of  Canaan,  the 
land  of  their  pilgrimage,  wherein  they  were  strangers.  And  I 
have  also  heard  the  groaning  of  the  children  of  Israel,  whom  the 
Egyptians  keep  in  bondage  ;  and  I  have  remembered  my  cove- 
nant. Wherefore  say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  I  am  the  Lord, 
and  I  will  bring  you  out  from  under  the  burdens  of  the  Egyp- 
tians, and  I  will  rid  you  out  of  their  bondage,  and  I  will  redeem 
you  with  a  stretched  out  arm,  and  with  great  judgments  :  and  I  will 
take  you  to  me  for  a  people,  and  I  will  be  to  you  a  God  :  and  ye 
shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  your  God,  which  bringeth  you 
out  from  under  the  burdens  of  the  Egyptians.  And  I  will  bring 
you  in  unto  the  land,  concerning  the  which  I  did  swear  to  give  it 
to  Abraham,  to  Isaac,  and  to  Jacob  ;  and  I  will  give  it  you  for 
a  heritage  :  I  am  the  Lord.  And  Moses  spake  so  unto  the 
children  of  Israel :  but  they  hearkened  not  unto  Moses  for 
anguish  of  spirit,  and  for  cruel  bondage. 

All  constraint, 
Except  what  wisdom  lays  on  evil  men, 
Is  evil ;  hurts  the  faculties,  impedes 
Their  progress  in  the  road  of  Science  ;  blinds 
The  eyesight  of  Discovery,  and  begets 
In  those  that  suffer  it  a  sordid  mind, 
Bestial,  a  meagre  intellect,  unfit 
To  be  the  tenant  of  man's  noble  form. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  See,  I  have  made  thee  a  god 
to  Pharaoh  ;  and  Aaron  thy  brother  shall  be  thy  prophet.  Thou 
shalt  speak  all  that  I  command  thee  ;  and  Aaron  thy  brother 
shall  speak  unto  Pharaoh,  that  he  send  the  children  of  Israel  out 
of  his  land.  And  I  will  harden  Pharaoh's  heart,  and  multiply  my 
signs  and  my  wonders  in  the  land  of  Egypt.  But  Pharaoh  shall 
not  hearken  unto  you,  that  I  may  lay  my  hand  upon  Egypt,  and 
bring  forth  mine  armies,  and  my  people  the  children  of  Israel, 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  by  great  judgments.  And  the  Egyptians 
shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord,  when  I  stretch  forth  mine  hand 
upon  Egypt,  and  bring  out  the  children  of  Israel  from  among 
them.     And    Moses   and  Aaron   did  as  the  Lord  commanded 


142  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

them,  so  did  they.  And  Moses  was  fourscore  years  old,  and 
Aaron  fourscore  and  three  years  old,  when  they  spake  unto 
Pharaoh. 

"Tell  them,  I  AM,"  Jehovah  said  : 
The  listening  earth  did  hear  in  dread, 

And,  smitten  to  the  heart, 
At  once,  above,  beneath,  around. 
All  nature,  without  voice  or  sound. 

Replied,  O  Lord,  Thou  Art. 


CHAPTER   LXII. 

MIRACLES. THE    SERPENT-ROD. THE    BLOOD-WATER. A 

RELUCTANT    CONFESSION. 

But  first  the  lawless  tyrant,  who  denies 
To  know  their  God,  or  message  to  regard, 
Must  be  compelled  by  signs  and  judgments  dire. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  unto  Aaron,  saying,- 
When  Pharaoh  shall  speak  unto  you,  saying.  Shew  a 
miracle  for  you  :  then  thou  shalt  say  unto  Aaron,  Take  thy  rod, 
and  cast  it  before  Pharaoh,  and  it  shall  become  a  serpent.  And 
Moses  and  Aaron  went  in  unto-  Pharaoh,  and  they  did  so  as  the 
Lord  had  commanded :  and  Aaron  cast  down  his  rod  before 
Pharaoh,  and  before  his  servants,  and  it  became  a  serpent. 
Then  Pharaoh  also  called  the  wise  men  and  the  sorcerers  :  now 
the  magicians  of  Egypt,  they  also  did  in  like  manner  with  their 
enchantments.  For  they  cast  down  every  man  his  rod,  and  they 
became  serpents :  but  Aaron's  rod  swallowed  up  their  rods. 
And  he  hardened  Pharaoh's  heart,  that  he  hearkened  not  unto 
them  ;  as  the  Lord  had  said. 

Serpents  in  Egypt's  monstrous  land 

Were  ready  still  at  hand. 
And  all  at  the  Old  Serpent's  first  command. 
And  they  gaped,  and  they  too  hissed. 
And  they  their  threatening  tails  did  twist ; 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  1 43 

But  straight  on  both  the  Hel)re\v-serpent  flew, 
Broke  both  llieir  active  backs,  and  both  it  slew, 

And  both  ahiiost  at  once  devoured  ; 

So  much  was  overpowered, 

B)'  God's  miraculous  creation, 
His  servant's,  Nature's,  slightly-wrought  and  feeble  generation  ! 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Pvloses,  Pharaoh's  heart  is  hardened  : 
he  refuseth  to  let  the  people  go.  Get  thee  unto  Pharaoh  in  the 
morning  ;  lo,  he  goeth  out  unto  the  water ;  and  thou  shalt  stand 
by  the  river's  brink  against  he  come  ;  and  the  rod  which  was 
turned  to  a  serpent  shalt  thou  take  in  thine  hand.  And  thou 
shalt  say  unto  him,  The  Lord  God  of  the  Hebrews  hath  sent  me 
unto  thee,  saying,  Let  my  people  go,  that  they  may  serve  me  in 
the  wilderness  :  and,  behold,  hitherto  thou  wouldest  not  hear. 
Thus  saith  the  Lord,  \\\  this  thou  shalt  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord  :  behold,  I  will  smite  with  the  rod  that  is  in  mine  hand 
upon  the  waters  which  are  in  the  river,  and  they  shall  be  turned 
to  blood.  And  the  fish  that  is  in  the  river  shall  die,  and  the 
river  shall  stink ;  and  the  Egyptians  shall  loathe  to  drink  of  the 
water  of  the  river. 

And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  Say  unto  Aaron,  Take  thy 
rod,  and  stretch  out  thine  hand  upon  the  waters  of  Egypt,  upon 
their  streams,  upon  their  rivers,  and  upon  their  jjonds,  and  upon 
all  their  pools  of  water,  that  they  may  become  blood  ;  and  that 
there  may  be  blood  throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt,  both  in  ves- 
sels of  wood,  and  in  vessels  of  stone.  And  Moses  and  Aaron  did 
so,  as  the  Lord  commanded  ;  and  he  lifted  up  the  rod,  and  smote 
the  waters  that  were  in  the  river,  in  the  sight  of  Pharaoh,  and  in 
the  sight  of  his  servants  ;  and  all  the  waters  that  were  in  the 
river  were  turned  to  blood.  And  the  fish  that  was  in  the  river 
died  ;  and  the  river  stank,  and  the  Egyptians  could  not  drink  of 
the  water  of  the  river ;  and  there  was  blood  throughout  all  the 
land  of  Egypt.  And  the  magicians  of  Egypt  did  so  with  their 
enchantments  :  and  Pharaoh's  heart  was  hardened,  neither  did 
he  hearken  unto  them  ;  as  the  Lord  had  said.  And  Pharaoh 
turned  and  went  into  his  house,  neither  did  he  set  his  heart  to 
this  also.  And  all  the  Egyptians  digged  round  about  the  river 
for  water  to  drink  ;  for  they  could  not  drink  of  the  water  of  the 
river.  And  seven  days  were  fulfilled,  after  that  the  Lord  had 
smitten  the  river. 


144  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

On  the  famed  bank  the  prophets  stood, 

Touched  with  their  rod,  and  wounded  all  the  flood ; 

Flood  now  no  more,  but  a  long  vein  of  putrid  blood. 

The  helpless  fish  were  found 

In  their  strange  current  drowned  : 
The  herbs  and  trees  washed  by  the  mortal  tide 

About  it  blushed  and  died  : 
The  amazed  crocodiles  made  haste  to  ground ; 
.From  their  vast  trunks  the  dropping  gore  they  spied, 
Thought  it  their  own,  and  dreadfully  aloud  they  cried. 

Not  all  thy  priests,  nor  thou. 

Oh  king  !  couldst  ever  show 
From  whence  thy  wandering  Nile  begins  his  course  — 
Of  this  new  Nile  thou  seest  the  sacred  source; 
And,  as  thy  land  that  does  o'erflow. 

Take  heed  lest  this  do  so  ! 
What  plague  more  just  could  on  thy  waters  fall  ? 
The  Hebrew  infant's  murder  stains  them  all : 
The  kind,  instructing  punishment  enjoy  : 
Whom  the  red  river  cannot  mend,  the  Red-sea  shall  destroy. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Say  unto  Aaron,  Stretch  out 
thy  rod,  and  smite  the  dust  of  the  land,  that  it  may  become  Hce 
throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt.  And  they  did  so  ;  for  Aaron 
stretched  out  his  hand  with  his  rod,  and  smote  the  dust  of  the 
earth,  and  it  became  lice  in  man,  and  in  beast  ;  all  the  dust  of 
the  land  became  lice  throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt.  And  the 
magicians  did  so  with  their  enchantments  to  bring  forth  lice,  but 
they  could  not :  so  there  were  lice  upon  man,  and  upon  beast. 
Then  the  magicians  said  unto  Pharaoh,  This  is  the  finger  of 
God  :  and  Pharaoh's  heart  was  hardened,  and  he  hearkened  not 
unto  them  ;  as  the  Lord  had  said. 

It  is  not  so  with  Him  that  all  things  knows, 
As  'tis  with  us  that  square  our  guess  by  shows  ; 
But  most  it  is  presumption  in  us,  when 
The  help  of  Heaven  we  count  the  act  of  men. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  1 45 


CHAPTER   LXIII. 

MIRACLES. BOILS. DARKNESS. THE    FIRST-BORN 

DOOMED. 

He  flings  the  pregnant  ashes  through  the  air. 

And  speaks  a  mighty  prayer  ; 
Both  which  the  ministering  winds  around  all  Egypt  bear, 
As  gentle  western  blasts  with  downy  wings, 

Hatching  the  tender  springs, 
To  the  unborn  buds  with  vital  whispers  say, 

"  Ye  living  buds,  why  do  ye  stay  ? " 
The  passionate  buds  break  through  the  bark  their  way ; 
So,  wheresoe'er  this  tainted  wind  but  blew. 

Swelling  pains  and  ulcers  grew  ; 
It  from  the  body  called  all  sleeping  poisons  out, 

And  to  them  added  new ; 
A  noisome  spring  of  sores,  as  thick  as  leaves,  did  sprout. 

AND  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses  and  unto  Aaron-,  Take  to  you 
handfuls  of  ashes  of  the  furnace,  and  let  Moses  sprinkle  it 
toward  the  heaven  in  the  sight  of  Pharaoh.  And  it  shall  become 
small  dust  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  shall  be  a  boil  breaking 
forth  with  blains  upon  man,  and  upon  beast,  throughout  all  the 
land  of  Egypt.  And  they  took  ashes  of  the  furnace,  and  stood 
before  Pharaoh  ;  and  Moses  sprinkled  it  up  toward  heaven  ;  and 
it  became  a  boil  breaking  forth  with  blains  upon  man,  and  upon 
beast.  And  the  magicians  could  not  stand  before  Moses  because 
of  the  boils  ;  for  the  boil  was  upon  the  magicians,  and  upon  all 
the  Egyptians.  And  the  Lord  hardened  the  heart  of  Pharaoh, 
and  he  hearkened  not  unto  them  ;  as  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto 
Moses. 

Is  not  Thy  hand  stretched  forth 
Visibly  in  the  heavens,  to  awe  and  smite? 
Shall  not  the  living  God  of  all  the  earth, 
And  heaven  above,  do  right  ? 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Stretch  out  thine  hand  toward 
heaven,  that  there  may  be  darkness  over  the  land  of  Egypt,  even 
darkness  which  may  be  felt.  And  Moses  stretched  forth  his 
hand  toward  heaven  ;  and  there  was  a  thick  darkness  in  all  the 


146  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

land  of  Egypt  three  days  :  they  saw  not  one  another,  neither 
rose  any  from  his  place  for  three  days  :  but  all  the  children  of 
Israel  had  light  in  their  dwellings.  And  Pharaoh  called  unto 
Moses,  and  said,  Go  ye,  serve  the  Lord  ;  only  let  your  flocks  and 
your  herds  be  stayed  :  let  your  little  ones  also  go  with  you.  And 
Moses  said,  Thou  must  give  us  also  sacrifices  and  burnt  offer- 
ings, that  we  may  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord  our  God.  Our  cattle 
also  shall  go  with  us  ;  there  shall  not  a  hoof  be  left  behind  ;  for 
thereof  must  we  take  to  serve  the  Lord  our  God  ;  and  we  know 
not  with  what  we  must  serve  the  Lord,  until  we  come  thither. 
But  the  Lord  hardened  Pharaoh's  heart,  and  he  would  not  let 
them  go.  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  him,  Get  thee  from  me,  take 
heed  to  thyself,  see  my  face  no  more  ;  for  in  that  day  thou  seest 
my  face  thou  shalt  die.  And  Moses  said,  Thou  hast  spoken 
well,  I  will  see  thy  face  again  no  more. 

Of  God's  dreadful  anger  these 

Were  but  the  first  light  skirmishes  ; 
The  shock  and  bloody  battle  now  begins, 
The  plenteous  harvest  of  full-ripened  sins. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Yet  will  I  bring  one  plague 
more  upon  Pharaoh,  and  upon  Egypt ;  afterwards  he  will  let  you 
go  hence :  when  he  shall  let  you  go,  he  shall  surely  thrust  you 
out  hence  altogether.  Speak  now  in  the  ears  of  the  people,  and 
let  every  man  borrow  of  his  neighbour,  and  every  woman  of  her 
neighbour,  jewels  of  silver,  and  jewels  of  gold.  And  the  Lord 
gave  the  people  favour  in  the  sight  of  the  Egyptians.  Moreover, 
the  man  Moses  was  very  great  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  sight 
of  Pharaoh's  servants,  and  in  the  sight  of  the  people.  And 
Moses  said.  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  About  midnight  will  I  go  out 
into  the  midst  of  Egypt :  and  all  the  first-born  in  the  land  of  • 
Egypt  shall  die,  from  the  first-born  of  Pharaoh  that  sitteth  upon 
his  throne,  even  unto  the  first-born  of  the  maid-servant  that  is 
behind  the  mill ;  and  all  the  first-born  of  beasts.  And  there 
shall  be  a  great  cry  throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt,  such  as 
there  was  none  like  it,  nor  shall  be  like  it  any  more.  But  against 
any  of  the  children  of  Israel  shall  not  a  dog  move  his  tongue, 
against  man  or  beast :  that  ye  may  know  how  that  the  Lord  doth 
put  a  difference  between  the  Egyptians  and  Israel.  And  all 
these  thy  servants  shall  come  down  unto  me,  and  bow  down 


THE   BIBLE   AND    THE   POETS.  1 4/ 

themselves  unto  me,  saying,  Get  thee  out,  and  all  the  people  that 
follow  thee  ;  and  after  that  I  will  go  out.  And  he  went  out  from 
Pharaoh  in  a  great  anger.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Pha- 
raoh shall  not  hearken  unto  you  ;  that  my  wonders  may  be  mul- 
tiplied in  the  land  of  Egypt. 

Hush  !  hush  !  the  preacher  preacheth  ;  "  Woe  to  the  oppressor,  woe  !  " 
But  sudden  gloom  o'ercasts  the  sun,  and  saddened  flowers  below  : 
So  frowns  the  Lord!  —  but,  tyrants,  ye  deride  His  indignation. 
And  see  not  in  His  gathered  brow  your  days  of  tribulation ! 


•     CHAPTER    LXIV. 

THE    EPOCH    OF    DELIVERANCE. ITS    FESTIVE    MEMORIAL. 

Though  to-day  may  not  fulfil 
All  thy  hopes,  have  patience  still ; 
For  perchance  to-morrow's  sun 
Sees  thy  happier  days  begun. 

As  God  willeth  march  the  hours, 

Bringing  joy  at  last  in  showers, 

And  whate'er  we  ask  is  ours. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  Aaron,  in  the  land  of 
Egypt,  saying,  This  month  shall  be  unto  you  the  begin- 
ning of  months  :  it  shall  be  the  first  month  of  the  year  to  you. 

Speak  ye  unto  all  the  congregation  of  Israel,  saying.  In  the 
tenth  day  of  this  month  they  shall  take  to  them  every  man  a 
lamb,  according  to  the  house  of  their  fathers,  a  lamb  for  a 
house :  and  if  the  household  be  too  little  for  the  lamb,  let  him 
and  his  neighbour  next  unto  his  house  take  it  acceding  to  the 
number  of  the  souls  ;  every  man  according  to  his  eating  shall 
make  your  count  for  the  lamb.  Your  lamb  shall  be  without 
blemish,  a  male  of  the  first  year :  ye  shall  take  it  out  from  the 
sheep,  or  from  the  goats  :  and  ye  shall  keep  it  up  until  the  four- 
teenth day  of  the  same  month :  and  the  whole  assembly  of  the 
congregation  of  Israel  shall  kill  it  in  the  evening.  And  they 
shall  take  of  the  blood,  and  strike  it  on  the  two  side-posts  and  on 
the  upper  door-post  of  the  houses,  wherein  they  shall  eat  it.    And 


148  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

they  shall  eat  the  flesh  in  that  night,  roast  with  fire,  and  unleav- 
ened bread  ;  and  with  bitter  herbs  they  shall  eat  it.  Eat  not  of  it 
raw,  nor  sodden  at  all  with  water,  but  roast  with  fire  ;  his  head 
with  his  legs,  and  with  the  purtenance  thereof.  And  ye  shall 
let  nothing  of  it  remain  until  the  morning  ;  and  that  which  re- 
maineth  of  it  until  the  morning  ye  shall  burn  with  fire. 

Thus  the  appointed  Lamb  must  bleed, 

To  break  the  Egyptian  yoke  ; 
Thus  Israel  is  from  bondage  freed, 

And  'scapes  the  angel's  stroke. 

And  thus  shall  ye  eat  it ;  with  your  loins  girded,  your  shoes 
on  your  feet,  and  your  staff  in  your  hand  ;  and  ye  shall  eat  it  in 
haste  :  it  is  the  Lord's  passover.  For  I  will  pass  through  the  land 
of  Egypt  this  night,  and  will  smite  all  the  first-born  in  the 
land  of  Egypt,  both  man  and  beast  ;  and  against  all  the  gods 
of  Egypt  I  will  execute  judgment :  I  am  the  Lord.  Ani  the 
blood  shall  be  to  you  for  a  token  upon  the  houses  where  ye  are  : 
and  when  I  see  the  blood,  I  will  pass  over  you,  and  the  plague 
shall  not  be  upon  you  to  destroy  you,  when  I  smite  the  land  of 
Egypt.  And  this  day  shall  be  unto  you  for  a  memorial ;  and  ye 
shall  keep  it  a  feast  to  the  Lord  throughout  your  generations : 
ye  shall  keep  it  a  feast  by  an  ordinance  for  ever.  Seven  days 
shall  ye  eat  unleavened  bread  ;  even  the  first  day  ye  shall  put 
away  leaven  out  of  your  houses  :  for  whosoever  eateth  leavened 
bread  from  the  first  day  until  the  seventh  day,  that  soul  shall  be 
cut  off  from  Israel.  And  in  the  first  day  there  shall  be  a  holy 
convocation,  and  in  the  seventh  day  there  shall  be  a  holy  convo- 
cation to  you  ;  no  manner  of  work  shall  be  done  in  them,  save  that 
which  every  man  must  eat,  that  only  may  be  done  of  you.  And 
ye  shall  observe  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread  ;  for  in  this  self- 
same day  have  I  brought  your  armies  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt : 
therefore  shall  ye  observe  this  day  in  your  generations  by  an 
ordinance  for  ever. 

Poor  soul  !  God's  goodness  hath  been  great  to  thee; 
Let  never  day  nor  night  unhallowed  pass, 
But  still  remember  what  thy  Lord  hath  done. 

In  the  first  month,  on  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  month  at 
even,  ye  shall  eat  unleavened  bread,  until  the  one  and  twentieth 
day  of  the  month  at  even.     Seven  days  shall  there  be  no  leaven 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  149 

found  in  your  .houses  :  for  whosoever  catcth  that  which  is  leavened, 
even  that  soul  shall  be  cut  off  from  the  congregation  of  Israel, 
whether  he  be  a  stranger,  or  born  in  the  land.  Ye  shall  eat 
nothing  leavened  ;  in  all  your  habitatio.ns  shall  ye  eat  unleav- 
ened bread. 

In  a  service  which  Thy  love  appoints, 

There  are  no  bonds  for  me  ; 
For  my  secret  heart  is  taught  the  truth 

That  makes  Thy  children  free  ; 
And  a  life  of  self-renouncing  love, 

Is  a  hfe  of  liberty. 


CHAPTER   LXV. 

THE     FIRST     PASSOVER. THE     FIRST-BORN     DEAD. THE 

DEPARTURE. 

THEN  Moses  called  for  all  the  elders  of  Israel,  and  said  unto 
them,  Draw  out  and  take  you  a  lamb  according  to  your 
families,  and  kill  the  passover.  And  ye  shall  take  a  bunch  of 
hyssop,  and  dip  it  in  the  blood  that  is  in  the  basin,  and  strike 
the  lintel  and  the  two  side-posts  with  the  blood  that  is  in  the 
basin  ;  and  none  of  you  shall  go  out  at  the  door  of  his  house 
until  the  morning.  For  the  Lord  will  pass  through  to  smite  the 
Egyptians  ;  and  when  he  seeth  the  blood  upon  the  lintel,  and  on 
the  two  side-posts,  the  Lord  will  pass  over  the  door,  and  will  not 
suffer  the  destroyer  to  come  in  unto  your  houses  to  smite  you. 
And  ye  shall  observe  this  thing  for  an  ordinance  to  thee  and  to 
thy  sons  for  ever.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  ye  be  come  to 
the  land  which  the  Lord  will  give  you,  according  as  he  hath 
promised,  that  ye  shall  keep  this  service.  And  it  shall  come  to 
pass,  when  your  children  shall  say  unto  you.  What  mean  ye  by 
this  service }  that  ye  shall  say,  It  is  the  sacrifice  of  the  Lord's 
passover,  who  passed  over  the  houses  of  the  children  of  Israel 
in  Egypt,  when  he  smote  the  Egyptians,  and  delivered  our 
houses.     And  the  people  bowed  the  head  and  worshipped.     And 


I50  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

the  children  of  Israel  went  away,  and  did  as  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded Moses  and  Aaron,  so  did  they. 

It  was  the  time  when  the  still  Moon 

Was  mounted  softly  to  her  noon, 
And  dewy  Sleep,  which  from  Night's  secret  springs  arose, 

Gently  as  Nile  the  land  o'erflows. 
When,  lo !  from  the  high  countries  of  refined  day, 

The  golden  heaven  without  allay  — 
Michael,  the  warlike  prince,  does  downward  fly, 

Swift  as  the  journeys  of  the  sight. 

Swift  as  the  race  of  light. 
And  with  his  winged  will  cuts  through  the  yielding  sky. 

He  took  a  pointed  Pestilence  in  his  hand  ; 
The  spirits  of  thousand  mortal  passions  made 

The  strongly-tempered  blade, 

The  sharpest  sword  that  e'er  was  laid 
Up  in  the  magazines  of  God  to  scourge  a  wicked  land. 
Through  Egypt's  wicked  land  his  march  he  took. 
And,  as  he  marched,  the  sacred  first-born  strook 

Of  every  womb  ;  none  did  he  spare. 
None,  from  the  meanest  beast  to  Cenchre's  purple  heir. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  that  at  midnight  the  Lord  smote  all  the 
first-born  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  from  the  first-born  of  Pharaoh 
that  sat  on  his  throne  unto  the  first-born  of  the  captive  that  was" 
in  the  dungeon  ;  and  all  the  first-born  of  cattle.  And  Pharaoh 
rose  up  in  the  night,  he,  and  all  his  servants,  and  all  the  Egyp- 
tians ;  and  there  was  a  great  cry  in  Egypt :  for  there  was  not  a 
house  where  there  was  not  one  dead. 

The  sword  strikes  now  too  deep  and  near, 

Longer  with  its  edge  to  play ; 
No  diligence  or  cost  they  spare 

To  haste  the  Hebrews  now  away : 
Pharaoh  himself  chides  their  delay  ; 

So  kind  and  bountiful  is  Fear  ! 

And  he  called  for  Moses  and  Aaron  by  night,  and  said.  Rise 
up,  and  get  you  forth  from  among  my  people,  both  ye  and  the 
children  of  Israel  ;  and  go,  serve  the  Lord,  as  ye  have  said. 
Also  take  your  flocks  and  your  herds,  as  ye  have  said,  and  be 
gone  ;  and  bless  me  also.  And  the  Egyptians  were  urgent  upon 
the  people,  that  they  might  send  them  out  of  the  land  in  haste  ; 
for  they  said,  We  be  all  dead  men.     And  the  people  took  their 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  151 

dough  before  it  was  leavened,  their  kneading-troughs  being 
bound  up  in  their  clothes  upon  their  shoulders.  And  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  did  according  to  the  word  of  Moses  ;  and  they 
borrowed  of  the  Egyptians  jewels  of  silver,  and  jewels  of  gold, 
and  raiment :  and  the  Lord  gave  the  people  favour  in  the  sight 
of  the  Egyptians,  so  that  they  lent  unto  them  such  things  as 
they  required  :  and  they  spoiled  the  Egyptians. 

And  the  children  of  Israel  journeyed  from  Ramcses  to  Suc- 
coth,  about  six  hundred  thousand  on  foot  that  were  men,  beside 
children.  And  a  mixed  multitude  went  up  also  with  them  ;  and 
flocks,  and  herds,  even  very  much  cattle.  And  they  baked  un- 
leavened cakes  of  the  dough  which  they  brought  forth  out  of 
Egypt,  for  it  was  not  leavened  ;  because  they  were  thrust  out  of 
Egypt,  and  could  not  tarry,  neither  had  they  prepared  for  them- 
selves any  victuals. 

Thus  with  ten  wounds 
The  river-dragon  tamed  at  length  submits 
To  let  liis  sojourners  depart,  and  oft 
Humbles  his  stubborn  heart. 

Now  the  sojourning  of  the  children  of  Israel,  who  dwelt  in 
Egypt,  was  four  hundred  and  thirty  years.  And  it  came  to  pass 
at  the  end  of  the  four  hundred  and  thirty  years,  even  the  self- 
same day  it  came  to  pass,  that  all  the  hosts  of  the  Lord  went 
out  from  the  land  of  Egypt.  It  is  a  night  to  be  much  observed 
unto  the  Lord  for  bringing  them  out  from  the  land  of  Egypt :  this 
is  that  night  of  the  Lord  to  be  observed  of  all  the  children  of 
Israel  in  their  generations. 

And  as  the  avenging  Angel  passed 

Of  old  the  blood-besprinkled  door  ; 

As  the  cleft  sea  a  passage  gave, 

Then  closed  to  whelm  the  Egyptians  o'er  : 

So  Christ,  our  Paschal  Sacrifice, 

Has  brought  us  safe  all  perils  through  ; 

While  for  unleavened  bread  we  need 

But  heart  sincere  and  purpose  true. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Pharaoh  had  let  the  people  go,  that 
God  led  them  not  through  the  way  of  the  land  of  the  Philistines, 
although  that  was  near  ;  for  God  said,  Lest  peradventure  the  peo- 
ple repent  when  they  see  war,  and  they  return  to  Egypt  :  but  God 
led  the  people  about,  through  the  way  of  the  wilderness  of  the 


152  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Red  sea :  and  the  children  of  Israel  went  up  harnessed  out  of 
the  land  of  Egypt.  And  Moses  took  the  bones  of  Joseph  with 
him  :  for  he  had  straitly  sworn  the  children  of  Israel,  saying, 
God  will  surely  visit  you  ;  and  ye  shall  carry  up  my  bones  away 
hence  with  you. 

And  they  took  their  journey  from  Succoth,  and  encamped  in 
Etham,  in  the  edge  of  the  wilderness.  And  the  Lord  went 
before  them  by  day  in  a  pillar  of  a  cloud,  to  lead  them  the 
way  ;  and  by  night  in  a  pillar  of  fire,  to  give  them  light  ;  to  go 
by  day  and  night.  He  took  not  away  the  pillar  of  the  cloud  by 
day,  nor  the  pillar  of  fire  by  night,  from  before  the  people. 


CHAPTER   LXVI. 

PHARAOH     PURSUES.  ISRAEL     DISHEARTENED.  DELIVER- 
ANCE.   DESTRUCTION. 

But,  oh  !  the  bounty  which  to  fear  we  owe, 
Is  but  Hke  fire  struck  out  of  stone  ; 
So  hardly  got,  and  quickly  gone, 

That  it  scarce  outHves  the  blow. 
Sorrow  and  fear  soon  quit  the  tyrant's  breast ; 

Rage  and  revenge  their  place  possessed  ; 
With  a  vast  host  of  chariots  and  of  horse. 
And  all  his  powerful  kingdom's  ready  force, 

The  travelling  nation  he  pursues  ; 
Ten  times  o'ercome,  he  still  the  unequal  war  renews. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying,  Speak  unto  the 
children  of  Israel,  that  they  turn  and  encamp  before  Pi-ha- 
hiroth,  between  Migdol  and  the  sea,  over  against  Baal-zephon  : 
before  it  shall  ye  encamp  by  the  sea.  For  Pharaoh  will  say  of 
the  children  of  Israel,  They  are  entangled  in  the  land,  the  wil- 
derness hath  shut  them  in.  And  I  will  harden  Pharaoh's  heart, 
that  he  shall  follow  after  them  ;  and  I  will  be  honoured  upon 
Pharaoh,  and  upon  all  his  host ;  that  the  Egyptians  may  know 
that  I  am  the  Lord.     And  they  did  so. 

And  it  was  told  the  king  of  Egypt  that  the  people  fled  :  and 
the  heart  of  Pharaoh  and  of  his  servants  was  turned  against  the 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  153 

people,  and  they  said,  Why  have  we  done  this,  that  we  have  let 
Israel  go  from  serving  us  ?  And  he  made  ready  his  chariot,  and 
took  his  people  with  him  :  and  he  took  six  hundred  chosen  char- 
iots, and  all  the  chariots  of  Egypt,  and  captains  over  every  one 
of  them.  And  the  Lord  hardened  the  heart  of  Pharaoh  king  of 
Egypt,  and  he  pursued  after  the  children  of  Israel :  and  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  went  out  with  a  high  hand.  But  the  Egyptians 
pursued  after  them,  all  the  horses  and  chariots  of  Pharaoh,  and 
his  horsemen,  and  his  army,  and  overtook  them  encamping  by 
the  sea,  beside  Pi-hahiroth,  before  Baal-zephon. 

On  earth's  last  margin  throng  the  weeping  train: 

Their  cloudy  guide  moves  on  :  —  "  And  must  we  swim  the  main  :  " 

'Mid  the  light  spray  their  snorting  camels  stood, 

Nor  bathed  a  fetlock  in  the  nauseous  flood  — 

He  comes  —  their  leader  comes  !  —  the  man  of  God 

O'er  the  wide  waters  lifts  his  mighty  rod, 

And  onward  treads.  —  The  circling  waves  retreat 

In  hoarse,  deep  murmurs  from  his  holy  feet ; 

And  the  chased  surges,  inly  roaring,  show 

The  hard,  wet  sand,  and  coral  hills  below. 

And  when  Pharaoh  drew  nigh,  the  children  of  Israel  lifted  up 
their  eyes,  and,  behold,  the  Egyptians  marched  after  them  ;  and 
they  were  sore  afraid  :  and  the  children  of  Israel  cried  out  unto 
the  Lord.  And  they  said  unto  Moses,  Because  there  were  no 
graves  in  Egypt,  hast  thou  taken  us  away  to  die  in  the  wilder- 
ness .-*  wherefore  hast  thou  dealt  thus  with  us,  to  carry  us  forth 
out  of  Egypt .''  Is  not  this  the  word  that  we  did  tell  thee  in 
Egypt,  saying.  Let  us  alone,  that  we  may  serve  the  Egyptians  .■* 
For  it  had  been  better  for  us  to  serve  the  Egyptians,  than  that 
we  should  die  in  the  wilderness.  And  Moses  said  unto  the 
people.  Fear  ye  not,  stand  still,  and  see  the  salvation  of  the  Lord, 
which  he  will  show  to  you  to-day  :  for  the  Egyptians  whom  ye 
have  seen  to  day,  ye  shall  see  them  again  no  more  for  ever.  The 
Lord  shall  fight  for  you,  and  ye  shall  hold  your  peace. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Wherefore  criest  thou  unto 
me .''  speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  that  they  go  forward  : 
but  lift  thou  up  thy  rod,  and  stretch  out  thine  hand  over  the  sea, 
and  divide  it :  and  the  children  of  Israel  shall  go  on  dry  ground 
through  the  midst  of  the  sea.  And  I,  behold,  I  will  harden  the 
hearts  of  the  Egyptians,  and  they  shall  follow  them  :  and  I  will 


154  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

get  me  honour  upon  Pharaoh,  and  upon  all  his  host,  upon  his 
chariots,  and  upon  his  horsemen.  And  the  Egyptians  shall  know- 
that  I  am  the  Lord,  when  I  have  gotten  me  honour  upon  Pha- 
raoh, upon  his  chariots,  and  upon  his  horsemen. 

And  the  Angel  of  God,  which  went  before  the  camp  of  Israel, 
removed  and  went  behind  them  ;  and  the  pillar  of  the  cloud  went 
from  before  their  face,  and  stood  behind  them  :  and  it  came 
between  the  camp  of  the  Egyptians  and  the  camp  of  Israel ;  and 
it  was  a  cloud  and  darkness  to  them,  but  it  gave  light  by  night 
to  these  :  so  that  the  one  came  not  near  the  other  all  the  night. 
And  Moses  stretched  out  his  hand  over  the  sea,  and  the  Lord 
caused  the  sea  to  go  back  by  a  strong  east  wind  all  that  night, 
and  made  the  sea  dry  land,  and  the  waters  were  divided.  And 
the  children  of  Israel  went  into  the  midst  of  the  sea  upon  the 
dry  ground  :  and  the  waters  were  a  wall  unto  them  on  their  right 
hand,  and  on  their  left. 

And  the  Egyptians  pursued,  and  went  in  after  them  to  the 
midst  of  the  sea,  even  all  Pharaoh's  horses,  his  chariots,  and  his 
horsemen.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  in  the  morning  watch  the 
Lord  looked  unto  the  host  of  the  Egyptians  through  the  pillar 
of  fire  and  of  the  cloud,  and  troubled  the  host  of  the  Egyptians, 
and  took  off  their  chariot  wheels,  that  they  drave  them  heavily : 
so  that  the  Egyptians  said,  Let  us  flee  from  the  face  of  Israel ; 
for  the  Lord  fighteth  for  them  against  the  Egyptians. 

They  saw  the  monstrous  death  and  watery  war 
Come  rolling  down  loud  ruin  from  afar  ! 
In  vain  some  backward  and  some  forwards  fly 
With  helpless  haste  ;  in  vain  they  cry 
To  their  celestial  Beasts  for  aid; 
In  vain  their  guilty  king  they  all  upbraid  ; 
In  vain  on  Moses  he,  and  Moses'  God  does  call, 

With  a  repentance  true  too  late  ; 
They're  compassed  round  with  a  devouring  fate, 
That  draws,  like  a  strong  net,  the  mighty  sea  upon  them  all. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Stretch  out  thine  hand  over 
the  sea,  that  the  waters  may  come  again  upon  the  Egyptians, 
upon  their  chariots,  and  upon  their  horsemen.  And  Moses 
stretched  forth  his  hand  over  the  sea,  and  the  sea  returned  to 
his  strength  when  the  morning  appeared  ;  and  the  Egyptians 
fled  against  it  ;  and  the  Lord  overthrew  the  Egyptians  in  the 
midst  of  the  sea.     And  the  waters  returned,  and  covered   the 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  1 55 

chariots,  and  the  horsemen,  and  all  the  host  of  Pharaoh  that 
came  into  the  sea  after  them  ;  there  remained  not  so  much  as 
one  of  them.  But  the  children  of  Israel  walked  upon  dry  land 
in  the  midst  of  the  sea  ;  and  the  waters  were  a  wall  unto  them 
on  their  right  hand,  and  on  their  left.  Thus  the  Lord  saved 
Israel  that  day  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Egyptians  ;  and  Israel  saw 
the  Egyptians  dead  upon  the  sea  shore.  And  Israel  saw  that 
great  work  which  the  Lord  did  upon  the  Egyptians  :  and  the 
people  feared  the  Lord,  and  believed  the  Lord,  and  his  servant 
Moses. 

"  Fly,  Misraim,  fly  !  "  —  From  Edom's  coral  strand 
Again  the  prophet  stretched  his  dreadful  wand  :  — 
With  one  wild  crash  the  thundering  waters  sweep, 
And  all  is  waves  — a  dark  and  lonely  deep  — 
Yet  o'er  those  lonely  waves  such  murmurs  past, 
As  mortal  wailing  swelled  the  mighty  blast : 
And  strange  and  sad  the  whispering  breezes  bore 
The  groans  of  Egypt  to  Arabia's  sliore. 


CHAPTER   LXVII. 

TRIUMPHAL  SONGS. BITTER  WATERS. 

Who  shall  return  to  tell  Egypt  the  story 
Of  those  she  sent  forth  in  the  hour  of  her  pride  ? 
The  Lord  hath  looked  out  from  His  pillar  of  glory, 
And  all  her  brave  thousands  are  dashed  in  the  tide ! 
Sound  the  loud  timbrel  o'er  Egypt's  dark  sea  ! 
Jehovah  hath  triumphed  !  His  people  are  free  ! 

THEN  sang  Moses  and  the  children  of  Israel  this  song  unto 
the  Lord,  and  spake,  saying,  I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord,  for 
he  hath  triumphed  gloriously  :  the  horse  and  his  rider  hath  he 
thrown  into  the  sea.  The  Lord  is  my  strength  and  song,  and  he 
is  become  my  salvation  :  he  is  my  God,  and  I  will  prepare  him  a 
habitation  ;  my  father's  God,  and  I  will  exalt  him.  The  Lord  is 
a  man  of  war  :  the  Lord  is  his  name.  Pharaoh's  chariots  and  his 
host  hath  he  cast  into  the  sea :  his  chosen  captains  also  are 
drowned  in  the  Red  sea.  The  depths  have  covered  them  :  they 
sank  into  the  bottom  as  a  stone.     Thy  right  hand,  O  Lord,  is 


156  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

become  glorious  in  power :  thy  right  hand,  O  Lord,  hath 
dashed  in  pieces  the  enemy.  And  in  the  greatness  of  thine 
excellency  thou  hast  overthrown  them  that  rose  up  against  thee  : 
thou  sentest  forth  thy  wrath,  which  consumed  them  as  stubble. 
And  with  the  blast  of  thy  nostrils  the  waters  were  gathered 
together,  the  floods  stood  upright  as  a  heap,  and  the  depths  were 
congealed  in  the  heart  of  the  sea.  The  enemy  said,  I  will  pur- 
sue, I  will  overtake,  I  will  divide  the  spoil ;  my  lust  shall  be 
satisfied  upon  them  ;  I  will  draw  my  sword,  my  hand  shall 
destroy  them.  Thou  didst  blow  with  thy  wind,  the  sea  covered 
them  :  they  sank  as  lead  in  the  mighty  waters.  Who  is  like  unto 
thee,  O  Lord,  among  the  gods .''  who  is  like  thee,  glorious  in 
holiness,  fearful  in  praises,  doing  wonders .-'  Thou  stretchedst 
out  thy  right  hand,  the  earth  swallowed  them.  Thou  in  thy 
mercy  hast  led  forth  the  people  which  thou  hast  redeemed  :  thou 
hast  guided  them  in  thy  strength  unto  thy  holy  habitation.  The 
people  shall  hear,  and  be  afraid :  sorrow  shall  take  hold  on  the 
inhabitants  of  Palestina.  Then  the  dukes  of  Edom  shall  be 
amazed  ;  the  mighty  men  of  Moab,  trembling  shall  take  hold 
upon  them  ;  all  the  inhabitants  of  Canaan  shall  melt  away.  Fear 
and  dread  shall  fall  upon  them  ;  by  the  greatness  of  thine  arm 
they  shall  be  as  still  as  a  stone ;  till  thy  people  pass  over,  O 
Lord,  till  the  people  pass  over,  which  thou  hast  purchased.  Thou 
shalt  bring  them  in,  and  plant  them  in  the  mountain  of  thine 
inheritance,  in  the  place,  O  Lord,  which  thou  hast  made  for  thee 
to  dwell  in ;  in  the  sanctuar}-,  O  Lord,  which  thy  hands  have 
established.  The  Lord  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever.  For  the 
horse  of  Pharaoh  went  in  with  his  chariots  and  with  his  horse- 
men into  the  sea,  and  the  Lord  brought  again  the  waters  of  the 
sea  upon  them  ;  but  the  children  of  Israel  went  on  dry  land  in 
the  midst  of  the  sea. 

With  a  quick  and  sudden  swell 

Prone  the  liquid  ramparts  fell ; 

Over  horse,  and  over  car, 

Over  every  man  of  war, 

Over  Pharaoh's  crown  of  gold, 

The  loud  thundering  billows  rolled. 

As  the  level  waters  spread, 

Down  they  sank  —  they  sank  like  lead  — 

Down  sank  without  cry  or  groan. 

And  the  morning  sun  that  shone 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  157 

On  myriads  of  bright-armed  men, 
•  Its  meridian  radiance  tlien 
Cast  on  a  wide  sea  heaving,  as  of  yore, 
Against  a  sullen,  sohtary  shore. 

And  Miriam  the  prophetess,  the  sister  of  Aaron,  took  a  tim- 
brel in  her  hand  ;  and  all  the  women  went  out  after  her  with 
timbrels  and  with  dances.  And  Miriam  answered  them.  Sing  ye 
to  the  Lord,  for  he  hath  triumphed  gloriously :  the  horse  and  his 
rider  hath  he  thrown  into  the  sea. 

A  song  for  Israel's  God  !  —  Spear,  crest,  and  helm. 

Lay  in  the  billows  of  the  old  Red  Sea, 
When  Miriam's  voice,  o'er  that  sepulchral  realm. 

Sent  on  the  blast  a  hymn  of  jubilee  ; 
With  her  lit  eye,  and  long  hair  floating  free, 

Queen-hke  she  stood,  and  glorious  was  the  strain, 
E'en  as  instinct  with  the  tempestuous  glee 

Of  the  dark  waters  tossing  o'er  the  slain. 
A  song  from  God's  own  victory  !  —  O,  thy  lays. 

Bright  Poesy  !  were  holy  in  their  birth  :  — 
How  hath  it  died,  thy  seraph  note  of  praise. 

In  the  bewildering  melodies  of  earth  ! 
Return  from  troubling  bitter  founts  — return, 
•    Back  to  the  life-springs  of  thy  native  urn  ! 

So  Moses  brought  Israel  from  the  Red  sea,  and  they  went  out 
into  the  wilderness  of  Shur ;  and  they  went  three  days  in  the 
wilderness,  and  found  no  water.  And  when  they  came  to  Marah, 
they  could  not  drink  of  the  waters  of  Marah,  for  they  were  bitter  : 
therefore  the  name  of  it  was  called  Marah.  And  the  people  mur- 
mured against  Moses,  saying,  What  shall  we  drink  .-• 

Was  it  but  for  this  the  ocean,  parting,  bent  our  feet  to  kiss, 

Fiercely  then  our  foes  o'erwhelming,  were  our  first-born  spared  for  this  .'' 

Better  to  be  slaves  in  Egypt !  better  to  have  perished  there  ! 

Better  ne'er  a  hope  have  tasted,  than  to  sink  in  this  despair. 

And  he  cried  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  the  Lord  shewed  him  a  tree, 
which  when  he  had  cast  into  the  waters,  the  waters  were  made 
sweet :  there  he  made  for  them  a  statute  and  an  ordinance,  and 
there  he  proved  them,  and  said,  If  thou  wilt  diligently  hearken 
to  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  wilt  do  that  which  is  right 
in  his  sight,  and  wilt  give  ear  to  his  commandments,  and  keep  all 
his  statutes,  I  will  put  none  of  these  diseases  upon  thee,  which  I 


158  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

have   brought   upon    the  Egyptians :    for  I   am   the  Lord  that 
healeth  thee. 

By  Marah's  stream  of  bitterness,  when  Moses  stood  and  cried, 
Jehovah  heard  his  fervent  prayer,  and  instant  help  supphed  : 
The  prophet  sought  the  precious  tree,  with  prompt,  obedient  feet ; 
'Twas  cast  into  the  fount,  and  made  the  bitter  waters  sweet. 

Whene'er  affliction  o'er  thee  sheds  its  influence  malign. 
Then,  sufferer,  be  the  prophet's  prayer  and  prompt  obedience  thine  : 
'Tis  but  a  Marah's  fount,  ordained  thy  faith  in  God  to  prove, 
And  prayer  and  resignation  shall  its  bitterness  remove. 


CHAPTER    LXVIII. 

MURMURING. QUAILS. MANNA. 

Israel,  art  thou  sorely  tried  ? 
Art  thou  pressed  on  every  side  ? 
Does  it  seem  as  if  no  power 
Could  relieve  thee  in  this  hour  ? 
Wherefore  art  thou  thus  disheartened. 
Is  the  Arm  that  saves  thee  shortened  ? 

AND  they  took  their  journey  from  EHm,  and  all  the  congre- 
gation of  the  children  of  Israel  came  unto  the  wilderness 
of  Sin,  which  is  between  Elim  and  Sinai,  on  the  fifteenth  day  of 
the  second  month  after  their  departing  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 
And  the  whole  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel  murmured 
against  Moses  and  Aaron  in  the  wilderness  :  and  the  children  of 
Israel  said  unto  them.  Would  to  God  we  had  died  -by  the  hand  of 
the  Lord  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  when  we  sat  by  the  flesh  pots, 
and  when  we  did  eat  bread  to  the  full ;  for  ye  have  brought  us 
forth  into  this  wilderness,  to  kill  this  whole  assembly  with 
hunger. 

Some  murmur,  when  their  sky  is  clear  and  wholly  bright  to  view, 
If  one  small  speck  of  dark  appear,  in  their  great  heaven  of  blue, 
And  some  with  thankful  love  are  filled,  if  but  one  streak  of  light, 
One  ray  of  God's  good  mercy  gild  the  darkness  of  their  night. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  1 59 

And  Moses  spake  unto  Aaron,  Say  unto  all  the  congregation 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  Come  near  before  the  Lord :  for  he 
hath  heard  your  murmurings.  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  Aaron 
spake  unto  the  wIidIc  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel,  that 
they  looked  toward  the  wilderness,  and,  behold,  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  appeared  in  the  cloud. 

And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying,  I  have  heard  the 
murmurings  of  the  children  of  Israel  :  speak  unto  them,  saying, 
At  even  ye  shall  eat  flesh,  and  in  the  morning  ye  shall  be  filled 
with  bread  ;  and  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 
And  it  came  to  pass,  that  at  even  the  quails  came  up,  and  cov- 
ered the  camp :  and  in  the  morning  the  dew  lay  round  about  the 
host.  And  when  the  dew  that  lay  was  gone  up,  behold,  upon 
the  face  of  the  wilderness  there  lay  a  small  round  thing,  as 
small  as  the  hoar  frost  on  the  ground.  And  when  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  saw  it,  they  said  one  to  another.  It  is  manna :  for 
they  wist  not  what  it  was.  And  Moses  said  unto  them,  This 
is  the  bread  which  the  Lord  hath  given  you  to  eat. 

Comrades,  haste  !  the  tent'.s  tall  shading 

Lies  along  the  level  sand 
Far  and  faint :  the  stars  are  fading 

O'er  the  gleaming  western  strand. 
Airs  of  morning 
Freshen  the  bleak,  burning  land. 

Haste  !  or  ere  the  third  hour  glowing 

With  its  eager  thirst,   prevail 
O'er  the  moist  pearls,  now  bestrewing 

Thymy  slope  and  rushy  vale, — 
Dews  celestial. 
Left  when  earthly  dews  exhale. 

Ere  the  bright  good  hour  be  wasted, 

Glean,  not  ravening,  nor  in  sloth  ; 
To  your  tent  bring  all  untasted  ;  — 

To  thy  Father,  nothing  loth, 
Bring  thy  treasure  : 
Trust  thy  God,  and  keep  thy  troth. 

This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  hath  commanded.  Gather  of 
it  every  man  according  to  his  eating,  an  omer  for  every  man, 
according  to  the  number  of  your  persons  ;  take  ye  every  man  for 
them  which  are  in  his  tents.     And  the  children  of  Israel  did  so. 


l6o  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

and  gathered,  some  more,  some  less.  And  when  they  did  mete 
it  with  an  omer,  he  that  gathered  much  had  nothing  over,  and 
he  that  gathered  Httle  had  no  lack ;  they  gathered  every  man 
according  to  his  eating.  And  Moses  said,  Let  no  man  leave  of 
it  till  the  morning.  Notwithstanding  they  hearkened  not  unto 
Moses  ;  but  some  of  them  left  of  it  until  the  morning,  and  it  bred 
worms,  and  stank  ;  and  Moses  was  wroth  with  them.  And  they 
gathered  it  every  morning,  every  man  according  to  his  eating : 
and  when  the  sun  waxed  hot,  it  melted. 

Vain  their  attempts  to  store  it  up  ;  tliis  was  to  tempt  the  Lord : 
Israel  must  live  by  faith  and  hope,  and  not  upon  a  hoard. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  that  on  the  sixth  day  they  gathered  twice 
as  much  bread,  two  omers  for  one  man  :  and  all  the  rulers  of  the 
congregation  came  and  told  Moses.  And  he  said  unto  them, 
This  is  that  which  the  Lord  hath  said,  To  morrow  is  the  rest  of 
the  holy  sabbath  unto  the  Lord  :  bake  that  which  ye  will  bake  to- 
day, and  seethe  that  ye  will  seethe  ;  and  that  which  remaineth 
over  lay  up  for  you  to  be  kept  until  the  morning.  And  they  laid 
it  up  till  the  morning,  as  Moses  bade :  and  it  did  not  stink, 
neither  was  there  any  worm  therein.  And  Moses  said,  Eat  that 
to-day  ;  for  to-day  is  a  sabbath  unto  the  Lord  :  to-day  ye  shall 
not  find  it  in  the  field.  Six  days  ye  shall  gather  it ;  but  on  the 
seventh  day,  which  is  the  sabbath,  in  it  there  shall  be  none. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  that  there  went  out  some  of  the  people 
on  the  seventh  day  for  to  gather,  and  they  found  none.  And  the 
Lord  said  unto  Moses,  How  long  refuse  ye  to  keep  my  com- 
mandments and  my  laws  }  See,  for  that  the  Lord  hath  given 
you  the  sabbath,  therefore  he  giveth  you  on  the  sixth  day  the 
bread  of  two  days  :  abide  ye  every  man  in  his  place,  let  no  man 
go  out  of  his  place  on  the  seventh  day.  So  the  people  rested  on 
the  seventh  day. 

Bright  shadows  of  true  rest !  some  shoots  of  blisse  ; 

Heaven  once  a  week  ; 
The  next  world's  gladnesse  prepossest  in  this  ; 

A  day  to  seek  ; 
Eternity  in  time  ;  the  steps  to  which 
We  climb  above  all  ages  ;  lamps  that  light 
Man  through  his  heap  of  dark  days  ;  and  the  rich 
And  full  redemption  of  the  whole  week's  flight ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  l6l 

t 

The  pulleys  unto  headlong  man  ;  time's  bower  ; 

The  narrow  way ; 
Transplanted  paradise  ;  God's  walking  houre  ; 

The  cool  o'  th'  day  ! 
The  creature's  jubile  ;  God's  parle  with  dust ; 
Heaven  here  ;  man  on  those  hills  of  myrrh  and  flowres ; 
Angels  descending  ;  the  returns  of  trust ; 
A  gleam  of  glory  after  six-day  showres  ! 


CHAPTER   LXIX. 

THE    SMITTEN    ROCK. AMALEK    VANQUISHED. 

Oh  look  not,  Israel,  to  thy  former  way  ; 

God  cannot  fail ;  and  either  wait  or  pray. 

At  thy  complaint,  a  branch  in  Marah  cast, 

With  sweetening  virtue  mends  the  water's  taste. 

At  thy  complaint,  the  labouring  tempest  sails. 

And  drives  before  a  wondrous  shower  of  quails. 

In  tender  grass  the  falling  manna  lies. 

And  Heaven  itself  the  want  of  bread  supplies. 

The  rock  divided,  flows  upon  the  plain 

At  thy  complaint,  and  still  thou  wilt  complain. 

AND  all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel  journeyed 
from  the  wilderness  of  Sin,  after  their  journeys,  accord- 
ing to  the  commandment  of  the  Lord,  and  pitched  in  Rephidim  : 
and  there  was  no  water  for  the  people  to  drink.  Wherefore  the 
people  did  chide  with  Moses,  and  said,  Give  us  water  that  we 
may  drink.  And  Moses  said  unto  them.  Why  chide  ye  with  me  ? 
wherefore  do  ye  tempt  the  Lord  ?  And  the  people  thirsted 
there  for  water ;  and  the  people  murmured  against  Moses, 
and  said,  Wherefore  is  this  that  thou  hast  brought  us  up  out 
of  Egypt,  to  kill  us  and  our  children  and  our  cattle  with 
thirst.  And  Moses  cried  unto  the  Lord,  saying,  What  shall  I 
do  unto  this  people.''  they  be  almost  ready  to  stone  me.  And 
the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go  on  before  the  people,  and  take 
with  thee  of  the  elders  of  Israel ;  and  thy  rod,  wherewith  thou 
smotest  the  river,  take  in  thine  hand,  and  go.  Behold,  I  will 
stand  before  thee  there  upon  the  rock  in  Horeb  ;  and  thou  shalt 
smite  the  rock,  and  there  shall  come  water  out  of  it,  that  the 

II 


1 62  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

people  may  drink.  And  Moses  did  so  in  the  sight  of  the  elders 
of  Israel.  And  he  called  the  name  of  the  place  Massah,  and 
Meribah,  because  of  the  chiding  of  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
because  they  tempted  the  Lord,  saying,  Is  the  Lord  among  us, 
or  not  ? 

Three  long  days  of  desert  sunshine,  toiling  'neath  those  scorching  beams, 
Three  long  nights  of  heavy  silence  gladdened  by  no  sound  of  streams. 
Hear  the  waters  now  around  us,  see  them  sparkling  in  the  sun  ! 
Surely  now  our  trial  ceaseth  !  surely  now  our  goal  is  won  ! 
Lips  long  parched  and  sealed  in  silence  press  the  joyous  wave  to  kiss  ; 
Eyes  whose  tears  were  dried  by  anguish  overflow  with  tears  of  bliss  ; 
Toilworn  men,  themselves  untasting,  left  to  dearer  lips  the  prize, 
Drinking  draughts  of  deeper  pleasure  from  the  smile  of  grateful  eyes. 

Then  came  Amalek,  and  fought  with  Israel  in  Rephidim, 
And  Moses  said  unto  Joshua,  Choose  us  out  men,  and  go  out, 
fight  with  Amalek :  to-morrow  I  will  stand  on  the  top  of  the  hill 
with  the  rod  of  God  in  mine  hand.  So  Joshua  did  as  Moses 
had  said  to  him,  and  fought  with  Amalek  :  and  Moses,  Aaron, 
and  Hur  went  up  to  the  top  of  the  hill.  And  it  came  to  pass, 
when  Moses  held  up  his  hand,  that  Israel  prevailed  :  and  when 
he  let  down  his  hand,  Amalek  prevailed.  But  Moses'  hands 
were  heavy ;  and  they  took  a  stone,  and  put  it  under  him,  and 
he  sat  thereon;  and  Aaron  and  Hur  stayed  up  his  hands,  the- 
one  on  the  one  side,  and  the  other  on  the  other  side ;  and  his 
hands  were  steady  until  the  going  down  of  the  sun.  And 
Joshua  discomfited  Amalek  and  his  people  with  the  edge  of  the 
sword.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Write  this  for  a  memo- 
rial in  a  book,  and  rehearse  it  in  the  ears  of  Joshua :  for  I  will 
utterly  put  out  the  remembrance  of  Amalek  from  under  heaven. 
And  Moses  built  an  altar,  and  called  the  name  of  it  Jehovah- 
nissi :  for  he  said,  Because  the  Lord  hath  sworn  that  the  Lord' 
will  have  war  with  Amalek  from  generation  to  generation. 

To  the  God  of  might,  bend  on  your  knees  before  Him  : 
He  led  you  to  the  glorious  fight,  and  saved  you  —  now  adore  Him ! 
The  shield  of  virtue  is  His  rod,  He  saves  the  poor  and  lowly  ; 
The  Rock  of  ages  is  our  God  —  He  scathes  the  proud  one's  folly. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  163 


CHAPTER   LXX. 

Jehovah's  majesty  and  holiness  revealed  at  sinai. 

The  Voice  of  God  was  mighty,  when  it  came 

From  Sinai's  summit  wrapped  in  midnight  gloom  ; 

When  ceaseless  thunders  told  the  sinner's  doom, 

And  answering  lightnings  flashed  devouring  flame  ; 

Till  prostrate  Israel  breathed  the  imploring  cry, 

'*  Veil,  Lord,  Thy  terrors  ;  cease  Thy  thunders,  or  we  die  !  " 

IN  the  third  month,  when  the  children  of  Israel  were  gone  forth 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  the  same  day  came  they  into  the 
wilderness  of  Sinai.  For  they  were  departed  from  Rephidim, 
and  were  come  to  the  desert  of  Sinai,  and  had  pitched  in  the 
wilderness  ;  and  there  Israel  camped  before  the  mount.  And 
Moses  went  up  unto  God,  and  the  Lord  called  unto  him  out  of 
the  mountain,  saying.  Thus  shalt  thou  say  to  the  house  of  Jacob, 
and  tell  the  children  of  Israel ;  ye  have  seen  what  I  did  unto  the 
Egyptians,  and  how  I  bare  you  on  eagles'  wings,  and  brought  you 
unto  myself.  Now  therefore,  if  ye  will  obey  my  voice  indeed, 
and  keep  my  covenant,  then  ye  shall  be  a  peculiar  treasure  unto 
me  above  all  people :  for  all  the  earth  is  mine  :  and  ye  shall  be 
unto  me  a  kingdom  of  priests,  and  a  holy  nation.  These  are  the 
words  which  thou  shalt  speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel. 

And  Moses  came  and  called  for  the  elders  of  the  people,  and 
laid  before  their  faces  all  these  words  which  the  Lord  commanded 
him.  And  all  the  people  answered  together,  and  said,  All  that 
the  Lord  hath  spoken  we  will  do.  And  Moses  returned  the 
words  of  the  people  unto  the  Lord.  And  the  Lord  said  unto 
Moses,  Lo,  I  come  unto  thee  in  a  thick  cloud,  that  the  people 
may  hear  when  I  speak  with  thee,  and  believe  thee  for  ever. 
And  Moses  told  the  words  of   the  people  unto  the  Lord. 

Withhold  Thine  indignation,  mighty  Heaven, 
And  tempt  us  not  to  bear  above  our  power ! 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go  unto  the  people,  and  sanc- 
tify them  to-day  and  to-morrow,  and  let  them  wash  their  clothes, 
and  be  ready  against  the  third  day :  for  the  third  day  the  Lord 


l64  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

will  come  down  in  the  sight  of  all  the  people  upon  mount  Sinai. 
And  thou  shalt  set  bounds  unto  the  people  round  about,  saying, 
Take  heed  to  yourselves,  that  ye  go  not  up  into  the  mount,  or 
touch  the  border  of  it :  whosoever  toucheth  the  mount  shall  be 
surely  put  to  death  :  there  shall  not  a  hand  touch  it,  but  he  shall 
surely  be  stoned  or  shot  through :  whether  it  be  beast  or  man,  it 
shall  not  live :  when  the  trumpet  soundeth  long,  they  shall  come 
up  to  the  mount. 

But  we,  fraile  wights  !  whose  sight  cannot  sustaine 

The  sun's  bright  beames  when  he  on  us  doth  shyne. 

But  that  their  points  rebutted  backe  againe 

Are  duld  ;  how  can  we  see  with  feeble  eyne 

The  glorie  of  that  Majestie  Divine, 

In  sight  of  whom  both  sun  and  moone  are  darke, 

Compared  to  His  least  resplendent  sparke  ? 

And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  third  day  in  the  morning,  that 
there  were  thunders  and  lightnings,  and  a  thick  cloud  upon  the 
mount,  and  the  voice  of  the  trumpet  exceeding  loud ;  so  that  all 
the  people  that  was  in  the  camp  trembled.  And  Moses  brought 
forth  the  people  out  of  the  camp  to  meet  with  God ;  and  they 
stood  at  the  nether  part  of  the  mount.  And  mount  Sinai  was 
altogether  on  a  smoke,  because  the  Lord  descended  upon  it  in 
fire  :  and  the  smoke  thereof  ascended  as  the  smoke  of  a  furnace, 
and  the  whole  mount  quaked  greatly.  And  when  the  voice  of 
the  trumpet  sounded  long,  and  waxed  louder  and  louder,  Moses 
spake,  and  God  answered  him  by  a  voice.  And  the  Lord  came 
•down  upon  mount  Sinai,  on  the  top  of  the  mount :  and  the  Lord 
called  Moses  up  to  the  top  of  the  mount ;  and  Moses  went  up. 
And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go  down,  charge  the  people,  lest 
they  break  through  unto  the  Lord  to  gaze,  and  many  of  them 
perish.  And  let  the  priests  also,  which  come  near  to  the  Lord, 
sanctify  themselves,  lest  the  Lord  break  forth  upon  them.  And 
Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  The  people  cannot  come  up  to  mount 
Sinai :  for  thou  chargedst  us,  saying,  Set  bounds  about  the 
mount,  and  sanctify  it.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Away, 
get  thee  down,  and  thou  shalt  come  up,  thou,  and  Aaron  with 
thee :  but  let  not  the  priests  and  the  people  break  through  to 
come  up  unto  the  Lord,  lest  he  break  forth  upon  them.  So 
Moses  went  down  unto  the  people,  and  spake  unto  them. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  165 

Lord,  when  Tiiou  didst  on  Sinai  pitch, 
And  shine  from  Paran  ;  when  a  fiery  law, 
Pronounced  with  thunder  and  Thy  threats,  did  thaw 
Thy  people's  hearts  ;  when  all  Thy  weeds  were  rich, 
And  inaccessible  for  light,  terror  and  might,  — 
How  did  poor  flesh,  which  after  Thou  didst  wear, 

Then  faint  and  fear  \ 
Thy  chosen  flock,  like  leaves  in  a  high  wind. 
Whispered  obedience,  and  their  heads  inclined- 


CHAPTER   LXXI. 

THE    DECALOGUE    DELIVERED. 

Hark  !  from  the  centre  of  the  flame. 

All  armed  and  feathered  with  the  same. 
Majestic  sounds  break  through  the  smoky  cloud: 

Sent  from  the  AH-creating  tongue, 

A  flight  of  cherubs  guide  the  words  along, 
And  bear  their  fiery  law  to  the  retreating  crowd. 

"  I  am  the  Lord  :  'tis  I  proclaim 
That  glorious  and  that  fearful  Name, 
Thy  God  and  King:  'twas  I  that  broke 
Thy  bondage,  and  the  Egyptian  yoke  : 
Mine  is  the  right  to  speak  My  will, 
And  thine  the  duty  to  fulfih" 

AND  God  spake  all  these  words,  saying,  I  am  the  Lord  thy 
God,  which  have  brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
out  of  the  house  of  bondage. 

I.  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

II.  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image,  or  any 
likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that  is  in  the 
earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water  under  the  earth  :  thou 
shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to  them,  nor  serve  them  :  for  I  the 
Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the 
fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation 
of  them  that  hate  me  ;  and  shewing  mercy  unto  thousands  of 
them  that  love  me,  and  keep  my  commandments. 

III.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in 
vain  :  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his 
name  in  vain. 


l66  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

IV.  Remember  the  sabbath  day,  to  keep  it  holy.  Six  days 
shalt  thou  labour,  and  do  all  thy  work  :  but  the  seventh  day  is 
the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God :  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any 
work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant, 
nor  thy  maid-servant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is 
within  thy  gates  :  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and 
earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh 
day  :  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  sabbath  day,  and  hallowed  it. 

V.  Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother :  that  thy  days  may  be 
long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

VI.  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

VII.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

VIII.  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

IX.  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy  neighbour. 

X.  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour's  house,  thou  shalt  not 
covet  thy  neighbour's  wife,  nor  his  man-servant,  nor  his  maid-ser- 
vant, nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor  any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbour's. 

Adore  no  god  beside  Me,  to  provoke  Mine  eyes  ; 
Nor  worship  Me  in  shapes  and  forms  that  men  devise  ; 
With  reverence  use  My  Name,  nor  turn  My  words  to  jest; 
Observe  My  Sabbath  well,  nor  dare  profane  My  rest; 
Honour,  and  due  obedience  to  thy  parents  give ; 
Nor  spill  the  guiltless  blood,  nor  let  the  guilty  Hve  ; 
Preserve  thy  body  chaste,  and  flee  the  unlawful  bed  ; 
Nor  steal  thy  neighbour's  gold,  his  garment,  or  his  bread ; 
Forbear  to  blast  his  name  with  falsehood,  or  deceit ; 
Nor  let  thy  wishes  loose  upon  his  large  estate. 

And  all  the  people  saw  the  thunderings,  and  the  lightnings, 
and  the  noise  of  the  trumpet,  and  the  mountain  smoking :  and 
when  the  people  saw  it,  they  removed,  and  stood  afar  off.  And 
they  said  unto  Moses,  Speak  thou  with  us,  and  we  will  hear : 
but  let  not  God  speak  with  us,  lest  we  die.  And  Moses  said 
unto  the  people.  Fear  not  :  for  God  is  come  to  prove  you,  and 
that  his  fear  may  be  before  your  faces,  that  ye  sin  not.  And  the 
people  stood  afar  off,  and  Moses  drew  near  unto  the  thick 
darkness  where  God  was. 

He  cometh,  He  cometh,  the  Lord  is  in  ire ; 
The  smoke  is  ascending,  the  mount  is  on  fire ; 
Oh  say,  is  Jehovah  revealing  His  name  ? 
He  is  near,  but  Jehovah  is  not  in  the  flame. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS,  1 6/ 

He  Cometh,  He  cometh,  the  tempest  is  o'er ; 

He  is  come,  neither  tempest  nor  storm  shall  be  more. 

All  Nature  reposes  ;  earth,  ocean,  and  sky. 

Are  still  as  the  voice  that  descends  from  on  high. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Thus  thou  shalt  say  unto  the 
children  of  Israel,  Ye  have  seen  that  I  have  talked  with  you 
from  heaven.  Ye  shall  not  make  with  me  gods  of  silver,  neither 
shall  ye  make  unto  you  gods  of  gold. 

O  God,  whose  thunder  shakes  the  sky, 

Whose  eye  this  atom  globe  surveys  ! 
To  Thee,  my  only  rock,  I  fly ; 

Thy  mercy  in  Thy  justice  praise. 
The  mystic  mazes  of  Thy  will. 

The  shadows  of  celestial  light. 
Are  past  the  power  of  human  skill ; 

But  what  the  Eternal  acts  is  risht. 


CHAPTER   LXXII. 

Aaron's  golden  calf.  —  god's  wrath  provoked. — 
moses'  prevailing  intercession. 

Whatever  passes  as  a  cloud  between 
The  mental  eye  of  faith,  and  things  unseen, 
Causing  the  brighter  world  to  disappear. 
Or  seem  less  lovely,  and  its  hopes  less  dear; 
This  is  our  world,  our  idol,  though  it  bear 
Affection's  impress,  or  devotion's  air ! 

AND  when  the  people  saw  that  Moses  delayed  to  come  down 
out  of  the  mount,  the  people  gathered  themselves  together 
unto  Aaron,  and  said  unto  him,  Up,  make  us  gods,  which  shall 
go  before  us  ;  for  as  for  this  Moses,  the  man  that  brought  us  up 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  we  wot  not  what  is  become  of  him. 
And  Aaron  said  unto  them,  Break  off  the  golden  earrings,  which 
are  in  the  ears  of  your  wives,  of  your  sons,  and  of  your  daugh- 
ters, and  bring  them  unto  me.  And  all  the  people  brake  off  the 
golden  earrings  which  were  in  their  ears,  and  brought  them  unto 
Aaron.     And  he  received  them  at  their  hand,  and  fashioned  it 


1 68  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

with  a  graving  tool,  after  he  had  made  it  a  molten  calf :  and  they 
said,  These  be  thy  gods,  O  Israel,  which  brought  thee  up  out  of 
the  land  of  Egypt.  And  when  Aaron  saw  it,  he  built  an  altar 
before  it ;  and  Aaron  made  proclamation,  and  said.  To-morrow 
is  a  feast  to  the  Lord.  And  they  rose  up  early  on  the  morrow, 
and  offered  burnt  offerings,  and  brought  peace  offerings  ;  and 
the  people  sat  down  to  eat  and  to  drink,  and  rose  up  to  play. 

But  man,  proud  man  ! 
Drest  in  a  little  brief  authority, 
Most  ignorant  of  what  he's  most  assured, 
His  glassy  essence,  like  an  angry  ape, 
Plays  such  fantastic  tricks  before  high  heaven. 
As  make  the  angels  weep. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go,  get  thee  down  ;  for  thy 
people,  which  thou  broughtest  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  have 
corrupted  themselves  :  they  have  turned  aside  quickly  out  of  the 
way  which  I  commanded  them  :  they  have  made  them  a  molten 
calf,  and  have  worshipped  it,  and  have  sacrificed  thereunto,  and 
said.  These  be  thy  gods,  O  Israel,  which  have  brought  thee  up 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  I  have 
seen  this  people,  and,  behold,  it  is  a  stiff-necked  people  :  now 
therefore  let  me  alone,  that  my  wrath  may  wax  hot  against  them, 
and  that  I  may  consume  them  :  and  I  will  make  of  thee  a  great 
nation.  And  Moses  besought  the  Lord  his  God,  and  said.  Lord, 
why  doth  thy  wrath  wax  hot  against  thy  people,  which  thou  hast 
brought  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  with  great  power,  and 
with  a  mighty  hand  .'*  Wherefore  should  the  Egyptians  speak, 
and  say.  For  mischief  did  he  bring  them  out,  to  slay  them  in  the 
mountains,  and  to  consume  them  from  the  face  of  the  earth } 
Turn  from  thy  fierce  wrath,  and  repent  of  this  evil  against  thy 
people.  Remember  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Israel,  thy  servants,  to 
whom  thou  swarest  by  thine  own  self,  and  saidst  unto  them,  I 
will  multiply  your  seed  as  the  stars  of  heaven,  and  all  this  land 
that  I  have  spoken  of  will  I  give  unto  your  seed,  and  they  shall 
inherit  it  for  ever.  And  the  Lord  repented  of  the  evil  which  he 
thought  to  do  unto  his  people. 

If  He  create,  it  is  a  world  He  makes  ; 

If  He  be  angry,  the  creation  shakes  : 

From  His  just  wrath  our  guilty  parents  fled  ; 

He  cursed  the  earth,  but  bruised  the  serpent's  head. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  169 

Amidst  the  storm  His  bounty  did  exceed, 
■  In  tlie  rich  promise  of  the  Virgin's  seed  : 
Though  justice  death,  as  satisfaction,  craves, 
Love  finds  a  way  to  pluck  us  from  our  graves. 

And  Moses  turned,  and  went  down  from  the  mount,  and  the 
two  tables  of  the  testimony  were  in  his  hand :  the  tables  were 
written  on  both  their  sides  ;  on  the  one  side  and  on  the  other 
were  they  written.  And  the  tables  were  the  work  of  God,  and 
the  writing  was  the  writing  of  God,  graven  upon  the  tables. 
And  when  Joshua  heard  the  noise  of  the  people  as  they  shouted, 
he  said  unto  Moses,  There  is  a  noise  of  war  in  the  camp.  And 
he  said.  It  is  not  the  voice  of  them  that  shout  for  mastery, 
neither  is  it  the  voice  of  them  that  cry  for  being  overcome  ;  but 
the  noise  of  them  that  sing  do  I  hear.  And  it  came  to  pass,  as 
soon  as  he  came  nigh  unto  the  camp,  that  he  saw  the  calf,  and 
the  dancing  :  and  Moses'  anger  waxed  hot,  and  he  cast  the  tables 
out  of  his  hands,  and  brake  them  beneath  the  mount.  And  he 
took  the  calf  which  they  had  made,  and  burnt  it  in  the  fire,  and 
ground  it  to  powder,  and  strewed  it  upon  the  water,  and  made 
the  children  of  Israel  drink  of  it.  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron, 
What  did  this  people  unto  thee,  that  thou  hast  brought  so  great 
a  sin  upon  them  .■*  And  Aaron  said,  Let  not  the  anger  of  my 
lord  wax  hot :  thou  knowest  the  people,  that  they  are  set  on 
mischief.  For  they  said  unto  me.  Make  us  gods,  which  shall 
go  before  us  :  for  as  for  this  Moses,  the  man  that  brought  us  up 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  we  wot  not  what  is  become  of  him. 
And  I  said  unto  them.  Whosoever  hath  any  gold,  let  them  break 
it  off.  So  they  gave  it  me  :  then  I  cast  it  into  the  fire,  and  there 
came  out  this  calf. 

And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  that  Moses  said  unto  the 
people.  Ye  have  sinned  a  great  sin  :  and  now  I  will  go  up  unto 
the  Lord  ;  peradventure  I  shall  make  an  atonement  for  your  sin. 
And  Moses  returned  unto  the  Lord,  and  said,  Oh,  this  people 
have  sinned  a  great  sin,  and  have  made  them  gods  of  gold.  Yet 
now,  if  thou  wilt  forgive  their  sin  ;  and  if  not,  blot  me,  I  pray 
thee,  out  of  thy  book  which  thou  hast  written. 

The  words  of  Heaven  ;  —  on  whom  it  will,  it  will ; 
On  whom  it  will  not,  so  ;  yet  still  'tis  just. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Whosoever  hath  sinned 
against  me,  him  will  I  blot  out  of  my  book.     Therefore  now  go. 


I/O  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

lead  the  people  unto  the  place  of  which  I  have  spoken  unto  thee : 
behold,  mine  Angel  shall  go  before  thee :  nevertheless,  in  the 
day  when  I  visit,  I  will  visit  their  sin  upon  them.  And  the  Lord 
plagued  the  people,  because  they  made  the  calf,  which  Aaron 

made. 

Hear,  Father  !  hear  and  aid  ! 
If  I  have  loved  too  well,  if  I  have  shed, 
In  my  vain  fondness,  o'er  a  mortal  head 
Gifts,  on  Thy  shrine,  my  God,  more  fitly  laid ; 

If  I  have  sought  to  live 
But  in  one  light,  and  made  a  mortal  eye 

The  lonely  star  of  my  idolatry, 
Thou  that  art  love,  O  !  pity  and  forgive  ! 


CHAPTER    LXXIII. 

MOSES    COMMUNES    WITH    GOD. HIS    FACE    BEAMS    WITH 

GLORY. 

Man's  plea  to  man  is,  that  he  never  more 
Will  beg,  and  that  he  never  begged  before  : 
Man's  plea  to  God  is,  that  he  did  obtain 
A  former  suit,  and  therefore  sues  again. 
How  good  a  God  we  serve  ;  that  when  we  sue, 
Makes  His  old  gifts  the  examples  of  the  new  ! 

AND  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  See,  thou  sayest  unto  me, 
Bring  up  this  people :  and  thou  hast  not  let  me  know 
whom  thou  wilt  send  with  me.  Yet  thou  hast  said,  I  know 
thee  by  name,  and  thou  hast  also  found  grace  in  my  sight.  Now 
therefore,  I  pray  thee,  if  I  have  found  grace  in  thy  sight,  shew 
me  now  thy  way,  that  I  may  know  thee,  that  I  may  find  grace 
in  thy  sight :  and  consider  that  this  nation  is  thy  people.  And 
he  said.  My  presence  shall  go  with  thee,  and  I  will  give  thee 
rest.  And  he  said  unto  him.  If  thy  presence  go  not  with  me, 
carry  us  not  up  hence.  For  wherein  shall  it  be  known  here  that 
I  and  thy  people  have  found  grace  in  thy  sight  .-•  Is  it  not  in  that 
thou  goest  with  us  .-*  So  shall  we  be  separated,  I  and  thy  people, 
from  all  the  people  that  are  upon  the  face  of  the  earth.  And  the 
Lord  said  unto  Moses,  I  will  do  this  thing  also  that  thou  hast 
spoken :  for  thou  hast  found  grace  in  my  sight,  and  I  know  thee 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  I /I 

by  name.  And  he  said,  I  beseech  thee,  shew  me  thy  glory. 
And  he  said,  I  will  make  all  my  goodness  pass  before  thee,  and  I 
will  proclaim  the  name  of  the  Lord  before  thee  ;  and  will  be 
gracious  to  whom  I  will  be  gracious,  and  will  shew  mercy  on 
whom  I  will  shew  mercy.  And  he  said.  Thou  canst  not  see  my 
face :  for  there  shall  no  man  see  me,  and  live. 

Stern  Lawgiver  !  yet  Thou  dost. wear 

The  Godliead's  most  benignant  grace  ; 
Nor  know  we  any  thing  so  fair 

As  is  the  smile  upon  Thy  face  : 
Flowers  laugh  before  Thee  on  their  beds ; 
And  fragrance  in  Thy  footing  treads  ; 
Thou  dost  preserve  the  stars  from  wrong  ; 
And  the  most  ancient  heavens,  through  Thee,  are  fresh  and  strong. 

To  humbler  functions,  awful  Power  ! 
I  call  to  Thee  :   I  myself  commend 
Unto  Thy  guidance  from  this  hour  ; 

Oh  !  let  my  weakness  have  an  end  ! 
Give  unto  me,  made  lowly  wise. 
The  spirit  of  self-sacrifice  ; 
The  confidence  of  reason  give  ; 
And  in  the  light  of  truth,  Thy  bondman  let  me  live. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Hew  thee  two  tables  of  stone 
like  unto  the  first :  and  I  will  write  upon  these  tables  the  words 
that  were  in  the  first  tables  which  thou  brakest.  And  be  ready 
in  the  morning,  and  come  up  in  the  morning  unto  mount  Sinai, 
and  present  thyself  there  to  me  in  the  top  of  the  mount.  And 
no  man  shall  come  up  with  thee,  neither  let  any  man  be  seen 
throughout  all  the  mount :  neither  let  the  flocks  nor  herds  feed 
before  that  mount.  And  he  hewed  two  tables  of  stone,  like 
unto  the  first ;  and  Moses  rose  iip  early  in  the  morning,  and 
went  up  unto  mount  Sinai,  as  the  Lord  had  commanded  him, 
and  took  in  his  hand  the  two  tables  of  stone.  And  the  Lord 
descended  in  the  cloud,  and  stood  with  him  there,  and  pro- 
claimed the  name  of  the  Lord.  And  the  Lord  passed  by 
before  him,  and  proclaimed,  The  Lord,  The  Lord  God,  mer- 
ciful and  gracious,  long-suffering,  and  abundant  in  goodness 
and  truth,  keeping  mercy  for  thousands,  forgiving  iniquity 
and  transgression  and  sin,  and  that  will  by  no  means  clear 
the  guilty  ;  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  chil- 
dren, and  upon  the  children's  children,  unto  the  third  and  to 


\J2  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

the  fourth  generation.  And  Moses  made  haste,  and  bowed  his 
head  toward  the  earth,  and  worshipped.  And  he  said,  If  now  I 
have  found  grace  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  let  my  Lord,  I  pray  thee, 
go  among  us  (for  it  is  a  stiff-necked  people)  and  pardon  our 
iniquity  and  our  sin,  and  take  us  for  thine  inheritance. 

Soul  of  our  souls,  and  safeguard  of  the  world  ! 
Sustain,  Thou  only  canst,  the  sick  of  heart ; 
Restore  their  Janguid  spirits,  and  recall 
Their  lost  affections  unto  Thee,  and  Thine ! 

And  it  came  to  pass  when  Moses  came  down  from  mount 
Sinai  with  the  two  tables  of  testimony  in  Moses'  hand,  when  he 
came  down  from  the  mount,  that  Moses  wist  not  that  the  skin  of 
his  face  shone,  while  he  talked  with  him.  And  when  Aaron  and 
all  the  children  of  Israel  saw  Moses,  behold,  the  skin  of  his  face 
shone,  and  they  were  afraid  to  come  nigh  him.  And  Moses 
called  unto  them  ;  and  Aaron  and  all  the  rulers  of  the  congrega- 
tion returned  unto  him  :  and  Moses  talked  with  them.  And 
afterward  all  the  children  of  Israel  came  nigh  :  and  he  gave  them 
in  commandment  all  that  the  Lord  had  spoken  with  him  in 
mount  Sinai.  And  till  Moses  had  done  speaking  with  them,  he 
put  a  vail  on  his  face.  But  when  Moses  went  in  before  the 
Lord  to  speak  with  him,  he  took  the  vail  off,  until  he  came  out. 
And  he  came  out  and  spake  unto  the  children  of  Israel  that 
which  he  was  commanded.  And  the  children  of  Israel  saw  the 
face  of  Moses,  that  the  skin  of  Moses'  face  shone  ;  and  Moses  put 
the  vail  upon  his  face  again,  until  he  went  in  to  speak  with  him. 

There  God  unfolds  His  presence,  clouded  here. 
And  shines  eternal  day.     All,  all  is  there 
Bright  effluence  of  the  uncreated  mind  ; 
Infinite  beauty  all !     A  vernal  life, 
A  fire  ethereal,  unperceived  itself, 
Felt  in  its  glorious  energy,  pervades 
And  thrills  through  every  part  the  taintless  whole  : 
The  air,  the  soil,  the  rivers,  fruits,  and  flowers. 
Instinct  with  immortality,  and  touched 
With  amaranthine  freshness,  by  the  hand 
That  formed  them,  and  the  beatific  smile 
That  ever  beams  around  them.     Every  heart 
Catches  that  smile  ;  each  eye  reflects  it :  all, 
In  body  and  in  spirit,  sumless  myriads, 
Filled  with  empyreal  vigour,  filled  with  God, 
And  radiant  in  the  glory  of  the  Lamb  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  1/3 


CHAPTER   LXXIV. 

FREE    OFFERINGS    FOR    THE    TABERNACLE. IT    IS    MADE, 

REARED,    AND    DIVINELY    CONSECRATED. 

Give,  if  thou  canst,  an  almes  :  if  not  afford, 
Instead  of  that,  a  sweet  and  gentle  word  : 
God  crowns  our  goodnesse,  wheresoe're  He  sees, 
On  our  part  wanting,  all  abilities. 

AND  Moses  spake  unto  all  the  congregation  of  the  children 
of  Israel,  saying,  This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  com- 
manded, saying,  Take  ye  from  among  you  an  offering  unto  the 
Lord :  whosoever  is  of  a  willing  heart,  let  him  bring  it,  an  offer- 
ing of  the  Lord  ;  gold,  and  silver,  and  brass,  and  blue,  and 
purple,  and  scarlet,  and  fine  linen,  and  goats'  hair,  and  rams' 
skins  dyed  red,  and  badgers'  skins,  and  shittim  wood,  and  oil  for 
the  light,  and  spices  for  anointing  oil,  and  for  the  sweet  incense, 
and  onyx  stones,  and  stones  to  be  set  for  the  ephod,  and  for  the 
breastplate. 

And  all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel  departed 
from  the  presence  of  Moses.  And  they  came,  every  one  whose 
heart  stirred  him  up,  and  every  one  whom  his  spirit  made  willing, 
and  they  brought  the  Lord's  offering  to  the  work  of  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation,  and  for  all  his  service,  and  for  the 
holy  garments.  And  they  came,  both  men  and  women,  as  many 
as  were  willing  hearted,  and  brought  bracelets,  and  earrings,  and 
rings,  and  tablets,  all  jewels  of  gold  :  and  every  man  that  offered, 
offered  an  offering  of  gold  unto  the  Lord.  And  every  man,  with 
whom  was  found  blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet,  and  fine  linen, 
and  goats'  hair,  and  red  skins  of  rams,  and  badgers'  skins, 
brought  them.  Every  one  that  did  offer  an  offering  of  silver 
and  brass  brought  the  Lord's  offering :  and  every  man,  with 
whom  was  found  shittim  wood  for  any  work  of  the  service, 
brought  it.  And  all  the  women  that  were  wise  hearted  did  spin 
with  their  hands,  and  brought  that  which  they  had  spun,  both  of 
blue,  and  of  purple,  and  of  scarlet,  and  of  fine  linen.  And  all 
the  women  whose  heart  stirred  them  up  in  wisdom  spun  goats' 
hair.     And  the  rulers  brought  onyx  stones,  and  stones  to  be  set, 


174  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

for  the  ephod,  and  for  the  breastplate  ;  and  spice,  and  oil  for 
the  light,  and  for  the  anointing  oil,  and  for  the  sweet  incense. 
The  children  of  Israel  brought  a  willing  offering  unto  the  Lord, 
every  man  and  woman,  whose  heart  made  them  willing  to  bring 
for  all  manner  of  work,  which  the  Lord  had  commanded  to  be 
made  by  the  hand  of  Moses. 

On  Horeb's  top,  on  Sinai,  deigned 

To  rest  the  Universal  Lord  : 
Why  leap  the  fountains  from  their  cells 
Where  everlasting  Bounty  dwells  ?  — 
That  while  the  creature  is  sustained, 

His  God  may  be  adored. 

Then  wrought  Bezaleel  and  Aholiab,  and  every  wise  hearted 
man,  in  whom  the  Lord  put  wisdom  and  understanding  to  know 
how  to  work  all  manner  of  work  for  the  service  of  the  sanctuary, 
according  to  all  that  the  Lord  had  commanded.  Thus  was  all 
the  work  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  tent  of  the  congregation 
finished:  and  the  children  of  Israel  did  according  to  all  that  the 
Lord  commanded  Moses,  so  did  they.  And  they  brought  the 
tabernacle  unto  Moses,  the  tent,  and  all  his  furniture ;  and 
Moses  did  look  upon  all  the  work,  and,  behold,  they  had  done  it 
as  the  Lord  had  commanded,  even  so  had  they  done  it :  and 
Moses  blessed  them.  Thus  did  Moses  :  according  to  all  that  the 
Lord  commanded  him,  so  did  he.     So  Moses  finished  the  work. 

Then  a  cloud  covered  the  tent  of  the  congregation,  and  the 
glory  of  the  Lord  filled  the  tabernacle.  And  Moses  was  not 
able  to  enter  into  the  tent  of  the  congregation,  because  the 
cloud  abode  thereon,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  filled  the  taber- 
nacle. And  when  the  cloud  was  taken  up  from  over  the  taber- 
nacle, the  children  of  Israel  went  onward  in  all  their  journeys : 
but  if  the  cloud  were  not  taken  up,  then  they  journeyed  not  till 
the  day  that  it  was  taken  up.  For  the  cloud  of  the  Lord  was 
upon  the  tabernacle  by  day,  and  fire  was  on  it  by  night,  in  the 
sight  of  all  the  house  of  Israel,  throughout  all  their  journeys. 

So  the  great  Shepherd  leads  the  heavenly  flock 
From  faithless  pleasures,  full  into  the  storms 
Of  life,  where  long  they  bear  the  bitter  blast, 
Until  at  length  the  vernal  sun  looks  forth, 
Bedimmed  with  showers  ;  then  to  the  pastures  green 
He  brings  them  where  the  quiet  waters  glide, 
The  stream  of  life,  the  Siloah  of  the  soul. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  1/5 

CHAPTER    LXXV. 

Aaron's  first  offerings.  —  nadab  and  abihu  consumed. 

O  King  !  whose  greatness  none  can  comprehend, 
Whose  boundless  goodness  doth  to  all  extend, 
Light  of  all  beauty,  ocean  without  ground, 
That  standing  flowest,  giving  dost  abound  ; 
Rich  palace,  and  indweller  ever  blest. 
Never  not  working,  ever  yet  in  rest ! 

AND  it  came  to  pass  on  the  eighth  day,  that  Moses  called 
Aaron  and  his  sons,  and  the  elders  of  Israel  ;^and  he  said 
unto  Aaron,  Take  thee  a  young  calf  for  a  sin  offering,  and  a  ram 
for  a  burnt  offering,  without  blemish,  and  offer  them  before  the 
Lord.  And  unto  the  children  of  Israel  thou  shalt  speak,  saying, 
Take  ye  a  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  sin  offering ;  and  a  calf  and  a 
lamb,  both  of  the  first  year,  without  blemish,  for  a  burnt  offering  ; 
also  a  bullock  and  a  ram  for  peace  offerings,  to  sacrifice  before 
the  Lord  ;  and  a  meat  offering  mingled  with  oil :  for  to-day  the 
Lord  will  appear  unto  you.  And  they  brought  that  which  Moses 
commanded  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  :  and  all 
the  congregation  drew  near  and  stood  before  the  Lord.  And 
Moses  said,  This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  commanded  that 
ye  should  do  :  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  appear  unto  you. 
And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  Go  unto  the  altar,  and  offer  thy  sin 
offering,  and  thy  burnt  offering,  and  make  an  atonement  for 
thyself,  and  for  the  people  :  and  offer  the  offering  of  the  people, 
and  make  an  atonement  for  them  ;  as  the  Lord  commanded. 
Aaron  therefore  went  unto  the  altar,  and  slew  the  calf  of  the  sin 
offering,  which  was  for  himself.  And  the  sons  of  Aaron  brought 
the  blood  unto  him  :  and  he  dipped  his  finger  in  the  blood,  and 
put  it  upon  the  horns  of  the  altar,  and  poured  out  the  blood  at 
the  bottom  of  the  altar :  but  the  fat,  and  the  kidneys,  and  the 
caul  above  the  liver  of  the  sin  offering,  he  burnt  upon  the  altar ; 
as  the  Lord  commanded  Moses.  And  the  flesh  and  the  hide  he 
burnt  with  fire  without  the  camp.  And  he  slew  the  burnt  offer- 
ing ;  and  Aaron's  sons  presented  unto  him  the  blood,  which  he 
sprinkled  round  about  upon  the  altar.     And  they  presented  the 


i;^  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

burnt  offering  unto  him,  with  the  pieces  thereof,  and  the  head  : 
and  he  burnt  them  upon  the  altar.  And  he  did  wash  the  inwards 
and  the  legs,  and  burnt  them  upon  the  burnt  offering  on  the 
altar. 

And  he  brought  the  people's  offering,  and  took  the  goat,  which 
was  the  sin  offering  for  the  people,  and  slew  it,  and  offered  it 
for  sin,  as  the  first.  And  he  brought  the  burnt  offering,  and 
offered  it  according  to  the  manner.  And  he  brought  the  meat 
offering,  and  took  a  handful  thereof,  and  burnt  it  upon  the  altar, 
beside  the  burnt  sacrifice  of  the  morning.  He  slew  also  the 
bullock  and  the  ram  for  a  sacrifice  of  peace  offerings,  which  was 
for  the  people :  and  Aaron's  sons  presented  unto  him  the  blood, 
which  he  sprinkled  upon  the  altar  round  about,  and  the  fat  of 
the  bullock  and  of  the  ram,  the  rump,  and  that  which  covereth 
the  inwards,  and  the  kidneys,  and  the  caul  above  the  liver :  and 
they  put  the  fat  upon  the  breasts,  and  he  burnt  the  fat  upon  the 
altar :  and  the  breasts  and  the  right  shoulder  Aaron  waved  for  a 
wave  offering  before  the  Lord  ;  as  Moses  commanded.  And 
Aaron  lifted  up  his  hand  toward  the  people,  and  blessed  them  ; 
and  came  down  from  offering  of  the  sin  offering,  and  the  burnt 
offeriag,  and  peace  offerings.  And  Moses  and  Aaron  went  into 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  came  out,  and  blessed 
the  people  :  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto  all  the 
people.  And  there  came  a  fire  out  from  before  the  Lord,  and 
consumed  upon  the  altar  the  burnt  offering  and  the  fat :  which 
when  all  the  people  saw,  they  shouted,  and  fell  on  their  faces. 

The  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee  ! 
The  Lord  make  his  face  shine  upon  thee, 
And  be  gracious  unto  thee  ! 
The  Lord  hft  up  his  countenance  upon  thee, 
And  give  thee  peace  ! 

And  Nadab  and  Abihu,  the  sons  of  Aaron,  took  either  of  them 
his  censer,  and  put  fire  therein,  and  put  incense  thereon,  and 
offered  strange  fire  before  the  Lord,  which  he  commanded  them 
not.  And  there  went  out  fire  from  the  Lord,  and  devoured  them, 
and  they  died  before  the  Lord.  Then  Moses  said  unto  Aaron, 
This  is  it  that  the  Lord  spake,  saying,  I  will  be  sanctified  in 
them  that  come  nigh  me,  and  before  all  the  people  I  will  be  glo- 
rified. And  Aaron  held  his  peace.  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron, 
and  unto  Eleazar  and  unto  Ithamar,  his  sons,  Uncover  not  your 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  177 

heads,  neither  rend  your  clothes  ;  lest  ye  die,  and  lest  wrath 
come  upon  all  the  people  :  but  let  your  brethren,  the  whole  house 
of  Israel,  bewail  the  burning  which  the  Lord  hath  kindled.  And 
ye  shall  not  go  out  from  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation, lest  ye  die  :  for  the  anointing  oil  of  the  Lord  is  upon 
you.     And  they  did  according  to  the  word  of  Moses. 

Speak  not  of  vensjeance  !  'tis  the  right  of  God. 
"Vengeance  is  His."     Who  shall  usurp  the  bolt, 
And  launch  it  for  Omnipotence  !     Shall  men 
Assume  the  right  of  judgment,  or  prescribe 
How  far  the  line  of  mercy  shall  extend, 
Or  punishment  shall  stretch  its  iron  rod  ? 
In  thine  own  cause  to  judge,  who  gave  thee  right, 
Presumptuous  man .'' 


CHAPTER   LXXVI. 

THE     HIGH    PRIEST    AND    THE     HOLY     OF    HOLIES. THE    SIN 

OFFERINGS. THE    SCAPEGOAT. 

But  the  holy  men  of  God  such  vessels  are, 
As  serve  Him  up,  who  all  the  world  commands. 
When  God  vouchsafeth  to  become  our  fare, 
Their  hands  convey  Him,  who  conveys  their  hands  : 
O  what  pure  things,  most  pure  must  those  things  be, 
Who  bring  my  God  to  me  ! 

AND  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Speak  unto  Aaron  thy  brother, 
that  he  come  not  at  all  times  into  the  holy  place  within 
the  vail  before  the  mercy  seat,  which  is  upon  the  ark  ;  that  he 
die  not  :  for  I  will  appear  in  the  cloud  upon  the  mercy  seat. 
Thus  shall  Aaron  come  into  the  holy  place  ;  with  a  young  bul- 
lock for  a  sin  offering,  and  a  ram  for  a  burnt  offering.  He  shall 
put  on  the  holy  linen  coat,  and  he  shall  have  the  linen  breeches 
upon  his  flesh,  and  shall  be  girded  with  a  linen  girdle,  and  with 
the  linen  mitre  shall  he  be  attired  :  these  are  holy  garments  ; 
therefore  shall  he  wash  his  flesh  in  water,  and  so  put  them  on. 
And  he  shall  take  of  the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel 
two  kids  of  the  goats  for  a  sin  offering,  and  one  ram  for  a  burnt 


178  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

offering.  And  Aaron  shall  offer  his  bullock  of  the  sin  offering, 
which  is  for  himself,  and  make  an  atonement  for  himself,  and 
for  his  house.  And  he  shall  take  the  two  goats,  and  present 
them  before  the  Lord  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation. And  Aaron  shall  cast  lots  upon  the  two  goats  ;  one 
lot  for  the  Lord,  and  the  other  lot  for  the  scapegoat.  And 
Aaron  shall  bring  the  goat  upon  which  the  Lord's  lot  fell,  and 
offer  him  for  a  sin  offering.  But  the  goat,  on  which  the  lot  fell 
to  be  the  scapegoat,  shall  be  presented  alive  before  the  Lord,  to 
make  an  atonement  with  him,  and  to  let  him  go  for  a  scapegoat 
into  the  wilderness.  And  Aaron  shall  bring  the  bullock  of  the 
sin  offering,  which  is  for  himself,  and  shall  make  an  atonement 
for  himself,  and  for  his  house,  and  shall  kill  the  bullock  of  the 
sin  offering  which  is  for  himself :  and  he  shall  take  a  censer  full 
of  burning  coals  of  fire  from  off  the  altar  before  the  Lord,  and 
his  hands  full  of  sweet  incense  beaten  small,  and  bring  it  within 
the  vail :  and  he  shall  put  the  incense  upon  the  fire  before  the 
Lord,  that  the  cloud  of  the  incense  may  cover  the  mercy  seat 
that  is  upon  the  testimony,  that  he  die  not :  and  he  shall  take  of 
the  blood  of  the  bullock,  and  sprinkle  it  with  his  finger  upon  the 
mercy  seat  eastward  ;  and  before  the  mercy  seat  shall  he  sprinkle 
of  the  blood  with  his  finger  seven  times. 

Come,  bring  thy  gift.     If  blessings  were  as  slow 
As  men's  returns,  what  would  become  of  fools  ? 
What  hast  thou  there  ?  a  heart  ?  but  is  it  pure  ? 
Search  well  and  see,  for  hearts  have  many  holes. 
Yet  one  pure  heart  is  nothing  to  bestow  : 
In  Christ  two  natures  met  to  be  thy  cure. 

Then  shall  he  kill  the  goat  of  the  sin  offering,  that  is  for  the 
people,  and  bring  his  blood  within  the  vail,  and  do  with  that 
blood  as  he  did  with  the  blood  of  the  bullock,  and  sprinkle  it 
upon  the  mercy  seat,  and  before  the  mercy  seat  :  and  he  shall 
make  an  atonement  for  the  holy  place,  because  of  the  unclean- 
ness  of  the  children  of  Israel,  and  because  of  their  transgres- 
sions in  all  their  sins :  and  so  shall  he  do  for  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  that  remaineth  among  them  in  the  midst  of 
their  uncleanness.  And  there  shall  be  no  man  in  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation  when  he  goeth  in  to  make  an  atonement  in 
the  holy  place,  until  he  come  out,  and  have  made  an  atonement 
for  himself,  and  for  his  household,  and  for  all  the  congregation  of 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  1 79 

Israel.  And  he  shall  go  out  unto  the  altar  that  is  before  the 
Lord,  and  make  an  atonement  for  it ;  and  shall  take  of  the  blood 
of  the  bullock,  and  of  the  blood  of  the  goat,  and  put  it  upon  the 
horns  of  the  altar  round  about.  And  he  shall  sprinkle  of  the 
blood  upon  it  with  his  finger  seven  times,  and  cleanse  it,  and 
hallow  it  from  the  uncleanness  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

And  when  he  hath  made  an  end  of  reconciling  the  holy  place, 
and  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  the  altar,  he  shall 
bring  the  live  goat :  and  Aaron  shall  lay  both  his  hands  upon 
the  head  of  the  live  goat,  and  confess  over  him  all  the  iniquities 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  and  all  their  transgressions  in  all  their  sins, 
putting  them  upon  the  head  of  the  goat,  and  shall  send  him  away 
by  the  hand  of  a  fit  man  into  the  wilderness  :  And  the  goat  shall 
bear  upon  him  all  their  iniquities  unto  a  land  not  inhabited :  and 
he  shall  let  go  the  goat  in  the  wilderness.  And  Aaron  shall 
come  into  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  shall  put  off 
the  linen  garments,  which  he  put  on  when  he  went  into  the  holy 
place,  and  shall  leave  them  there :  and  he  shall  wash  his  flesh 
with  water  in  the  holy  place,  and  put  on  his  garments,  and  come 
forth,  and  offer  his  burnt  offering,  and  the  burnt  offering  of  the 
people,  and  make  an  atonement  for  himself,  and  for  the  people. 
And  the  fat  of  the  sin  offering  shall  he  burn  upon  the  altar. 
And  he  that  let  go  the  goat  for  the  scapegoat  shall  wash  his 
clothes,  and  bathe  his  flesh  in  water,  and  afterward  come  into 
the  camp.  And  the  bullock  for  the  sin  offering,  and  the  goat  for 
the  sin  offering,  whose  blood  was  brought  in  to  make  atonement 
in  the  holy  place,  shall  one  carry  forth  without  the  camp  ;  and 
they  shall  burn  in  the  fire  their  skins,  and  their  flesh,  and  their 
dung.  And  he  that  burneth  them  shall  wash  his  clothes,  and 
bathe  his  flesh  in  water,  and  afterward  he  shall  come  into  the 
camp. 

Lord,  God  of  gods,  before  whose  throne 
Stand  storms  and  fire,  O  what  shall  we 
Return  to  heaven,  that  is  our  own, 
When  all  the  world  belongs  to  Thee  ? 
We  have  no  offering  to  impart. 
But  praises  and  a  wounded  heart. 


l8o  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

CHAPTER  LXXVII. 

MARCHING    ORDERS. 

AND  on  the  day  that  the  tabernacle  was  reared  up  the  cloud 
covered  the  tabernacle :  and  at  even  there  was  upon  the 
tabernacle  as  it  were  the  appearance  of  fire,  until  the  morning. 
So  it  was  alway  :  the  cloud  covered  it  by  day,  and  the  appearance 
of  fire  by  night.  And  when  the  cloud  was  taken  up  from  the 
tabernacle,  then  after  that  the  children  of  Israel  journeyed:  and 
in  the  place  where  the  cloud  abode,  there  the  children  of  Israel 
pitched  their  tents.  And  when  the  cloud  tarried  long  upon  the 
tabernacle  many  days,  then  the  children  of  Israel  kept  the  charge 
of  the  Lord,  and  journeyed  not.  Or  whether  it  were  two  days, 
or  a  month,  or  a  year,  that  the  cloud  tarried  upon  the  tabernacle, 
remaining  thereon,  the  children  of  Israel  abode  in  their  tents, 
and  journeyed  not :  but  when  it  was  taken  up,  they  journeyed. 
At  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  they  rested  in  their  tents, 
and  at  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  they  journeyed :  they  kept 
the  charge  of  the  Lord,  at  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  by  the 
hand  of  Moses, 

Omnipotence  is  on  our  side,  and  wisdom  watches  o'er  our  heads. 
And  God  Himself  will  be  your  guide,  so  ye  but  follow  where  He  leads  ; 
How  many,  guided  by  His  hand,  have  reached  ere  now  their  native  land. 

Press  on  ! 

And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying.  Make  thee  two 
trumpets  of  silver  ;  of  a  whole  piece  shalt  thou  make  them :  that 
thou  mayest  use  them  for  the  calling  of  the  assembly,  and  for 
the  journeying  of  the  camps.  And  when  they  shall  blow  with 
them,  all  the  assembly  shall  assemble  themselves  to  thee  at  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation.  And  if  they  blow 
but  with  one  trumpet,  then  the  princes,  which  are  heads  of  the 
thousands  of  Israel,  shall  gather  themselves  unto  thee.  When 
ye  blow  an  alarm,  then  the  camps  that  lie  on  the  east  parts  shall 
go  forward.  When  ye  blow  an  alarm  the  second  time,  then  the 
camps  that  lie  on  the  south  side  shall  take  their  journey :  they 
shall  blow  an  alarm  for  their  journeys.  But  when  the  congre- 
gation is  to  be  gathered  together,  ye  shall  blow,  but  ye  shall  not 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  l8l 

sound  an  alarm.  And  the  sons  of  Aaron,  the  priests,  shall  blow 
with  the  trumpets  ;  and  they  shall  be  to  you  for  an  ordinance 
for  ever  throughout  your  generations.  And  if  ye  go  to  war  in 
your  land  against  the  enemy  that  oppresseth  you,  then  ye  shall 
blow  an  alarm  with  the  trumpets  ;  and  ye  shall  be  remembered 
before  the  Lord  your  God,  and  ye  shall  be  saved  from  your 
enemies.  Also  in  the  day  of  your  gladness,  and  in  your  solemn 
days,  and  in  the  beginnings  of  your  months,  ye  shall  blow  with 
the  trumpets  over  your  burnt  offerings,  and  over  the  sacrifices 
of  your  peace  offerings  ;  that  they  may  be  to  you  for  a  memorial 
before  your  God  :  I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 

When  Israel,  of  the  Lord  beloved, 

Out  from  the  land  of  bondage  came. 
Her  fathers'  God  before  her  moved, 

An  awful  guide  in  smoke  and  flame. 
By  day,  along  the  astonished  lands 

The  cloudy  pillar  glided  slow  ; 
By  night  Arabia's  crimson  sands 

Returned  the  fiery  column's  glow. 
There  rose  the  choral  hymn  of  praise, 

And  trump  and  timbrel  answered  keen  ; 
And  Zion's  daughters  poured  their  lays. 

With  priest's  and  warrior's  voice  between. 

And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  twentieth  day  of  the  second 
month,  in  the  second  year,  that  the  cloud  was  taken  up  from 
off  the  tabernacle  of  the  testimony.  And  the  children  of  Israel 
took  their  journeys  out  of  the  wilderness  of  Sinai ;  and  the 
cloud  rested  in  the  wilderness  of  Paran.  And  they  first  took 
their  journey  according  to  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  by 
the  hand  of  Moses. 

And  Moses  said  unto  Hobab,  the  son  of  Raguel  the  Midianite, 
Moses'  father-in-law.  We  are  journeying  unto  the  place  of  which 
the  Lord  said,  I  will  give  it  you  :  come  thou  with  us,  and  we  will 
do  thee  good  :  for  the  Lord  hath  spoken  good  concerning  Israel. 
And  he  said  unto  him,  I  will  not  go  :  but  I  will  depart  to  mine 
own  land,  and  to  my  kindred.  And  he  said.  Leave  us  not,  I 
pray  thee  ;  forasmuch  as  thou  knowest  how  we  are  to  encamp 
in  the  wilderness,  and  thou  mayest  be  to  us  instead  of  eyes. 
And  it  shall  be,  if  thou  go  with  us,  yea,  it  shall  be,  that  what 
goodness  the  Lord  shall  do  unto  us,  the  same  will  we  do  unto 
thee. 


1 82  THE  BIBLE  AND  THE  POETS. 

Trust  Him  !  care  not  for  the  morrow ; 

Should  thine  omer  overflow, 
And  some  poorer  seek  to  borrow, 

Be  thy  gift  nor  scant  nor  slow. 
Would'st  thou  store  it  ? 

Ope  thy  hand,  and  let  it  go. 

Deeps  of  blessings  are  before  us  : 

Only,  while  the  desert  sky 
And  the  sheltering  cloud  hang  o'er  us, 

Morn  by  mom,  obediently, 
Glean  we  Manna, 

And  the  song  of  Moses  try. 

And  they  departed  from  the  mount  of  the  Lord  three  days' 
journey  :  and  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  went  before 
them  in  the  three  days'  journey,  to  search  out  a  resting  place 
for  them.  And  the  cloud  of  the  Lord  was  upon  them  by  day, 
when  they  went  out  of  the  camp.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when 
the  ark  set  forward,  that  Moses  said,  Rise  up.  Lord,  and  let 
thine  enemies  be  scattered  ;  and  let  them  that  hate  thee  flee 
before  thee.  And  when  it  rested,  he  said,  Return,  O  Lord, 
unto  the  many  thousands  of  Israel. 


CHAPTER  LXXVIII. 

THE  COMMITTEE   OF    SEARCH. THEIR   CONFLICTING  REPORT. 

There  is  a  tide  in  the  affairs  of  men. 

Which,  taken  at  the  flood,  leads  on  to  fortune  ; 

Omitted,  all  the  voyage  of  their  life 

Is  bound  in  shallows,  and  in  miseries. 

On  such  a  full  sea  are  we  now  afloat ; 

And  we  must  take  the  current  when  it  serves, 

Or  lose  our  ventures. 

AND  afterward  the  people  removed  from  Hazeroth,  and 
pitched  in  the  wilderness  of  Paran.  And  the  Lord  spake 
unto  Moses,  saying,  Send  thou  men,  that  they  may  search  the 
land  of  Canaan,  which  I  give  unto  the  children  of  Israel :  of 
every  tribe  of  their  fathers  shall  ye  send  a  man,  every  one  a  ruler 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  183 

among  them.  And  Moses  by  the  commandment  of  the  Lord 
sent  them  from  the  wilderness  'of  Paran  :  all  those  men  were 
heads  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

The  means  that  Heaven  yields  must  be  embraced, 
And  not  neglected  ;  else,  if  Heaven  would. 
And  we  will  not,  Heaven's  oflfer  we  refuse, 
The  proffered  means  of  succour  and  redress. 

And  Moses  sent  them  to  spy  out  the  land  of  Canaan,  and  said 
unto  them,  Get  you  up  this  way  southward,  and  go  up  into  the 
mountain  :  and  see  the  land,  what  it  is  ;  and  the  people  that 
dwelleth  therein,  whether  they  be  strong  or  weak,  few  or  many  ; 
and  what  the  land  is  that  they  dwell  in,whether  it  be  good  or  bad  ; 
and  what  cities  they  be  that  they  dwell  in,  whether  in  tents,  or 
in  strong  holds  ;  and  what  the  land  is,  whether  it  be  fat  or  lean, 
whether  there  be  wood  therein,  or  not.  And  be  ye  of  good  cour- 
age, and  bring  of  the  fruit  of  the  land.  Now  the  time  was  the 
time  of  the  first  ripe  grapes. 

So  they  went  up,  and  searched  the  land  from  the  wilderness 
of  Zin  unto  Rehob,  as  men  come  to  Hamath.  And  they  came 
unto  the  brook  of  Eshcol,  and  cut  down  from  thence  a  branch 
with  one  cluster  of  grapes,  and  they  bare  it  between  two  upon 
a  staff ;  and  they  brought  of  the  pomegranates,  and  of  the  figs. 
And  they  returned  from  searching  of  the  land  after  forty  days. 

What  are  fears  ?     Grim  phantoms,  throwing 

Shadows  o'er  the  pilgrim's  way, 
Every  moment  darker  growing, 

If  we  yield  unto  their  sway. 

And  they  went  and  came  to  Moses,  and  to  Aaron,  and  to  all 
the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel,  unto  the  wilderness  of 
Paran,  to  Kadesh  ;  and  brought  back  word  unto  them,  and  unto 
all  the  congregation,  and  shewed  them  the  fruit  of  the  land. 
And  they  told  him,  and  said.  We  came  unto  the  land  whither 
thou  sentest  us,  and  surely  it  floweth  with  milk  and  honey  ;  and 
this  is  the  fruit  of  it.  Nevertheless  the  people  be  strong  that 
dwell  in  the  land,  and  the  cities  are  walled,  and  very  great :  and 
moreover  we  saw  the  children  of  Anak  there.  The  Amalekites 
dwell  in  the  land  of  the  south  :  and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Jebu- 
sites,  and  the  Amorites,  dwell  in  the  mountains  :  and  the  Canaan- 
ites  dwell  by  the  sea,  and  by  the  coast  of  Jordan.     And  Caleb 


1 84  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

stilled  the  people  before  Moses,  and  said,  Let  us  go  up  at  once, 
and  possess  it ;  for  we  are  well  able  to  overcome  it.  But  the  men 
that  went  up  with  him  said,  We  be  not  able  to  go  up  against  the 
people  ;  for  they  are  stronger  than  we.  And  they  brought  up 
an  evil  report  of  the  land  which  they  had  searched  unto  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  saying,  The  land,  through  which  we  have  gone  to 
search  it,  is  a  land  that  eateth  up  the  inhabitants  thereof ;  and 
all  the  people  that  we  saw  in  it  are  men  of  a  great  stature.  And 
there  we  saw  the  giants,  the  sons  of  Anak,  which  come  of  the 
giants  :  and  we  were  in  our  own  sight  as  grasshoppers,  and  so 
we  were  in  their  sight. 

Then  have  we  too  our  guardian  fires  and  clouds  ; 

Our  Scripture-dew  drops  fast : 
We  have  our  sands  and  serpents,  tents  and  shrouds, 
Alas  !  our  murmurings  come  not  last. 
But  where's  the  cluster.''  where's  the  taste 
Of  mine  inheritance  ?     Lord,  if  I  must  borrow, 
Let  me  as  well  take  up  their  joy,  as  sorrow. 


CHAPTER   LXXIX. 

THE    SIN. THE    SUPPLICATION. THE    SENTENCE. 

Wise  men  ne'er  sit  and  wail  their  loss, 

But  cheerly  seek  how  to  redress  their  harms. 

What  though  the  mast  be  now  blown  over-board, 

The  cable  broke,  the  holding  anchor  lost, 

And  half  our  sailors  swallowed  in  the  flood  ; 

Yet  lives  the  pilot  still :  Is't  meet  that  he 

Should  leave  the  helm,  and,  like  a  fearful  lad, 

With  tearful  eyes,  add  water  to  the  sea, 

And  give  more  strength  to  that  which  hath  too  much  ; 

Whiles  in  his  moan  the  ship  splits  on  the  rock, 

Which  industry  and  courage  might  have  saved  ? 

AND  all  the  congregation  lifted  up  their  voice,  and  cried  ; 
and  the  people  wept  that  night.  And  all  the  children 
of  Israel  murmured  against  Moses  and  against  Aaron  :  and  the 
whole  congregation  said  unto  them.  Would  God  that  we  had 
died  in  the  land  of  Egypt !  or  would  God  we  had  died  in  this 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  185 

wilderncGs !'  And  wherefore  hath  the  Lord  brought  us  unto  this 
land,  to  fall  by  the  sword,  that  our  wives  and  our  children 
should  be  a  prey  ?  were  it  not  better  for  us  to  return  into 
Egypt  ?  And  they  said  one  to  another,  Let  us  make  a  captain, 
and  let  us  return  into  Egypt.  Then  Moses  and  Aaron  fell  on 
their  faces  before  all  the  assembly  of  the  congregation  of  the 
children  of  Israel. 

And  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and  Caleb  the  son  of  Jephunneh, 
which  were  of  them  that  searched  the  land,  rent  their  clothes  :  and 
they  spake  unto  all  the  company  of  the  children  of  Israel,  saying. 
The  land,  which  we  passed  through  to  search  it,  is  an  exceeding 
good  land.  If  the  Lord  delight  in  us,  then  he  will  bring  us  into 
this  land,  and  give  it  us  ;  a  land  which  floweth  with  milk  and 
honey.  Only  rebel  not  ye  against  the  Lord,  neither  fear  ye 
the  people  of  the  land  ;  for  they  are  bread  for  us  :  their  defence 
is  departed  from  them,  and  the  Lord  is  with  us  :  fear  them  not. 
But  all  the  congregation  bade  stone  them  with  stones.  And 
the  glory  of  the  Lord  appeared  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation before  all  the  children  of  Israel. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  How  long  will  this  people 
provoke  me  .-*  and  how  long  will  it  be  ere  they  believe  me,  for 
all  the  signs  which  I  have  shewed  among  them  .-'  I  will  smite 
them  with  the  pestilence,  and  disinherit  them,  and  vi'ill  make  of 
thee  a  greater  nation  and  mightier  than  they. 

Of  what  an  easy  quick  access. 

My  blessed  Lord,  art  Thou  !  how  suddenly 

May  our  requests  Thine  ear  invade  ! 

To  show  that  state  dislikes  not  easiness, 

If  I  but  Hft  mine  eyes,  my  suit  is  made  : 

Thou  canst  no  more  not  hear,  than  Thou  canst  die.  , 

And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  Then  the  Egyptians  shall 
hear  it,  for  thou  broughtest  up  this  people  in  thy  might  from 
among  them  ;  and  they  will  tell  it  to  the  inhabitants  of  this 
land :  for  they  have  heard  that  thou  Lord  art  among  this 
people,  that  thou  Lord  art  seen  face  to  face,  and  that  thy 
cloud  standeth  over  them,  and  that  thou  goest  before  them, 
by  daytime  in  a  pillar  of  a  cloud,  and  in  a  pillar  of  fire  by  night. 
Now  if  thou  shalt  kill  all  this  people  as  one  man,  then  the 
nations  which  have  heard  the  fame  of  thee  will  speak,  saying. 
Because  the  Lord  was  not   able  to  bring  this  people  into   the 


1 86  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

land  which  he  sware  unto  them,  therefore  he  hath  slain  them 
in  the  wilderness.  And  now,  I  beseech  thee,  let  the  power 
of  my  Lord  be  great,  according  as  thou  hast  spoken,  saying, 
The  Lord  is  long-suffering,  and  of  great  mercy,  forgiving  in- 
iquity and  transgression,  and  by  no  means  clearing  the  guilty, 
visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the 
third  and  fourth  generation.  Pardon,  I  beseech  thee,  the 
iniquity  of  this  people  according  unto  the  greatness  of  thy 
mercy,  and  as  thou  hast  forgiven  this  people,  from  Egypt  even 
until  now.  And  the  Lord  said,  I  have  pardoned  according  to 
thy  wf  rd  :  but  as  truly  as  I  live,  all  the  earth  shall  be  filled 
with  the  glory  of  the  Lord.  Because  all  those  men  which 
have  seen  my  glory,  and  my  miracles,  which  I  did  in  Egypt 
and  in  the  wilderness,  and  have  tempted  me  now  these  ten 
times,  and  have  not  hearkened  to  my  voice  ;  surely  they  shall 
not  see  the  land  which  I  sware  unto  their  fathers,  neither 
shall  any  of  them  that  provoked  me  see  it :  but  my  servant 
Caleb,  because  he  had  another  spirit  with  him,  and  hath  fol- 
lowed me  fully,  him  will  I  bring  into  the  land  whereinto  he 
went ;  and  his  seed  shall  possess  it. 

'Tis  double  death  to  drown  in  ken  of  shore  : 

He  ten  times  pines,  that  pines  beholding  food  : 

To  see  the  salve,  doth  make  the  wound  ache  more ; 

Great  grief  grieves  most  at  that  would  do  it  good  : 

Deep  woes  roll  forward  like  a  gentle  flood, 

Who,  being  stopped,  the  bounding  banks  o'erfllows  ; 

Grief  dallied  with,  nor  law  nor  limit  knows. 

And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  unto  Aaron,  saying. 
How  long  shall  I  bear  with  this  evil  congregation,  which  mur- 
mur against  me  .■"  I  have  heard  the  murmurings  of  the  children 
of  Israel,  which  they  murmur  against  me.  Say  unto  them.  As 
truly  a§  I  live,  saith  the  Lord,  as  ye  have  spoken  in  mine  ears, 
so  will  I  do  to  you :  your  carcasses  shall  fall  in  this  wilderness, 
and  all  that  were  numbered  of  you,  according  to  your  whole 
number,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  which  have  mur- 
mured against  me.  Doubtless  ye  shall  not  come  into  the  land, 
concerning  which  I  sware  to  make  you  dwell  therein,  save 
Caleb  the  son  of  Jephunneh,  and  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun.  But 
your  little  ones,  which  ye  said  should  be  a  prey,  them  will  I 
bring  in,  and  they  shall  know  the  land  which  ye  have  despised. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  1 8/ 

But  as  for  you,  your  carcasses,  they  shall  fall  in  this  wilderness. 
And  your  children  shall  wander  in  the  wilderness  forty  years, 
and  bear  your  whoredoms,  until  your  carcasses  be  wasted  in 
the  wilderness.  After  the  number  of  the  days  in  which  ye 
searched  the  land,  even  forty  days,  each  day  for  a  year,  shall 
ye  bear  your  iniquities,  even  forty  years,  and  ye  shall  know 
my  breach  of  promise.  I  the  Lord  have  said,  I  will  surely  do 
it  unto  all  this  evil  congregation,  that  are  gathered  together 
against  me :  in  this  wilderness  they  shall  be  consumed,  and 
there  they  shall  die.  And  the  men  which  Moses  sent  to  search 
the  land,  who  returned,  and  made  all  the  congregation  to  mur- 
mur against  him,  by  bringing  up  a  slander  upon  the  land,  even 
those  men  that  did  bring  up  the  evil  report  upon  the  land,  died 
by  the  plague  before  the  Lord.  But  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun, 
and  Caleb  the  son  of  Jephunneh,  which  were  of  the  men  that 
went  to  search  the  land,  lived  still.  And  Moses  told  these 
sayings  unto  all  the  children  of  Israel :  and  the  people  mourned 
greatly. 

To  veer,  how  vain  !     On,  onward  strain, 
Brave  barks  !     In  light,  in  darkness  too, 

Through  winds  and  tides  one  compass  guides  ; 
To  that,  and  your  own  selves,  be  true. 


CHAPTER   LXXX. 

THE    BLOSSOMING    ROD    AND    THE    AARONIC    PRIESTHOOD. 

O  !  LEARX  that  it  is  only  by  the  lowly 

The  paths  of  peace  are  trod ; 
If  thou  wouldst  keep  thy  garments  white  and  holy, 

Walk  humbly  with  thy  God. 

The  censer  swung  by  the  proud  hand  of  merit, 

Fumes  with  a  fire  abhorred  ; 
But  faith's  two  mites,  dropped  covertly,  inherit 

A  blessing  from  the  Lord. 

AND   the   Lord   spake  unto   Moses,  saying.  Speak  unto  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  take  of   every  one  of   them  a  rod 
according  to  the  house  of   their   fathers,  of    all   their  princes 


1 88  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

according  to  the  house  of  their  fathers,  twelve  rods  :  write  thou 
every  man's  name  upon  his  rod.  And  thou  shalt  write  Aaron's 
name  upon  the  rod  of  Levi :  for  one  rod  shall  be  for  the  head  of 
the  house  of  their  fathers.  And  thou  shalt  lay  them  up  in  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation  before  the  testimony,  where  I 
will  meet  with  you.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  the  man's 
rod  whom  I  shall  choose  shall  blossom :  and  I  will  make  to 
cease  from  me  the  murmurings  of  the  children  of  Israel,  where- 
by they  murmur  against  you. 

And  Moses  spake  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  every  one 
of  their  princes  gave  him  a  rod  apiece,  for  each  prince  one, 
according  to  their  fathers'  houses,  even  twelve  rods  :  and  the  rod 
of  Aaron  was  among  their  rods.  And  Moses  laid  up  the  rods 
before  the  Lord  in  the  tabernacle  of  witness.  And  it  came  to 
pass,  that  on  the  morrow  Moses  went  into  the  tal)ernacle  of 
witness  ;  and  behold,  the  rod  of  Aaron  for  the  house  of  Levi 
was  budded,  and  brought  forth  buds,  and  bloomed  blossoms,  and 
yielded  almonds.  And  Moses  brought  out  all  the  rods  from 
before  the  Lord  unto  all  the  children  of  Israel :  and  they  looked, 
and  took  every  man  his  rod. 

Was  it  the  sigh  of  the  southern  gale 

That  flushed  the  almond  bough  ! 
Brightest  and  first  of  the  young  Spring  to  hail, 

Still  its  red  blossoms  glow. 
Was  it  the  sunshine  that  woke  its  flowers 

With  a  kindling  look  of  love  ? 
Oh,  far  and  deep,  and  through  hidden  bowers, 

That  smile  of  heaven  can  rove  ! 
No  !  from  the  breeze  and  the  living  light 

Shut  was  the  sapless  rod  ; 
But  it  felt  in  the  stillness  a  secret  might, 

And  thrilled  to  the  breath  of  God. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Bring  Aaron's  rod  again 
before  the  testimony,  to  be  kept  for  a  token  against  the  rebels  ; 
and  thou  shalt  quite  take  away  their  murmurings  from  me,  that 
they  die  not.  And  Moses  did  so  :  as  the  Lord  commanded  him, 
so  did  he.  And  the  children  of  Israel  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 
Behold,  we  die,  we  perish,  we  all  perish.  Whosoever  cometh 
any  thing  near  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord  shall  die  :  shall 
we  be  consumed  with  dying .'' 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  1 89 

Teacher  of  teachers  !  Priest  of  priests  !  from  Thee 

The  sweet  stronjj;  prayer 

Must  rise,  to  free 
First  Levi,  then  all  Israel,  from  the  snare. 

Thou  art  our  Moses  out  of  sight  — 

Speak  for  us,  or  we  perish  quite. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Aaron,  Thou,  and  thy  sons,  and  thy 
father's  house  with  thee,  shall  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  sanctuary: 
and  thou  and  thy  sons  with  thee  shall  bear  the  iniquity  of  your 
priesthood.  And  thy  brethren  also  of  the  tribe  of  Levi,  the 
tribe  of  thy  father,  bring  thou  with  thee,  that  they  may  be 
joined  unto  thee,  and  minister  unto  thee  :  but  thou  and  thy  sons 
with  thee  shall  minister  before  the  tabernacle  of  witness.  And 
they  shall  keep  thy  charge,  and  the  charge  of  all  the  tabernacle : 
only  they  shall  not  come  nigh  the  vessels  of  the  sanctuary  and 
the  altar,  that  neither  they,  nor  ye  also,  die.  And  they  shall 
be  joined  unto  thee,  and  keep  the  charge  of  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  for  all  the  service  of  the  tabernacle :  and  a 
stranger  shall  not  come  nigh  unto  you.  And  ye  shall  keep  the 
charge  of  the  sanctuary,  and  the  charge  of  the  altar  ;  that  there 
be  no  wrath  any  more  upon  the  children  of  Israel.  And  I, 
behold,  I  have  taken  your  brethren  the  Levites  from  among  the 
children  of  Israel :  to  you  they  are  given  as  a  gift  for  the  Lord, 
to  do  the  service  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation.  There- 
fore thou  and  thy  sons  with  thee  shall  keep  your  priest's  office 
for  every  thing  of  the  altar,  and  within  the  vail ;  and  ye  shall 
serve  :  I  have  given  your  priest's  office  unto  you  as  a  service  of 
gift :  and  the  stranger  that  cometh  nigh  shall  be  put  to  death. 

Wherefore  I  dare  not,  I,  put  forth  my  hand 
To  hold  the  Ark,  although  it  seem  to  shake 
Through  the  old  sins  and  new  doctrines  of  our  land. 
Only  since  God  doth  often  vessels  make 
Of  lowly  matter  for  high  uses  meet, 
I  throw  me  at  His  feet. 


1 90  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   LXXXI. 

THE    SMITTEN    ROCK. AARON's    DEATH. THE    BRAZEN 

SERPENT. 

But  wandering  oft,  with  brute  unconscious  gaze, 
Man  marks  not  Thee  ;  marks  not  the  mighty  hand, 
That,  ever  busy,  wheels  the  silent  spheres  ; 
Works  in  the  secret  deep ;  shoots,  steaming,  thence 
The  fair  profusion  that  o'erspreads  the  Spring : 
Flings  from  the  sun  direct  the  flaming  day  ; 
Feeds  every  creature  ;  hurls  the  tempest  forth  ; 
And,  as  on  earth  this  grateful  charge  revolves, 
With  transport  touches  all  the  springs  of  life. 

THEN  came  the  children  of  Israel,  even  the  whole  congrega- 
tion, into  the  desert  of  Zin  in  the  first  month  :  and  the 
people  abode  in  Kadesh  ;  and  Miriam  died  there,  and  was  buried 
there.  And  there  was  no  water  for  the  congregation  :  and  they 
gathered  themselves  together  against  Moses  and  against  Aaron. 
And  the  people  chode  with  Moses,  and  spake,  saying.  Would 
God  that  we  had  died  when  oar  brethren  died  before  the  Lord  ! 
And  why  have  ye  brought  up  the  congregation  of  the  Lord  into 
this  wilderness,  that  we  and  our  cattle  should  die  there  ?  And 
wherefore  have  ye  made  us  to  come  up  out  of  Egypt,  to  bring  us 
in  unto  this  evil  place  ?  it  is  no  place  of  seed,  or  of  figs,  or  of 
vines,  or  of  pomegranates  ;  neither  is  there  any  water  to  drink. 
And  Moses  and  Aaron  went  from  the  presence  of  the  assembly 
unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  they 
fell  upon  their  faces  :  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto 
them. 

And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying,  Take  the  rod,  and 
gather  thou  the  assembly  together,  thou  and  Aaron  thy  brother, 
and  speak  ye  unto  the  rock  before  their  eyes  ;  and  it  shall  give 
forth  his  water,  and  thou  shalt  bring  forth  to  them  water  out  of 
the  rock :  so  thou  shalt  give  the  congregation  and  their  beasts 
drink.  And  Moses  took  the  rod  from  before  the  Lord,  as  he 
commanded  him.  And  Moses  and  Aaron  gathered  the  congre- 
gation together  before  the  rock,  and  he  said  unto  them,  Hear 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS.  I91 

now,  ye  rebels  ;  must  we  fetch  you  water  out  of  this  rock  ?  And 
Moses  hfted  up  his  hand,  and  with  his  rod  he  smote  the  rock 
twice :  and  the  water  came  out  abundantly,  and  the  congrega- 
tion drank,  and  their  beasts  also. 

And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  Aaron,  Because  ye 
believed  me  not,  to  sanctify  me  in  the  eyes  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  therefore  ye  shall  not  bring  this  congregation  into  the 
land  which  I  have  given  them.  This  is  the  water  of  Meribah  ; 
because  the  children  of  Israel  strove  with  the  Lord,  and  he  was 
sanctified  in  them. 

But  lo  !  his  features  wore  a  brightening  tinge, 
And  o'er  his  high,  anointed  brow  there  gleams 
A  transient  smile.     Caught  he  a  glorious  view 
Of  that  eternal  Canaan,  fair  with  light, 
And  watered  by  the  river  of  his  God, 
Where  was  his  heritage  ?     Or  stole  the  song 
Of  Miriam's  timbrel  o'er  the  flood  of  death. 
Wooing  him  onward  through  the  last,  faint  steps 
Of  wearied  life  .'' 

And  the  children  of  Israel,  even  the  whole  congregation, 
journeyed  from  Kadesh,  and  came  unto  mount  Hor.  And  the 
Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  Aaron  in  mount  Hor,  by  the  coast 
of  the  land  of  Edom,  saying,  Aaron  shall  be  gathered  unto  his 
people  :  for  he  shall  not  enter  into  the  land  which  I  have  given 
unto  the  children  of  Israel,  because  ye  rebelled  against  my  word 
at  the  water  of  Meribah.  Take  Aaron  and  Eleazar  his  son,  and 
bring  them  up  unto  mount  Hor :  and  strip  Aaron  of  his  gar- 
ments, and  put  them  upon  Eleazar  his  son  :  and  Aaron  shall  be 
gathered  unto  his  people,  and  shall  die  there. 

The  king  and  the  priest  move  on  unspeaking, 

The  desert-priest  and  the  desert-king  ; 
'Tis  a  grave,  a  mountain-grave  they  are  seeking, 

Fit  end  of  a  great  life-wandering  ! 
And  here,  till  the  day  of  the  glory-streaking, 

This  desert-eagle  must  fold  his  wing. 

And  Moses  did  as  the  Lord  commanded  :  and  they  went  up 
into  mount  Hor  in  the  sight  of  all  the  congregation.  And 
Moses  stripped  Aaron  of  his  garments,  and  put  them  upon 
Eleazar  his  son  ;  and  Aaron  died  there  in  the  top  of  the  mount : 
and  Moses  and  Eleazar  came  down  from  the  mount.     And  when 


192  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

all  the  congregation  saw  that  Aaron  was  dead,  they  mourned  for 
Aaron  thirty  days,  even  all  the  house  of  Israel. 

Alone  and  safe,  in  the  happy  keeping 

Of  rocks  and  sands,  till  the  glorious  morn, 
They  have  laid  thee  down  for  thy  lonely  sleeping, 

Waysore  and  weary  and  labour-worn ; 
While  faintly  the  sound  of  a  nation's  weeping 

From  the  vale  beneath  thee  is  upward  borne. 
Alone  and  safe,  in  the  holy  keeping 

Of  Him  who  holdeth  the  grave's  cold  key, 
They  have  laid  thee  down  for  the  blessed  sleeping, 

The  quiet  rest  which  His  dear  ones  see. 

And  they  journeyed  from  mount  Hor  by  the  way  of  the  Red 
sea,  to  compass  the  land  of  Edom :  and  the  soul  of  the  people 
was  much  discouraged  because  of  the  way.  And  the  people 
spake  against  God,  and  against  Moses,  Wherefore  have  ye 
brought  us  up  out  of  Egypt  to  die  in  the  wilderness  }  for  there 
Ss  no  bread,  neither  is  there  any  water  ;  and  our  soul  loatheth 
this  light  bread.  And  the  Lord  sent  fiery  serpents  among  the 
people,  and  they  bit  the  people  ;  and  much  people  of  Israel  died. 

Therefore  the  people  came  to  Moses,  and  said,  We  have 
sinned,  for  we  have  spoken  against  the  Lord,  and  against  thee ; 
pray  unto  the  Lord,  that  he  take  away  the  serpents  from  us. 
And  Moses  prayed  for  the  people.  And  the  Lord  said  unto 
Moses,  Make  thee  a  fiery  serpent,  and  set  it  upon  a  pole  ;  and  it 
shall  come  to  pass,  that  every  one  that  is  bitten,  when  he  looketh 
upon  it,  shall  live.  And  Moses  made  a  serpent  of  brass,  and 
put  it  upon  a  pole  ;  and  it  came  to  pass,  that  if  a  serpent  had 
bitten  any  man,  when  he  beheld  the  serpent  of  brass,  he  lived. 

From  the  wilds  of  yon  desert  strange  wails  reach  my  ear  ! 
Once  again  have  that  people  Jehovah  provoked ; 
And,  with  eyes  all  inflamed,  and  hearts  tortured  with  fear, 
They  most  eagerly  cry  ;  "  Can  our  doom  be  revoked  ?  " 
E'en  while  hundreds  of  victims  meet  Death's  cold  embrace, 
And  while  thousands  the  poison's  fell  work  surely  trace. 

There  is  hope  !  for  the  prophet  now  raises  on  high 

A  bright  serpent  of  brass,  which  they  all  may  behold, 

While  the  heralds  proclaim  to  the  bit  far  and  nigh, 

That  they  gaze  and  be  healed,  both  the  young  and  the  old ; 

For  Jehovah's  compassion  this  symbol  ordains 

To  foreshadow  a  Saviour  from  sin's  foulest  stains. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  1 93 


CHAPTER   LXXXII. 

JEHOVAH  ETERNAL  AND  SOVEREIGN. MAN  FRAIL  AND 

DEPENDENT. 

O  Lord  !  Thou  art  our  home,  to  whom  we  fly, 
And  so  hast  always  been  from  age  to  age  : 
Before  the  hills  did  intercept  the  eye, 
Or  that  the  frame  was  up  of  earthly  stage. 
One  God  Thou  wert,  and  art,  and  still  shalt  be ; 
The  line  of  time  it  doth  not  measure  Thee. 

LORD,  thou  hast  been  our  dwelhng-place  in  all  generations. 
Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or  ever  thou 
hadst  formed  the  earth  and  the  world,  even  from  everlasting  to 
everlasting,  thou  art  God.  Thou  turnest  man  to  destruction  ; 
and  sayest,  Return,  ye  children  of  men.  For  a  thousand  years 
in  thy  sight  are  but  as  yesterday  when  it  is  past,  and  as  a  watch 
in  the  night.  Thou  earnest  them  away  as  with  a  flood  ;  they 
are  as  asleep  :  in  the  morning  they  are  like  grass  which  groweth 
up.  In  the  morning  it  flourisheth,  and  groweth  up  ;  in  the  even- 
ing it  is  cut  down,  and  withereth.  For  we  are  consumed  by 
thine  anger,  and  by  thy  wrath  are  we  troubled.  Thou  hast  set 
our  iniquities  before  thee,  our  secret  sins  in  the  light  of  thy 
countenance.  For  all  our  days  are  passed  away  in  thy  wrath  : 
we  spend  our  years  as  a  tale  that  is  told.  The  days  of  our  years 
are  threescore  years  and  ten  ;  and  if  by  reason  of  strength  they 
be  fourscore  years,  yet  is  their  strength  labour  and  sorrow  ;  for 
it  is  soon  cut  off,  and  we  fly  away. 

Time  doth  transfix  the  flourish  set  on  youth, 
And  delves  the  parallels  in  beauty's  brow ! 
Feeds  on  the  rarities  of  nature's  truth, 
And  nothing  stands  but  for  his  scythe  to  mow. 

Who  knoweth  the  power  of  thine  anger  .-*  even  according  to 
thy  fear,  so  is  thy  wrath.  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that 
we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  Return,  O  Lord,  how 
long.^  and  let  it  repent  thee  concerning  thy  servants.  Oh  satisfy 
us  early  with  thy  mercy  ;  that  we  may  rejoice  and  be  glad  all 
our  days.     Make  us  glad  according  to  the  days  wherein  thou 

13 


194  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

hast  afflicted  us,  and  the  years  wherein  we  have  seen  evil.  Let 
thy  work  appear  unto  thy  servants,  and  thy  glory  unto  their 
children.  And  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  us  : 
and  establish  thou  the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us  ;  yea,  the 
work  of  our  hands  establish  thou  it. 

The  lapse  of  time  and  rivers  is  the  same, 

Both  sjoeed  their  journey  with  a  restless  stream, 

The  silent  pace  with  which  they  steal  away. 

No  wealth  can  bribe,  no  prayers  persuade  to  stay, 

Alike  irrevocable  both  when  past, 

And  a  wide  ocean  swallows  both  at  last. 

Though  each  resemble  each  in  every  part, 

A  difference  strikes  at  length  the  musing  heart  ; 

Streams  never  flow  in  vain  ;  where  streams  abound. 

How  laughs  the  land  with  various  plenty  crowned ! 

But  time,  that  should  enrich  the  nobler  mind, 

Neglected,  leaves  a  dreary  waste  behind. 


A 


CHAPTER    LXXXIIL 

BALAK    BRIBING    BALAAM. 

ND  the  children  of  Israel  set  forward,  and  pitched  in  the 
plains  of  Moab  on  this  side  Jordan  by  Jericho. 

How  poor,  how  rich,  how  abject,  how  august. 

How  comphcate,  how  wonderful  is  man  ! 

How  passing  wonder  He  who  made  him  such  !  , 

Who  centred  in  our  make  such  strange  extremes  ! 

From  different  natures  marvellously  mixed, 

Connection  exquisite  of  distant  worlds  ! 

Distinguished  link  in  being's  endless  chain  ! 

Midway  from  nothing  to  the  Deity  ! 

A  beam  etherial,  sullied  and  absorbed  ! 

Though  sullied  and  dishonoured,  still  divine  ! 

Dim  miniature  of  greatness  absolute  ! 

An  heir  of  glory  !  a  frail  child  of  dust  ! 

Helpless  immortal !  insect  infinite  ! 

A  worm  !  a  god  !  —  I  tremble  at  myself, 

And  in  myself  am  lost. 

And  Balak  the  son  of  Zippor  saw  all  that  Israel  had  done  to 
the  Amorites.     And  Moab  was  sore  afraid  of  the  people,  because 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  195 

they  were  many :  and  Moab  was  distressed  because  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel.  And  Moab  said  unto  the  elders  of  Midian,  Now 
shall  this  company  lick  up  all  that  are  round  about  us,  as  the  ox 
licketh  up  the  grass  of  the  field.  And  Balak  the  son  of  Zippor 
was  king  of  the  Moabites  at  that  time.  He  sent  messengers 
therefore  unto  Balaam  the  son  of  Beor  to  Pethor,  which  is  by 
the  river  of  the  land  of  the  children  of  his  people,  to  call  him, 
saying,  Behold,  there  is  a  people  come  out  from  Egypt :  behold, 
they  cover  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  they  abide  over  against  me. 
Come  now  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  curse  me  this  people  ;  for  they 
are  too  mighty  for  me  :  perad venture  I  shall  prevail,  that  we  may 
smite  them,  and  that  I  may  drive  them  out  of  the  land  :  for  I 
wot  that  he  whom  thou  blessest  is  blessed,  and  he  whom  thou 
cursest  is  cursed.  And  the  elders  of  Moab  and  the  elders  of 
Midian  departed  with  the  rewards  of  divination  in  their  hand  ; 
and  they  came  unto  Balaam,  and  spake  unto  him  the  words  of 
Balak.  And  he  said  unto  them.  Lodge  here  this  night,  and  I 
will  bring  you  word  again,  as  the  Lord  shall  speak  unto  me : 
and  the  princes  of  Moab  abode  with  Balaam.  And  God  came 
unto  Balaam,  and  said,  What  men  are  these  with  thee .''  And 
Balaam  said  unto  God,  Balak  the  son  of  Zippor,  king  of  Moab, 
hath  sent  unto  me,  saying,  Behold,  there  is  a  people  come  out  of 
Egypt,  which  covereth  the  face  of  the  earth  :  come  now,  curse 
me  them  ;  peradventure  I  shall  be  able  to  overcome  them,  and 
drive  them  out.  And  God  said  unto  Balaam,  Thou  shalt  not  go 
with  them  ;  thou  shalt  not  curse  the  people  :  for  they  are  blessed. 
And  Balaam  rose  up  in  the  morning,  and  said  unto  the  princes 
of  Balak,  Get  you  into  your  land :  for  the  Lord  refuseth  to  give 
me  leave  to  go  with  you.  And  the  princes  of  Moab  rose  up, 
and  they  went  unto  Balak,  and  said,  Balaam  refuseth  to  come 
with  us. 

Ambition  !  powerful  source  of  good  or  ill  ! 

Thy  strength  in  man,  like  length  of  wing  in  birds, 

When  disengaged  from  earth,  with  greater  ease 

And  swifter  flight,  transports  us  to  the  skies. 

By  toys  entangled,  or  in  guile  bemired, 

It  turns  a  curse  :  it  is  our  chain  and  scourge, 

In  this  dark  dungeon,  where  confined  we  lie, 

Close-grated  by  the  sordid  bars  of  sense  ; 

All  prospect  of  eternity  shut  out, 

And,  but  for  execution,  ne'er  set  free. 


196  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE   POETS. 

And  Balak  sent  yet  again  princes,  more,  and  more  honourable 
than  they.  And  they  came  to  Balaam,  and  said  to  him,  Thus 
saith  Balak  the  son  of  Zippor,  Let  nothing,  I  pray  thee,  hinder 
thee  from  coming  unto  me  :  for  I  will  promote  thee  unto  very 
great  honour,  and  I  will  do  whatsoever  thou  sayest  unto  me  : 
come  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  curse  me  this  people.  And  Balaam 
answered  and  said  unto  the  servants  of  Balak,  If  Balak  would 
give  me  his  house  full  of  silver  and  gold,  I  cannot  go  beyond 
the  word  of  the  Lord  my  God,  to  do  less  or  more.  Now  there- 
fore, I  pray  you,  tarry  ye  also  here  this  night,  that  I  may  know 
what  the  Lord  will  say  unto  me  more.  And  God  came  unto 
Balaam  at  night,  and  said  unto  him.  If  the  men  come  to  call 
thee,  rise  up,  and  go  with  them  ;  but  yet  the  word  which  I  shall 
say  unto  thee,  that  shalt  thou  do.  And  Balaam  rose  up  in  the 
morning,  and  saddled  his  ass,  and  went  with  the  princes  of 
Moab. 

In  this  dim  world  of  clouding  cares 
We  rarely  know,  till  'wildered  eyes 
See  white  wings  lessening  up  the  skies, 

The  angels  with  us  unawares. 

And  God's  anger  was  kindled  because  he  went :  and  the  angel 
of  the  Lord  stood  in  the  w^ay  for  an  adversary  against  him.  Now 
he  was  riding  upon  his  ass,  and  his  two  servants  were  with  him. 
And  the  ass  saw  the  angel  of  the  Lord  standing  in  the  way,  and 
his  sword  drawn  in  his  hand  ;  and  the  ass  turned  aside  out  of 
the  way,  and  went  into  the  field  ;  and  Balaam  smote  the  ass,  to 
turn  her  into  the  way.  But  the  angel  of  the  Lord  stood  in  a 
path  of  the  vineyards,  a  wall  being  on  this  side,  and  a  wall  on 
that  side.  And  when  the  ass  saw  the  angel  of  the  Lord,  she 
thrust  herself  unto  the  wall,  and  crushed  Balaam's  foot  against 
the  wall :  and  he  smote  her  again.  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord 
went  further,  and  stood  in  a  narrow  place,  where  was  no  way  to 
turn  either  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left.  And  when  the  ass 
saw  the  angel  of  the  Lord,  she  fell  down  under  Balaam  :  and 
Balaam's  anger  was  kindled,  and  he  smote  the  ass  with  a  staff. 
And  the  Lord  opened  the  mouth  of  the  ass,  and  she  said  unto 
Balaam,  What  have  I  done  unto  thee,  that  thou  hast  smitten  me 
these  three  times .''  And  Balaam  said  unto  the  ass.  Because  thou 
hast  mocked  me :  I  would  there  were  a  sword  in  mine  hand,  for 
now  would  I  kill  thee.     And  the  ass  said  unto  Balaam,  Am  not  I 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  I97 

thine  ass,  upon  which  thou  hast  ridden  ever  since  I  was  thine 
unto  this  day  ?  was  I  ever  wont  to  do  so  unto  thee  ?  And  he 
said,  Nay. 

He  hates  the  hardness  of  a  Balaam's  heart ; 

And  prophet  as  he  was,  he  might  not  strike 

The  blameless  animal,  without  rebuke, 

On  which  he  rode  :  her  opportune  offence 

Saved  him,  or  the  unrelenting  seer  liad  died. 

He  sees  that  human  equity  is  slack 

To  interfere,  though  in  so  just  a  cause, 

And  makes  the  task  His  own  ;  inspiring  dumb 

And  helpless  victims  with  a  sense  so  keen 

Of  injury,  with  such  knowledge  of  their  strength, 

And  such  sagacity  to  take  revenge, 

That  oft  the  beast  has  seemed  to  judge  the  man. 

Then  the  Lord  opened  the  eyes  of  Balaam,  and  he  saw  the  angel 
of  the  Lord  standing  in  the  way,  and  his  sword  drawn  in  his  hand: 
and  he  bowed  down  his  head,  and  fell  flat  on  his  face.  And  the 
angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Wherefore  hast  thou  smitten 
thine  ass  these  three  times  }  Behold,  I  went  out  to  withstand 
thee,  because  thy  way  is  perverse  before  me :  and  the  ass  saw 
me,  and  turned  from  me  these  three  times  :  unless  she  had  turned 
from  me,  surely  now  also  I  had  slain  thee,  and  saved  her  alive. 
And  Balaam  said  unto  the  angel  of  the  Lord,  I  have  sinned  ;  for 
I  knew  not  that  thou  stoodest  in  the  way  against  me  :  now 
therefore,  if  it  displease  thee,  I  will  get  me  back  again.  And  the 
angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  Balaam,  Go  with  the  men  :  but  only 
the  word  that  I  shall  speak  unto  thee,  that  thou  shalt  speak.  So 
Balaam  went  with  the  princes  of  Balak. 

O  for  a  sculptor's  hand,  that  thou  might'st  take  thy  stand, 

Thy  wild  hair  floating  on  the  eastern  breeze. 
Thy  tranced  yet  open  gaze  fixed  on  the  desert  haze, 

As  one  who  deep  in  heaven  some  airy  pageant  sees. 
In  outline  dim  and  vast,  their  fearful  shadows  cast 

The  giant  forms  of  empires,  on  their  way 
To  ruin  ;  one  by  one  they  tower  —  and  they  are  gone  ; 

Yet  in  the  prophet's  soul  the  dreams  of  avarice  stay. 
No  sun  or  star  so  bright  in  all  the  world  of  light, 

That  they  should  draw  to  heaven  his  downward  eye, 
He  hears  the  Almighty's  word,  he  sees  the  angel's  sword, 

Yet  how  upon  the  earth  his  heart  and  treasures  He. 


198  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   LXXXIV. 

balak's  sacrifices.  —  Balaam's  parables. 

O  THE  insensate  labour  men  bestow 

On  worldly  things  !  —  how  weak  those  reasonings  are 

Which  make  them  stoop  their  wings  to  earth  below. 

One  was  pursuing  medicine,  —  one  a  course 

Of  law  ;  —  the  Church  employed  another's  care  ; 

One  strove  to  rule  by  sophistry  or  force  ; 

One  was  on  wicked  gains  by  fraud  intent ; 

By  merchandise  another  ;  this  one  given 

To  fleshly  joys,  on  ease  another  bent. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  that  Balak  took  Balaam, 
and  brought  him  up  into  the  high  places  of  Baal,  that 
thence  he  might  see  the  utmost  part  of  the  people.  And 
Balaam  said  unto  Balak,  Build  me  here  seven  altars,  and  pre- 
pare me  here  seven  oxen  and  seven  rams.  And  Balak  did  as 
Balaam  had  spoken  :  and  Balak  and  Balaam  offered  on  every 
altar  a  bullock  and  a  ram.  And  Balaam  said  unto  Balak,  Stand 
by  thy  burnt  offering,  and  I  will  go :  peradventure  the  Lord 
will  come  to  meet  me,  and  whatsoever  he  sheweth  me  I  will 
tell  thee.  And  he  went  to  a  high  place.  And  the  Lord  put 
a  word  in  Balaam's  mouth,  and  said,  Return  unto  Balak,  and 
thus  thou  shalt  speak.  And  he  returned  unto  him,  and,  lo,  he 
stood  by  his  burnt  sacrifice,  he,  and  all  the  princes  of  Moab. 
And  he  took  up  his  parable,  and  said,  Balak  the  king  of  Moab 
hath  brought  me  from  Aram,  out  of  the  mountains  of  the  east, 
saying,  Come,  curse  me  Jacob,  and  come,  defy  Israel.  How 
shall  I  curse,  whom  God  hath  not  cursed  }  or  how  shall  I  defy, 
whom  the  Lord  hath  not  defied  ?  For  from  the  top  of  the 
rocks  I  see  him,  and  from  the  hills  I  behold  him  :  lo,  the  people 
shall  dwell  alone,  and  shall  not  be  reckoned  among  the  nations. 
Who  can  count  the  dust  of  Jacob,  and  the  number  of  the  fourth 
part  of  Israel  ?  Let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  let 
my  last  end  be  like  his ! 

Be  wise  to-day  ;  'tis  madness  to  defer  : 
Next  day  the  fatal  precedent  will  plead; 
Thus  on,  till  wisdom  is  pushed  out  of  life. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  1 99 

Procrastination  is  the  thief  of  time  ; 
Year  after  year  it  steals,  till  all  are  fled, 
And  to  the  mercies  of  a  moment  leaves 
The  vast  concerns  of  an  eternal  scene. 

And  Balak  said  unto  Balaam,  What  hast  thou  done  unto 
me  ?  I  took  thee  to  curse  mine  enemies,  and,  behokl,  thou  hast 
blessed  them  altogether.  And  he  answered  and  said,  Must  I 
not  take  heed  to  speak  that  which  the  Lord  hath  put  in  my 
mouth .''  And  Balak  said  unto  him,  Come,  I  pray  thee,  with 
me  unto  another  place,  from  whence  thou  mayest  see  them  : 
thou  shalt  see  but  the  utmost  part  of  them,  and  shalt  not  see 
them  all :  and  curse  me  them  from  thence. 

And  he  brought  him  into  the  field  of  Zophim,  to  the  top  of 
Pisgah,  and  built  seven  altars,  and  offered  a  bullock  and  a  ram 
on  every  altar.  And  he  said  unto  Balak,  Stand  here  by  thy 
burnt  offering,  while  I  meet  the  Lord  yonder.  And  the  Lord 
met  Balaam,  and  put  a  word  in  his  mouth,  and  said,  Go  again 
unto  Balak,  and  say  thus.  And  when  he  came  to  him,  behold, 
he  stood  by  his  burnt  offering,  and  the  princes  of  Moab  with 
him.  And  Balak  said  unto  him,  What  hath  the  Lord  spoken  .-• 
And  he  took  up  his  parable,  and  said,  Rise  up,  Balak,  and  hear ; 
hearken  unto  me,  thou  son  of  Zippor :  God  is  not  a  man,  that 
he  should  lie :  neither  the  son  of  man,  that  he  should  repent  : 
hath  he  said,  and  shall  he  not  do  it .''  or  hath  he  spoken,  and 
shall  he  not  make  it  good .''  Behold,  I  have  received  command- 
ment to  bless  :  and  he  hath  blessed  ;  and  I  cannot  reverse  it. 
He  hath  not  beheld  iniquity  in  Jacob,  neither  hath  he  seen 
perverseness  in  Israel :  the  Lord  his  God  is  with  him,  and  the 
shout  of  a  king  is  among  them.  God  brought  them  out  of 
Egypt  ;  he  hath  as  it  were  the  strength  of  a  unicorn.  Surely 
there  is  no  enchantment  against  Jacob,  neither  is  there  any 
divination  against  Israel :  according  to  this  time  it  shall  be 
said  of  Jacob  and  of  Israel,  What  hath  God  wrought !  Behold, 
the  people  shall  rise  up  as  a  great  lion,  and  lift  up  himself  as  a 
young  lion  :  he  shall  not  lie  down  until  he  eat  of  the  prey,  and 
drink  the  blood  of  the  slain. 

And  Balak  said  unto  Balaam,  Neither  curse  them  at  all,  nor 
bless  them  at  all.  But  Balaam  answered  and  said  unto  Balak, 
Told  not  I  thee,  saying,  All  that  the  Lord  speaketh,  that  I 
must  do .'' 


20O  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

The  Maker  justly  claims  the  world  He  made, 
In  this  the  right  of  Providence  is  laid  ; 
Its  sacred  majesty  through  all  depends 
Or  using  second  means  to  work  His  ends  : 
'Tis  thus,  withdrawn  in  state  from  human  eye, 
The  power  exerts  His  attributes  on  high, 
Your  action  uses,  nor  controls  your  will, 
And  bids  the  doubting  sons  of  men  be  stilL 


CHAPTER  LXXXV. 

Balaam's  prophecies. 

We  in  the  tents  abide,  which  he  at  distance  eyed, 

Like  goodly  cedars  by  the  waters  spread, 

While  seven  red  altar-fires  rose  up  in  wavy  spires, 

Where  on  the  mount  he  watched  his  sorceries  dark  and  dread. 

He  watched  till  morning's  ray  on  lake  and  meadow  lay, 

And  willow-shaded  streams  that  silent  sweep 

Around  the  bannered  lines,  where,  by  their  several  signs, 

The  desert-wearied  tribes  in  sight  of  Canaan  sleep. 

AND  when  Balaam  saw  that  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bless 
Israel,  he  went  not,  as  at  other  times,  to  seek  for  enchant- 
ments, but  he  set  his  face  toward  the  wilderness.  And  Balaam 
lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  he  saw  Israel  abiding  in  his  tents  accord- 
ing to  their  tribes  ;  and  the  Spirit  of  God  came  upon  him.  And 
he  took  up  his  parable,  and  said,  Balaam  the  son  of  Beor  hath 
said,  and  the  man  whose  eyes  are  open  hath  said  :  he  hath  said, 
which  heard  the  words  of  God,  which  saw  the  vision  of  the 
Almighty,  falling  into  a  trance,  but  having  his  eyes  open  :  How 
goodly  are  thy  tents,  O  Jacob,  and  thy  tabernacles,  O  Israel! 
As  the  valleys  are  they  spread  forth,  as  gardens  by  the  river's 
side,  as  the  trees  of  lignaloes  which  the  Lord  hath  planted,  and 
as  cedar  trees  beside  the  waters.  He  shall  pour  the  water  out 
of  his  buckets,  and  his  seed  shall  be  in  many  waters,  and  his 
king  shall  be  higher  than  Agag,  and  his  kingdom  shall  be 
exalted.  God  brought  him  forth  out  of  Egypt  ;  he  hath  as  it 
were  the  strength  of  a  unicorn  :  he  shall  eat  up  the  nations  his 
enemies,  and  shall  break  their  bones,  and  pierce  them  through 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  201 

with  his  arrows.  He  couched,  he  lay  down  as  a  Hon,  and  as  a 
great  Hon:  who  shall  stir  him  up?  Blessed  is  he  that  blesscth 
thee,  and  cursed  is  he  that  curseth  thee. 

He  watched  till  knowledge  came  upon  his  soul  like  flame, 
Not  of  those  magic  fires  at  random  caught ; 
But  true  prophetic  light  flashed  o'er  him,  high  and  bright, 
Flashed  once,  and  died  away,  and  left  his  darkened  thought. 

And  can  he  choose  but  fear,  who  feels  his  God  so  near, 
That,  when  he  fain  would  curse,  his  powerless  tongue 
In  blessing  only  moves  ?  —  alas  !  the  world  he  loves 
Too  close  around  his  heart  her  tanghng  veil  hath  flung. 

And  Balak's  anger  was  kindled  against  Balaam,  and  he  smote 
his  hands  together :  and  Balak  said  unto  Balaam,  I  called  thee 
to  curse  mine  enemies,  and,  behold,  thou  hast  altogether  blessed 
them  these  three  times.  Therefore  now  flee  thou  to  thy  place  : 
I  thought  to  promote  thee  unto  great  honour ;  but,  lo,  the  Lord 
hath  kept  thee  back  from  honour.  And  Balaam  said  unto  Balak, 
Spake  I  not  also  to  thy  messengers  which  thou  sentest  unto  me, 
saying.  If  Balak  would  give  me  his  house  full  of  silver  and  gold, 
I  cannot  go  beyond  the  commandment  of  the  Lord,  to  do  either 
good  or  bad  of  mine  own  mind  ;  but  what  the  Lord  saith,  that 
will  I  speak }  And  now,  behold,  I  go  unto  my  people :  come 
therefore,  and  I  will  advertise  thee  what  this  people  shall  do  to 
thy  people  in  the  latter  days. 

A  star  shall  break  through  yonder  skies, 

And  beam  on  every  nation's  sight : 
From  yonder  ranks  a  sceptre  rise. 

And  bow  the  nations  to  its  might: 
I  see  their  glorious  strength  afar  — 
All  hail,  mild  Sceptre  !     Hail,  bright  Star ! 

And  who  am  I,  for  whom  is  flung 

Aside  the  shrouding  veil  of  time? 
The  seer  whose  rebel  soul  is  wrung, 

By  wrath,  and  prophecy,  and  crime  — 
The  future,  as  the  past,  I  see, 
Woe  then,  for  Moab  !     Woe  for  me  ! 

And  he  took  up  his  parable,  and  said,  Balaam  the  son  of  Beor 
hath  said,  and  the  man  whose  eyes  are  open  hath  said  :  he  hath 
said,  which  heard  the  words  of  God,  and  knew  the  knowledge 
of  the  Most  High,  which  saw  the  vision  of  the  Almighty,  falling 


202  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

into  a  trance,  but  having  liis  eyes  open  :  I  shall  see  him,  but  not 
now :  I  shall  behold  him,  but  not  nigh  :  there  shall  come  a  Star 
out  of  Jacob,  and  a  Sceptre  shall  rise  out  of  Israel,  and  shall 
smite  the  corners  of  Moab,  and  destroy  all  the  children  of  Sheth. 
And  Edom  shall  be  a  possession,  Seir  also  shall  be  a  possession 
for  his  enemies  ;  and  Israel  shall  do  valiantly.  Out  of  Jacob 
shall  come  he  that  shall  have  dominion,  and  shall  destroy  him 
that  remaineth  of  the  city. 

Lo,  Jacob's  Star,  in  vision  seen  by  Balaam's  wondering  eye  ! 
It  bursts  upon  the  nations  now,  the  Day-spring  from  on  high  ! 


CHAPTER    LXXXVI. 

THE    CENSUS    OPPOSITE    JERICHO. JOSHUA    APPOINTED    TO 

SUCCEED    MOSES. 

God  for  His  service  needeth  not  proud  work  of  human  skill ; 
They  please  Him  best  who  labour  most  to  do  in  peace  His  will : 
So  let  us  strive  to  live,  and  to  our  spirits  will  be  given 
Such  wings  as,  when  our  Saviour  calls,  shall  bear  us  up  to  heaven. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  after  the  plague,  that  the  Lord  spake 
unto  Moses  and  unto  Eleazar  the  son  of  Aaron  the  priest, 
saying,  Take  the  sum  of  all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  throughout  their 
fathers'  house,  all  that  are  able  to  go  to  war  in  Israel.  These 
were  the  numbered  of  the  children  of  Israel,  six  hundred  thou- 
sand and  a  thousand  seven  hundred  and  thirty.  And  these  are 
they  that  were  numbered  of  the  Levites  after  their  families  :  and 
those  that  w^ere  numbered  of  them  were  twenty  and  three  thou- 
sand, all  males  from  a  month  old  and  upward  :  for  they  were  not 
numbered  among  the  children  of  Israel,  because  there  was  no 
inheritance  given  them  among  the  children  of  Israel. 

What  exhibitions  various  hath  the  world 
Witnessed  of  mutability  in  all 
That  we  account  most  durable  below  ! 
Change  is  the  diet  on  which  all  subsist, 
Created  changeable,  and  change  at  last 
Destroys  them. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  203 

These  are  they  that  were  numbered  by  Moses  and  Eleazar  the 
priest,  who  numbered  the  children  of  Israel  in  the  plains  of  Moab 
by  Jordan  near  Jericho.  But  among  these  there  was  not  a  man 
of  them  whom  Moses  and  Aaron  the  priest  numbered,  when 
they  numbered  the  children  of  Israel  in  the  wilderness  of  Sinai. 
For  the  Lord  had  said  of  them,  They  shall  surely  die  in  the  wil- 
derness. And  there  was  not  left  a  man  of  them,  save  Caleb  the 
son  of  Jephunneh,  and  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun. 

Lord,  what  am  I  ?     A  worm,  dust,  vapour,  nothing ! 

What  is  my  lite .-"     A  dream,  a  daily  dying  ! 
What  is  my  flesh  .-*     My  soul's  uneasy  clothing  ! 
What  is  my  time  ?     A  minute  ever  flying; 
My  time,  my  flesh ,  my  life,  and  I, 
What  are  we,  Lord,  but  vanity  ? 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Get  thee  up  into  this  mount 
Abarim,  and  see  the  land  which  I  have  given  unto  the  children 
of  Israel.  And  when  thou  hast  seen  it,  thou  also  shalt  be 
gathered  unto  thy  people,  as  Aaron  thy  brother  was  gathered. 
For  ye  rebelled  against  my  commandment  in  the  desert  of  Zin, 
in  the  strife  of  the  congregation,  to  sanctify  me  at  the  water 
before  their  eyes  :  that  is  the  water  of  Meribah  in  Kadesh  in  the 
wilderness  of  Zin. 

And  Moses  spake  unto  the  Lord,  saying.  Let  the  Lord,  the 
God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  set  a  man  over  the  congregation, 
which  may  go  out  before  them,  and  which  may  go  in  before 
them,  and  which  may  lead  them  out,  and  which  may  bring  them 
in  ;  that  the  congregation  of  the  Lord  be  not  as  sheep  which 
have  no  shepherd. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Take  thee  Joshua  the  son  of 
Nun,  a  man  in  whom  is  the  spirit,  and  lay  thine  hand  upon  him  ; 
and  set  him  before  Eleazar  the  priest,  and  before  all  the  congre- 
gation ;  and  give  him  a  charge  in  their  sight.  And  thou  shalt 
put  some  of  thine  honour  upon  him,  that  all  the  congregation 
of  the  children  of  Israel  may  be  obedient.  And  he  shall  stand 
before  Eleazar  the  priest,  who  shall  ask  counsel  for  him  after  the 
judgment  of  Urim  before  the  Lord  :  at  his  word  shall  they  go 
out,  and  at  his  word  they  shall  come  in,  both  he,  and  all  the 
children  of  Israel  with  him,  even  all  the  congregation.  And 
Moses  did  as  the  Lord  commanded  him  :  and  he  took  Joshua, 
and  set  him  before  Eleazar  the  priest,  and  before  all  the  congre- 


204  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

gation :  and  he  laid  his  hands  upon  him,  and  gave  him  a  charge, 
as  the  Lord  commanded  by  the  hand  of  Moses. 

More  sweet  than  odours  caught  by  him  who  sails 
Near  spicy  shores  of  Araby  the  blest  — 
A  thousand  times  more  exquisitely  sweet 
The  freight  of  holy  feeling  which  we  meet, 
In  thoughtful  moments  —  wafted  by  the  gales 
From  fields  where  good  men  walk, 
Or  bowers  wherein  they  rest. 


CHAPTER   LXXXVII. 

BLESSINGS    PROMISED. CURSES   THREATENED. 

Thou  art  the  source  and  centre  of  all  minds, 
Their  only  point  of  rest,  eternal  Word  ! 
From  Thee  departing,  they  are  lost,  and  rove 
At  random,  without  honour,  hope,  or  peace. 
From  Thee  is  all  tliat  soothes  the  life  of  man, 
His  high  endeavour,  and  his  glad  success. 
His  strength  to  suffer,  and  his  will  to  serve. 
But  O  Thou  bounteous  Giver  of  all  good. 
Thou  art  of  all  Thy  gifts  Thyself  the  crown  ! 
Give  what  Thou  canst,  without  Thee  we  are  poor ; 
And  with  Thee  rich,  take  what  Thou  wilt  away. 

AND  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  thou  shalt  hearken  diligently 
unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  observe  and  to  do 
all  his  commandments  which  I  command  thee  this  day,  that  the 
Lord  thy  God  will  set  thee  on  high  above  all  nations  of  the 
earth  :  and  all  these  blessings  shall  come  on  thee,  and  overtake 
thee,  if  thou  shalt  hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 

Blessed  shalt  thou  be  in  the  city,  and  blessed  shalt  thou  be  in 
the  field. 

Blessed  shall  be  the  fruit  of  thy  body  and  the  fruit  of  thy 
ground,  and  the  fruit  of  thy  cattle,  the  increase  of  thy  kine, 
and  the  flocks  of  thy  sheep. 

Blessed  shall  be  thy  basket  and  thy  store. 

Blessed  shalt  thou  be  when  thou  comest  in,  and  blessed  shalt 
thou  be  when  thou  goest  out. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  205 

The  Lord  shall  cause  thine  enemies  that  rise  up  against  thee  to 
be  smitten  before  thy  face :  they  shall  come  out  against  thee  one 
way,  and  flee  before  thee  seven  ways.  The  Lord  shall  command 
the  blessing  upon  thee  in  thy  storehouses,  and  in  all  that  thou  set- 
test  thine  hand  unto  ;  and  he  shall  bless  thee  in  the  land  which 
the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee.  The  Lord  shall  establish  thee  a 
holy  people  unto  himself,  as  he  hath  sworn  unto  thee,  if  thou 
shalt  keep  the  commandments  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  walk 
in  his  ways.  And  all  people  of  the  earth  shall  see  that  thou  art 
called  by  the  name  of  the  Lord  ;  and  they  shall  be  afraid  of 
thee.  And  the  Lord  shall  make  thee  plenteous  in  goods,  in  the 
fruit  of  thy  body,  and  in  the  fruit  of  thy  cattle,  and  in  the  fruit 
of  thy  ground,  in  the  land  which  the  Lord  sware  unto  thy 
fathers  to  give  thee.  The  Lord  shall  open  unto  thee  his  good 
treasure,  the  heaven  to  give  the  rain  unto  thy  land  in  his  season, 
and  to  bless  all  the  work  of  thine  hand :  and  thou  shalt  lend 
unto  many  nations,  and  thou  shalt  not  borrow.  And  the  Lord 
shall  make  thee  the  head,  and  not  the  tail ;  and  thou,  shalt 
be  above  only,  and  thou  shalt  not  be  beneath  ;  if  that  thou 
hearken  unto  the  commandments  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  which 
I  command  thee  this  day,  to  observe  and  to  do  them :  and 
thou  shalt  not  go  aside  from  any  of  the  words  which  I  command 
thee  this  day,  to  the  right  hand,  or  to  the  left,  to  go  after  other 
gods  to  serve  them. 

New  Egypts  yet,  and  second  bonds  remain, 
A  harsher  Pharaoh,  and  a  heavier  chain. 
Again,  obedient  to  a  dire  command, 
Thy  captive  sons  shall  leave  the  Promised  Land ; 
Their  name  more  low,  their  servitude  more  vile, 
Shall  on  Euphrates'  bank  renew  the  grief  of  Nile. 

Afflicted  Israel  shall  sit  weeping  down, 

Fast  by  the  streams  where  Babel's  waters  run, 

Their  harps  upon  the  neighbouring  willows  hung, 

Nor  joyous  hymn  encouraging  their  tongue, 

Nor  cheerful  dance  their  feet ;  with  toil  oppressed, 

Their  wearied  limbs  aspiring  but  to  rest. 

But  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  thou  wilt  not  hearken  unto  the 
voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  observe  to  do  all  his  command- 
ments and  his  statutes  which  I  command  thee  this  day  ;  that 
all  these  curses  shall  come  upon  thee,  and  overtake  thee : 


206  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Cursed  shalt  thou  be  in  the  city,  and  cursed  shalt  thou  be 
in  the  field. 

Cursed  shall  be  thy  basket  and  thy  store. 

Cursed  shall  be  the  fruit  of  thy  body,  and  the  fruit  of  thy  land, 
the  increase  of  thy  kine,  and  the  flocks  of  thy  sheep. 

Cursed  shalt  thou  be  when  thou  comest  in,  and  cursed  shalt 
thou  be  when  thou  goest  out. 

The  Lord  shall  send  upon  thee  cursing,  vexation,  and  rebuke, 
in  all  that  thou  settest  thine  hand  unto  for  to  do,  until  thou 
be  destroyed,  and  until  thou  perish  quickly ;  because  of  the 
wickedness  of  thy  doings,  whereby  thou  hast  forsaken  me. 
The  Lord  shall  make  the  pestilence  cleave  unto  thee,  until 
he  have  consumed  thee  from  off  the  land,  whither  thou  goest 
to  possess  it.  The  Lord  shall  smite  thee  with  a  consumption, 
and  with  a  fever,  and  with  an  inflammation,  and  with  an  extreme 
burning,  and  with  the  sword,  and  with  blasting,  and  with  mildew  ; 
and  they  shall  pursue  thee  until  thou  perish.  And  thy  heaven 
that  is  over  thy  head  shall  be  brass,  and  the  earth  that  is  under 
thee  shall  be  iron.  The  Lord  shall  make  the  rain  of  thy  land 
powder  and  dust :  from  heaven  shall  it  come  down  upon  thee, 
until  thou  be  destroyed.  The  Lord  shall  cause  thee  to  be 
smitten  before  thine  enemies  :  thou  shalt  go  out  one  way 
against  them,  and  flee  seven  ways  before  them  ;  and  shalt  be 
removed  into  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth.  The  Lord  shall 
smite  thee  with  madness,  and  blindness,  and  astonishment  of 
heart :  and  thou  shalt  grope  at  noonday,  as  the  blind  gropeth 
in  darkness,  and  thou  shalt  not  prosper  in  thy  ways  :  and  thou 
shalt  be  only  oppressed  and  spoiled  evermore,  and  no  man  shall 
save  thee.  The  Lord  shall  bring  thee,  and  thy  king  which  thou 
shalt  set  over  thee,  unto  a  nation  which  neither  thou  nor  thy 
fathers  have  known  ;  and  there  shalt  thou  serve  other  gods, 
wood  and  stone.  And  thou  shalt  become  an  astonishment, 
a  proverb,  and  a  byword,  among  all  nations  whither  the  Lord 
shall  lead  thee.  And  the  Lord  shall  scatter  thee  among  all 
people,  from  the  one  end  of  the  earth  even  unto  the  other ;  and 
there  thou  shalt  serve  other  gods,  which  neither  thou  nor  thy 
fathers  have  known,  even  wood  and  stone.  And  among  these 
nations  shalt  thou  find  no  ease,  neither  shall  the  soul  of  thy  foot 
have  rest :  but  the  Lord  shall  give  thee  there  a  trembling  heart, 
and  failing  of  eyes,  and  sorrow  of  mind  :  and  thy  life  shall  hang 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  207 

in  doubt  before  thee  ;  and  thou  shalt  fear  day  and  night,  and 
shalt  have  none  assurance  of  thy  hfe  :  in  the  morning  thou 
shalt  say,  Would  God  it  were  even !  and  at  even  thou  shalt 
say.  Would  God  it  were  morning !  for  the  fear  of  thine  heart 
wherewith  thou  shalt  fear,  and  for  the  sight  of  thine  eyes  which 
thou  shalt  see. 

That  strain  once  more  !  it  bids  remembrance  rise, 

And  calls  my  long-lost  country  to  mine  eyes. 

Ye  fields  of  Sharon,  dressed  in  flowery  pride  ; 

Ye  plains,  where  Jordan  rolls  its  glassy  tide  ; 

Ye  hills  of  Lebanon,  with  cedars  crowned ; 

Ye  Gilead  groves,  that  fling  perfumes  around : 

These  hills  how  sweet!  those  plains  how  wondrous  fair! 

But  sweeter  still  when  Heaven  was  with  us  there. 


CHAPTER   LXXXVIII. 

MOSES    SINGS    OF    VENGEANCE    AND    MERCY. 

The  Lord  is  great  !  His  majesty  how  glorious  ! 

Resound  His  praise  from  shore  to  shore  ; 
O'er  sin,  and  death,  and  hell,  now  made  victorious, 

He  rules  and  reigns  for  evermore. 

The  Lord  is  great !  His  mercy,  how  abounding  ! 

Ye  angels,  strike  your  golden  chords  ; 
Oh,  praise  our  God,  with  voice  and  harp  resounding, 

The  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords. 

GIVE  ear,  O  ye  heavens,  and  I  will  speak  ;  and  hear,  O  earth, 
the  words  of  my  mouth.  My  doctrine  shall  drop  as  the 
rain,  my  speech  shall  distil  as  the  dew,  as  the  small  rain  upon 
the  tender  herb,  and  as  the  showers  upon  the  grass  :  because  I 
will  publish  the  name  of  the  Lord  :  ascribe  ye  greatness  unto 
our  God.  He  is  the  Rock,  his  work  is  perfect  ;  for  all  his  ways 
are  judgment :  a  God  of  truth  and  without  iniquity,  just  and 
right  is  he.  They  have  corrupted  themselves,  their  spot  is  not 
the  spot  of  his  children  :  they  are  a  perverse  and  crooked  gen- 
eration. Do  ye  thus  requite  the  Lord,  O  foolish  people  and 
unwise }  is  not  he  thy  father  that  hath  bought  thee .'  hath  he 
not  made  thee,  and  established  thee  ? 


208  THE  BIBLE  AxWD    THE  POETS. 

When  Babel  was  confounded,  and  the  great 
Confederacy  of  projects  wild  and  vain 
Was  split  into  diversity  of  tongues, 
Then,  as  a  shepherd  separates  his  flock. 
These  to  the  upland,  to  the  valley  those, 
God  drave  asunder  and  assigned  their  lot 
To  all  the  nations.     Ample  was  the  boon 
He  gave  them,  in  its  distribution  fair 
And  equal,  and  He  bade  them  dwell  in  peace. 

Remember  the  days  of  old,  consider  the  years  of  many  genera- 
tions :  ask  thy  father,  and  he  will  shew  thee  ;  thy  elders,  and  they 
will  tell  thee.  When  the  Most  High  divided  to  the  nations  their 
inheritance,  when  he  separated  the  sons  of  Adam,  he  set  the 
bounds  of  the  people  according  to  the  number  of  the  children  of 
Israel.  For  the  Lord's  portion  is  his  people  ;  Jacob  is  the  lot 
of  his  inheritance.  He  found  him  in  a  desert  land,  and  in  the 
waste  howling  wilderness  ;  he  led  him  about,  he  instructed  him, 
he  kept  him  as  the  apple  of  his  eye.  As  an  eagle  stirreth  up  her 
nest,  fluttereth  over  her  young,  spreadeth  abroad  her  wings, 
taketh  them,  beareth  them  on  her  wings  ;  so  the  Lord  alone  did 
lead  him,  and  there  was  no  strange  god  with  him.  He  made 
him  ride  on  the  high  places  of  the  earth,  that  he  might  eat  the 
increase  of  the  fields  ;  and  he  made  him  to  suck  honey  out  of  the 
rock,  and  oil  out  of  the  flinty  rock  ;  butter  of  kine,  and  milk  of 
sheep,  with  fat  of  lambs,  and  rams  of  the  breed  of  Bash  an,  and 
goats,  with  the  fat  of  kidneys  of  wheat ;  and  thou  didst  drink 
the  pure  blood  of  the  grape. 

Even  as  a  nurse,  whose  child's  imperfect  pace 
Can  hardly  lead  his  foot  from  place  to  place, 
Leaves  her  fond  kissing,  sets  him  down  to  go, 
Nor  does  uphold  him  for  a  step  or  two  ; 
But  when  she  finds  that  he  begins  to  fall. 
She  holds  him  up  and  kisses  him  withal ;  — 
So  God  from  man  sometimes  withdraws  his  hand 
Awhile,  to  teach  his  infant  faith  to  stand. 
But  when  He  sees  his  feeble  strength  begin 
To  fail.  He  gently  takes  him  up  again. 

But  Jeshurun  waxed  fat,  and  kicked :  thou  art  waxen  fat,  thou 
art  grown  thick,  thou  art  covered  with  fatness  ;  then  he  forsook 
God  which  made  him,  and  lightly  esteemed  the  Rock  of  his  sal- 
vation. They  provoked  him  to  jealousy  with  strange  gods,  with 
abominations  provoked  they  him  to  anger.     And  when  the  Lord 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  209 

saw  it,  he  abhorred  them,  because  of  the  provoking  of  his  sons, 
and  of  his  daughters.  And  he  said,  I  will  hide  my  face  from 
them,  I  will  see  what  their  end  shall  be  :  for  they  are  a  very 
froward  generation,  children  in  whom  is  no  faith.  They  have 
moved  me  to  jealousy  with  that  which  is  not  God  ;  they  have 
provoked  me  to  anger  with  their  vanities  :  and  I  will  move  them 
to  jealousy  with  those  which  are  not  a  people ;  I  will  provoke 
them  to  anger  with  a  foolish  nation.  For  a  fire  is  kindled  in 
mine  anger,  and  shall  burn  unto  the  lowest  hell,  and  shall  con- 
sume the  earth  with  her  increase,  and  set  on  fire  the  foundations 
of  the  mountains. 

As  the  light  Leaf,  whose  fall  to  ruin  bears 

Some  trembling  insect's  little  world  of  cares, 

Descends  in  silence,  while  around  waves  on  ' 

The  mighty  Forest,  reckless  what  is  gone  ! 

Such  is  man's  doom  —  and  ere  an  hour  be  flown, 

Reflect,  thou  trifler,  such  may  be  thine  own  ! 

Oh  that  they  were  wise,  that  they  understood  this,  that  they 
would  consider  their  latter  end  !  How  should  one  chase  a  thou- 
sand, and  two  put  ten  thousand  to  flight,  except  their  rock  had 
sold  them,  and  the  Lord  had  shut  them  up .-'  For  their  rock  is 
not  as  our  Rock,  even  our  enemies  themselves  being  judges. 
For  their  vine  is  of  the  vine  of  Sodom,  and  of  the  fields  of  Go- 
morrah :  their  grapes  are  grapes  of  gall,  their  clusters  are  bitter : 
their  wine  is  the  poison  of  dragons,  and  the  cruel  venom  of  asps. 
Is  not  this  laid  up  in  store  with  me,  and  sealed  up  among  my 
treasures  t  To  me  belongeth  vengeance,  and  recompense  ;  their 
foot  shall  slide  in  due  time  :  for  the  day  of  their  calamity  is  at 
hand,  and  the  things  that  shall  come  upon  them  make  haste. 
For  the  Lord  shall  judge  his  people,  and  repent  himself  for  his 
servants,  when  he  seeth  that  their  power  is  gone,  and  there  is 
none  shut  up,  or  left.  And  he  shall  say,  Where  are  their  gods, 
their  rock  in  whom  they  trusted,  which  did  eat  the  fat  of  their 
sacrifices,  and  drank  the  wine  of  their  drink  offerings  }  let  them 
rise  up  and  help  you,  and  be  your  protection.  See  now  that  I, 
even  I,  am  he,  and  there  is  no  god  with  me :  I  kill,  and  I  make 
alive  ;  I  wound,  and  I  heal :  neither  is  there  any  that  can  de- 
liver out  of  my  hand.  For  I  lift  up  my  hand  to  heaven,  and 
say,  I  live  for  ever.     If  I  whet  my  glittering  sword,  and  mine 

14 


2IO  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

hand  take  hold  on  judgment ;  I  will  render  vengeance  to  mine 
enemies,  and  will  reward  them  that  hate  me.  I  will  make  mine 
arrows  drunk  with  blood,  and  my  sword  shall  devour  flesh  ;  and 
that  with  the  blood  of  the  slain  and  of  the  captives  from  the 
beginning  of  revenges  upon  the  enemy.  Rejoice,  O  ye  nations, 
with  his  people  :  for  he  will  avenge  the  blood  of  his  servants,  and 
will  render  vengeance  to  his  adversaries,  and  will  be  merciful 
unto  his  land,  and  to  his  people. 


CHAPTER   LXXXIX. 

MOSES    BLESSES  ISRAEL. HE  VIEWS  CANAAN  FROM  NEBO. 

HIS   HIDDEN    GRAVE. 

Blest  scene  !  thrice  welcome  after  toil — if  no  deceit  I  view; 
Oh !  might  my  lips  but  press  the  soil,  and  prove  the  vision  true  ! 
Its  glorious  heights,  its  wealthy  plains,  its  many-tinted  groves, 
They  call !  but  He  my  steps  restrains,  who  chastens  whom  He  loves. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  that  selfsame  day,  saying, 
Get  thee  up  into  this  mountain  Abarim,  unto  mount  Nebo, 
which  is  in  the  land  of  Moab,  that  is  over  against  Jericho  ;  and 
behold  the  land  of  Canaan,  which  I  give  unto  the  children  of 
Israel  for  a  possession  :  and  die  in  the  mount  whither  thou  goest 
up,  and  be  gathered  unto  thy  people  ;  as  Aaron  thy  brother  died 
in  mount  Hor,  and  was  gathered  unto  his  people  :  because  ye 
trespassed  against  me  among  the  children  of  Israel  at  the  waters 
of  Meribah-Kadesh,  in  the  wilderness  of  Zin  ;  because  ye  sancti- 
fied me  not  in  the  midst  of  the  children  of  Israel.  Yet  thou 
shalt  see  the  land  before  thee  ;  but  thou  shalt  not  go  thither 
unto  the  land  which  I  give  the  children  of  Israel. 

O  Israeli,  O  householde  of  the  Lorde, 
O  Abraham's  Brattes,  O  broode  of  blessed  seede, 
O  chosen  sheepe  that  loue  the  Lorde  indeede  ! 
O  hungrye  heartes,  feede  styll  vpon  His  worde, 
And  put  your  trust  in  Him  with  one  accorde  ! 
For  Hee  hath  merc3'e  evermore  at  hande  ; 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  211 

His  fountaines  flowe,  His  springes  doe  neuer  stande  : 
And  plenteouslye  Hee  louetii  to  redeeme 

Such  sinners  all,  as  on  Him  call, 
And  faithfully  His  mercies  most  esteeme. 

And  this  is  the  blessing,  wherewith  Moses  the  man  of  God 
blessed  the  children  of  Israel  before  his  death.  And  he  said, 
The  Lord  came  from  Sinai,  and  rose  up  from  Seir  unto  them  ; 
he  shined  forth  from  mount  Paran,  and  he  came  with  ten  thou- 
sands of  saints  :  from  his  right  hand  went  a  fiery  law  for  them. 
Yea,  he  loved  the  people  ;  all  his  saints  are  in  thy  hand  :  and 
they  sat  down  at  thy  feet ;  every  one  shall  receive  of  thy  words. 
Moses  commanded  us  a  law,  even  the  inheritance  of  the  congre- 
gation of  Jacob.  And  he  was  king  in  Jeshurun,  when  the  heads 
of  the  people  and  the  tribes  of  Israel  were  gathered  together. 

Infinite  God,  Thou  great  unrivalled  One  ! 
Whose  glory  makes  a  blot  of  yonder  sun  ! 
Compared  with  Thine,  how  dim  his  beauty  seems  ! 
How  quenched  the  radiance  of  his  golden  beams  ! 
Thou  art  my  bliss,  the  light  by  which  I  move ; 
In  Thee  alone  dwells  all  that  I  can  love. 

There  is  none  like  unto  the  God  of  Jeshurun,  who  rideth  upon 
the  heaven  in  thy  help,  and  in  his  excellency  on  the  sky.  The 
eternal  God  is  thy  refuge,  and  underneath  are  the  everlasting 
arms :  and  he  shall  thrust  out  the  enemy  from  before  thee  ;  and 
shall  say.  Destroy  them.  Israel  then  shall  dwell  in  safety  alone  : 
the  fountain  of  Jacob  shall  be  upon  a  land  of  corn  and  wine  ; 
also  his  heavens  shall  drop  down  dew.  Happy  art  thou,  O 
Israel :  who  is  like  unto  thee,  O  people  saved  by  the  Lord,  the 
shield  of  thy  help,  and  who  is  the  sword  of  thy  excellency !  and 
thine  enemies  shall  be  found  liars  unto  thee  ;  and  thou  shalt 
tread  upon  their  high  places. 

Now  quiet  soul  depart  when  Heaven  shall  please: 
What  is  the  trust  or  strength  of  foolish  man  ? 
E'en  kings  and  mightiest  potentates  must  die, 
For  that's  the  end  of  human  misery. 

And  Moses  went  up  from  the  plains  of  Moab  unto  the  moun- 
tain of  Nebo,  to  the  top  of  Pisgah,  that  is  over  against  Jericho  : 
and  the  Lord  shewed  him  all  the  land  of  Gilead,  unto  Dan,  and 
all  Naphtali,  and  the  land  of  Ephraim,  and  Manasseh,  and  all  the 


212  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

land  of  Judah,  unto  the  utmost  sea,  and  the  south,  and  the  plain 
of  the  valley  of  Jericho,  the  city  of  palm  trees,  unto  Zoar.  And 
the  Lord  said  unto  him,  This  is  the  land  which  I  sware  unto 
Abraham,  unto  Isaac,  and  unto  Jacob,  saying,  I  will  give  it  unto 
thy  seed  :  I  have  caused  thee  to  see  it  with  thine  eyes,  but  thou 
shalt  not  go  over  thither. 

What  lofty  obsequies  were  rendered 
That  hour  when  Darkness  held  the  pall ! 

What  pomp,  where  stood  in  clouds  pavihoned, 
The  silent,  present  Lord  of  All ! 

How  blest  the  man,  whose  dust  Jehovah 

Hid  in  a  grave  that's  yet  untrod  ! 
Thrice  blessed  he,  that  soul  most  happy, 

Whose  LIFE  IS  HID,  with  Christ,  in  God  ! 

So  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord  died  there  in  the  land  of 
Moab,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord.  And  be  buried  him 
in  a  valley  in  the  land  of  Moab,  over  against  Beth-peor :  but  no 
man  knoweth  of  his  sepulchre  unto  this  day.  And  Moses  was 
a  hundred  and  twenty  years  old  when  he  died  :  his  eye  was  not 
dim,  nor  his  natural  force  abated. 

Though  I  look  old,  yet  am  I  strong  and  lusty  ; 
For  in  my  youth  I  never  did  apply 
Hot  and  rebeUious  liquors  in  my  blood  ; 
Nor  did  I  with  unbashful  forehead  woo 
The  means  of  weakness  and  debility : 
Therefore  my  age  is  as  a  lusty  winter, 
Frosty,  but  kindly. 

See,  what  a  grace  was  seated  on  his  brow : 
Hyperion's  curls  ;  the  front  of  Jove  himself; 
An  eye  like  Mars,  to  threaten  and  command ; 
A  station  like  the  herald  Mercury, 
New-lighted  on  a  heaven-kissing  hill; 
A  combination,  and  a  form,  indeed, 
Where  every  god  did  seem  to  set  his  seal, 
To  give  the  world  assurance  of  a  man. 

And  there  arose  not  a  prophet  since  in  Israel  like  unto  Moses, 
whom  the  Lord  knew  face  to  face,  in  all  the  signs  and  the  won- 
ders which  the  Lord  sent  him  to  do  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  to 
Pharaoh,  and  to  all  his  servants,  and  to  all  his  land,  and  in  all 
that  mighty  hand,  and  in  all  the  great  terror  which  Moses  shewed 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  21 3 

in  the  sight  of  all  Israel.  And  the  children  of  Israel  wept  for 
Moses  in  the  plains  of  Moab  thirty  days  :  so  the  days  oE  weeping 
and  mourning  for  Moses  were  ended. 

When  he,  who  from  the  scourge  of  wrong, 

Aroused  the  Hebrew  tribes  to  fly, 
Saw  the  fair  region  promised  long. 

And  bowed  him  on  the  hills  to  die ; 
God  made  his  grave  to  men  unknown. 

Where  Moab's  rocks  a  vale  infold. 
And  laid  the  aged  seer  alone 

To  slumber  while  the  world  grows  old. 


PERIOD    IV. 

FROM    JOSHUA    TO     SAUL;      OR,    THE     ERA 

OF    THE    JUDGES. 

B.C.  1451-1095. 


CHAPTER   XC. 

JOSHUA    ENCOURAGED. SPIES    SENT    TO    JERICHO. RAHAB 

ASSURED. 

The  voice  that  from  the  glory  came 

To  tell  how  Moses  died  unseen, 
And  waken  Joshua's  spear  of  flame 

To  victory  on  the  mountains  green, 
Its  trumpet  tones  are  sounding  still. 

When  kings  or  parents  pass  away ; 
They  greet  us  with  a  cheering  thrill 

Of  power  or  comfort  in  decay. 

AND  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun  was  full  of  the  spirit  of  wisdom  : 
for  Moses  had  laid  his  hands  upon  him  :  and  the  children 
of  Israel  hearkened  unto  him,  and  did  as  the  Lord  commanded 
Moses. 

Now  after  the  death  of  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord,  it  came 
to  pass,  that  the  Lord  spake  unto  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  Moses' 
minister,  saying,  Moses  my  servant  is  dead  ;  now  therefore  arise, 
go  over  this  Jordan,  thou,  and  all  this  people,  unto  the  land  which 
I  do  give  to  them,  even  to  the  children  of  Israel.  Every  place 
that  the  sole  of  your  foot  shall  tread  upon,  that  have  I  given  unto 
you,  as  I  said  unto  Moses.  From  the  wilderness  and  this  Lebanon 
even  unto  the  great  river,  the  river  Euphrates,  all  the  land  of  the 
Hittites,  and  unto  the  great  sea  toward  the  going  down  of  the 
sun,  shall  be  your  coast.  There  shall  not  any  man  be  able  to 
stand  before  thee  all  the  days  of  thy  life  :  as  I  was  with  Moses, 
so  I  will  be  with  thee  :  I  will  not  fail  thee,  nor  forsake  thee. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  215 

Not  to  the  ensanguined  field  of  death  alone 

Is  valour  limited  ;  she  sits  serene 

In  the  deliberate  council,  sagely  scans 

The  source  of  action  ;  weighs,  prevents,  provides  ; 

And  scorns  to  count  her  glories,  from  the  feats 

Of  brutal  force  alone. 

And  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun  sent  out  of  Shittim  two  men  to 
spy  secretly,  saying,  Go  view  the  land,  even  Jericho.  And  they 
went,  and  came  into  a  harlot's  house,  named  Rahab,  and  lodged 
there.  And  it  was  told  the  king  of  Jericho,  saying.  Behold, 
there  came  men  in  hither  to-night  of  the  children  of  Israel  to 
search  out  the  country.  And  the  king  of  Jericho  sent  unto 
Rahab,  saying,  Bring  forth  the  men  that  are  come  to  thee,  which 
are  entered  into  thine  house :  for  they  be  come  to  search  out  all 
the  country.  And  the  woman  took  the  two  men,  and  hid  them, 
and  said  thus,  There  came  men  unto  me,  but  I  wist  not  whence 
they  were :  and  it  came  to  pass  about  the  time  of  shutting  of  the 
gate,  when  it  was  dark,  that  the  men  went  out ;  whither  the  men 
went,  I  wot  not  :  pursue  after  them  quickly  ;  for  ye  shall  over- 
take them.  But  she  had  brought  them  up  to  the  roof  of  the 
house,  and  hid  them  with  the  stalks  of  flax,  which  she  had  laid 
in  order  upon  the  roof.  And  the  men  pursued  after  them  the 
way  to  Jordan  unto  the  fords  :  and  as  soon  as  they  which  pur- 
sued after  them  were  gone  out,  they  shut  the  gate. 

Consider  this,  — 
That  in  the  course  of  justice  none  of  us 
Should  see  salvation  :   we  do  pray  for  mercy. 
And  tliat  same  prayer  doth  teach  us  all  to  render 
The  deeds  of  mercy. 

And  before  they  were  laid  down,  she  came  up  unto  them  upon 
the  roof ;  and  she  said  unto  the  men,  I  know  that  the  Lord  hath 
given  you  the  land,  and  that  your  terror  is  fallen  upon  us,  and 
that  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  faint  because  of  you.  For 
we  have  heard  how  the  Lord  dried  up  the  water  of  the  Red  sea 
for  you,  when  ye  came  out  of  Egypt  ;  and  what  ye  did  unto  the 
two  kings  of  the  Amorites,  that  were  on  the  other  side  Jordan, 
Sihon  and  Og,  whom  ye  utterly  destroyed.  And  as  soon  as  we 
had  heard  these  things,  our  hearts  did  melt,  neither  did  there 
remain  any  more  courage  in  any  man,  because  of  you  :  for  the 
Lord  your  God,  he  is  God  in  heaven  above,  and  in  earth  beneath. 


2l6  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Now  therefore,  I  pray  you,  swear  unto  me  by  the  Lord,  since  I 
have  shewed  you  kindness,  that  ye  will  also  shew  kindness  unto 
my  father's  house,  and  give  me  a  true  token  :  and  that  ye  will 
save  alive  my  father,  and  my  mother,  and  my  brethren,  and  my 
sisters,  and  all  that  they  have,  and  deliver  our  lives  from  death. 

'Tis  not  the  many  oaths  that  make  the  truth, 
But  the  plain  single  vow,  that  is  vowed  true. 
What  is  not  holy,  that  we  swear  not  by, 
But  take  the  Highest  to  witness. 

And  the  men  answered  her,  Our  life  for  yours,  if  ye  utter  not 
this  our  business.  And  it  shall  be,  when  the  Lord  hath  given 
us  the  land,  that  we  will  deal  kindly  and  truly  with  thee.  Then 
she  let  them  down  by  a  cord  through  the  window :  for  her  house 
was  upon  the  town  wall,  and  she  dwelt  upon  the  wall.  And  she 
said  unto  them,  Get  you  to  the  mountain,  lest  the  pursuers  meet 
you,  and  hide  yourselves  there  three  days,  until  the  pursuers  be 
returned  :  and  afterward  may  ye  go  your  way.  And  the  men 
said  unto  her.  We  will  be  blameless  of  this  thine  oath  which 
thou  hast  made  us  swear.  Behold,  when  we  come  into  the 
land,  thou  shalt  bind  this  line  of  scarlet  thread  in  the  window 
which  thou  didst  let  us  down  by  :  and  thou  shalt  bring  thy 
father,  and  thy  mother,  and  thy  brethren,  and  all  thy  father's 
household,  home  unto  thee.  And  it  shall  be,  that  whosoever  shall 
go  out  of  the  doors  of  thy  house  into  the  street,  his  blood  shall 
be  upon  his  head,  and  we  will  be  guiltless  :  and  whosoever 
shall  be  with  thee  in  the  house,  his  blood  shall  be  on  our  head,  if 
any  hand  be  upon  him.  And  if  thou  utter  this  our  business 
then  we  will  be  quit  of  thine  oath  which  thou  hast  made  us  to 
swear.  And  she  said,  According  unto  your  words,  so  be  it. 
And  she  sent  them  away,  and  they  departed :  and  she  bound  the 
scarlet  line  in  the  window  And  they  went,  and  came  unto  the 
mountain,  and  abode  there  three  days,  until  the  pursuers  were 
returned  :  and  the  pursuers  sought  them  throughout  all  the  way, 
but  found  them  not.  So  the  two  men  returned,  and  descended 
from  the  mountain,  and  passed  over,  and  came  to  Joshua  the  son 
of  Nun,  and  told  him  all  things  that  befell  them  :  and  they  said 
unto  Joshua,  Truly  the  Lord  hath  delivered  into  our  hands  all 
the  land  ;  for  even  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  country  do  faint 
because  of  us. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  217 

So  led  He  them,  in  desert  marches  grand, 

By  toils  sublime,  with  test  of  long  delay, 
On,  to  the  borders  of  tliat  Promised  Land, 

Wherein  their  heritage  of  glory  lay. 


CHAPTER   XCI. 

JOSHUA     LEADING.  THE      JORDAN     SUNDERED.  CANAAN 

ENTERED. 

It  is  not  they  who  idly  dwell 
In  cloister  gray,  or  hermit  cell, 

In  prayer  and  vigil,  night  and  day. 

Wearing  all  their  prime  away. 
Lord  of  Heaven !  that  serve  Thee  well. 

Where  our  Captain  bids  us  go, 
'Tis  not  ours  to  murmur.  No. 

He  that  gives  the  sword  and  shield. 

Chooses  too  the  battle-field 
On  which  we  are  to  fight  the  foe. 

AND  Joshua  rose  early  in  the  morning  ;  and  thsy  removed 
from  Shittim,  and  came  to  Jordan,  he  and  all  the  children 
of  Israel,  and  lodged  there  before  they  passed  over.  And  it 
came  to  pass  after  three  days,  that  the  officers  went  through 
the  host ;  and  they  commanded  the  people,  saying.  When  ye 
see  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  your  God,  and  the 
priests  the  Levites  bearing  it,  then  ye  shall  remove  from  your 
place,  and  go  after  it.  Yet  there  shall  be  a  space  between  you 
and  it,  about  two  thousand  cubits  by  measure  :  come  not  near 
unto  it,  that  ye  may  know  the  way  by  which  ye  must  go :  for 
ye  have  not  passed  this  way  heretofore. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  This  day  will  I  begin  to 
magnify  thee  in  the  sight  of  all  Israel,  that  they  may  know  that, 
as  I  was  with  Moses,  so  I  will  be  with  thee.  And  thou  shalt 
command  the  priests  that  bear  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  saying, 
When  ye  are  come  to  the  brink  of  the  water  of  Jordan,  ye  shall 
stand  still  in  Jordan.  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  people,  Sanctify 
yourselves  :  for  to-morrow  the  Lord  will  do  wonders  among  you. 
And  Joshua  spake  unto   the  priests,  saying,  Take   up   the   ark 


2l8  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

of  the  covenant,  and  pass  over  before  the  people.     And  they 
took  up  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  and  went  before  the  people. 

And  Joshua  said  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  Come  hither, 
and  hear  the  words  of  the  Lord  your  God.  And  Joshua  said, 
Hereby  ye  shall  know  that  the  living  God  is  among  you,  and 
that  he  will  without  fail  drive  out  from  before  you  the  Canaanites, 
and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Hivites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the 
Girgashites,  and  the  Amorites,  and  the  Jebusites.  Behold,  the 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  of  all  the  earth  passeth  over 
before  you  into  Jordan.  Now  therefore  take  you  twelve  men 
out  of  the  tribes  of  Israel,  out  of  every  tribe  a  man.  And  it 
shall  come  to  pass,  as  soon  as  the  soles  of  the  feet  of  the  priests 
that  bear  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  the  Lord  of  all  the  earth,  shall 
rest  in  the  waters  of  Jordan,  that  the  waters  of  Jordan  shall  be 
cut  off  from  the  waters  that  come  down  from  above ;  and  they 
shall  stand  upon  a  heap. 

Old  Jordan's  waters  to  their  spring 
Start  back  with  sudden  fright ; 
The  spring,  amazed  at  sight, 
Asks  what  news  from  the  sea  they  bring. 
The  mountains  shook ;  and  to  the  mountain's  side 
The  little  hills  leaped  round,  themselves  to  hide  ; 
As  young  affirighted  lambs, 

When  they  aught  dreadful  spy, 
Run  trembling  to  their  dams  : 
The  mighty  sea  and  river,  by, 
Were  glad,  for  their  excuse,  to  see  the  hills  to  fly. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  people  removed  from  their 
tents,  to  pass  over  Jordan,  and  the  priests  bearing  the  ark  of 
the  covenant  before  the  people  ;  and  as  they  that  bare  the  ark 
were  come  unto  Jordan,  and  the  feet  of  the  priests  that  bare  the 
ark  were  dipped  in  the  brim  of  the  water,  (for  Jordan  overfloweth 
all  his  banks  all  the  time  of  harvest,)  that  the  waters  which 
came  down  from  above  stood  and  rose  up  upon  a  heap  very  far 
from  the  city  Adam,  that  is  beside  Zaretan  ;  and  those  that 
came  down  toward  the  sea  of  the  plain,  even  the  salt  sea, 
failed,  and  were  cut  off :  and  the  people  passed  over  right 
against  Jericho.  And  the  priests  that  bare  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord  stood  firm  on  dry  ground  in  the  midst 
of  Jordan,  and  all  the  Israelites  passed  over  on  dry  ground,  until 
all  the  people  were  passed  clean  over  Jordan. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  219 

Their  faith  had  triumphed  ;  with  the  sound 

Of  rushing  thunder,  backward  fly 
The  affirighted  billows,  and  the  ground 

They  moistened  now  is  dry. 
Cleft  in  the  midst  the  waters  stand 
Obedient  to  their  God's  command, 
Towering  aloft  on  either  hand 

A  glassy  and  resplendent  heap, 
Where  scenes  that  bless  the  promised  land 

In  mirrored  beauty  sleep. 

Then  Joshua  called  the  twelve  men,  whom  he  had  prepared 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  out  of  every  tribe  a  man :  and  Joshua 
said  unto  them,  Pass  over  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord  your  God 
into  the  midst  of  Jordan,  and  take  you  up  every  man  of  you 
a  stone  upon  his  shoulder,  according  unto  the  number  of  the 
tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel :  that  this  may  be  a  sign  among 
you,  that  when  your  children  ask  their  fathers  in  time  to  come, 
saying,  What  mean  ye  by  these  stones  .-'  Then  ye  shall  answer 
them.  That  the  waters  of  Jordan  were  cut  off  before  the  ark 
of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  ;  when  it  passed  over  Jordan,  the 
waters  of  Jordan  were  cut  off :  and  these  stones  shall  be  for  a 
memorial  unto  the  children  of  Israel  for  ever. 

And  the  people  came  up  out  of  Jordan  on  the  tenth  day  of 
the  first  month,  and  encamped  in  Gilgal,  in  the  east  border 
of  Jericho.  And  those  twelve  stones,  which  they  took  out 
of  Jordan,  did  Joshua  pitch  in  Gilgal.  And  he  spake  unto 
the  children  of  Israel,  saying.  When  your  children  shall  ask 
their  fathers  in  time  to  come,  saying.  What  mean  these  stones  ? 
Then  ye  shall  let  your  children  know,  saying,  Israel  came  over 
this  Jordan  on  dry  land.  For  the  Lord  your  God  dried  up  the 
waters  of  Jordan  from  before  you,  until  ye  were  passed  over, 
as  the  Lord  your  God  did  to  the  Red  sea,  which  he  dried  up 
from  before  us,  until  we  were  gone  over :  that  all  the  people 
of  the  earth  might  know  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  that  it  is  mighty : 
that  ye  might  fear  the  Lord  your  God  for  ever. 

Let  children  hear  the  mighty  deeds  which  God  performed  of  old, — 
Which  in  our  younger  years  we  saw,  and  which  our  fathers  told. 
Our  lips  shall  tell  them  to  our  sons,  an:l  they  again  to  theirs, 
That  generations  yet  unborn  may  teach  them  to  their  heirs. 
Thus  they  shall  learn,  in  God  alone  their  hope  securely  stands, 
That  they  may  ne'er  forget  His  works,  but  practise  his  commands. 


220  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   XCII. 


JERICHO    CAPTURED. RAHAB    RESCUED, 

NOW  Jericho  was  straitly  shut  up  because  of  the  children  of 
Israel :  none  went  out,  and  none  came  in.  And  the  Lord 
said  unto  Joshua,  See,  I  have  given  into  thine  hand  Jericho,  and 
the  king  thereof,  and  the  mighty  men  of  valour.  And  ye  shall 
compass  the  city,  all  ye  men  of  war,  and  go  round  about  the  city 
once.  Thus  shalt  thou  do  six  days.  And  seven  priests  shall 
bear  before  the  ark  seven  trumpets  of  rams'  horns  :  and  the  sev- 
enth day  ye  shall  compass  the  city  seven  times,  and  the  priests 
shall  blow  with  the  trumpets.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that 
when  they  make  a  long  blast  with  the  ram's  horn,  and  when  ye 
hear  the  sound  of  the  trumpet,  all  the  people  shall  shout  with  a 
great  shout ;  and  the  wall  of  the  city  shall  fall  down  fiat,  and  the 
people  shall  ascend  up  every  man  straight  before  him. 

Omit  no  happy  hour, 
That  may  give  furtherance  to  our  expedition : 
For  we  have  now  no  thought  in  us  but  — 
Save  those  to  God,  that  run  before  our  business. 
Therefore,  let  our  proportions  for  these  wars 
Be  soon  collected  ;  and  all  things  thought  upon, 
That  may,  with  reasonable  swiftness,  add 
More  feathers  to  our  wings. 

And  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun  called  the  priests,  and  said  unto 
them.  Take  up  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  and  let  seven  priests  bear 
seven  trumpets  of  rams'  horns  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord.  And 
he  said  unto  the  people,  Pass  on,  and  compass  the  city,  and  let 
him  that  is  armed  pass  on  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord. 

Trumpeters, 
With  brazen  din  blast  you  the  city's  ear ; 
Make  mingle  with  our  ratthng  tabourines  ; 
That  heaven  and  earth  may  strike  their  sounds  together, 
Applauding  our  approach. 

Make  all  our  trumpets  speak ;  give  tliem  all  breath  ; 
Those  clamorous  harbinsjers  of  blood  and  death. 


THE   BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  221 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joshua  had  spoken  unto  the  people, 
that  the  seven  priests  bearing  the  seven  trumpets  of  rams'  horns 
passed  on  before  the  Lord,  and  blew  with  the  trumpets  :  and  the 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  followed  them.  And  the  armed 
men  went  before  the  priests  that  blew  with  the  trumpets,  and  the 
rearward  came  after  the  ark,  the  priests  going  on,  and  blowing 
with  the  trumpets.  And  Joshua  had  commanded  the  people, 
saying,  Ye  shall  not  shout,  nor  make  any  noise  with  your  voice, 
neither  shall  any  word  proceed  out  of  your  mouth,  until  the  day 
I  bid  you  shout  ;  then  shall  ye  shout.  So  the  ark  of  the  Lord 
compassed  the  city,  going  about  it  once :  and  they  came  into  the 
camp,  and  lodged  in  the  camp. 

Perhaps  war  is  but  Heaven's  great  plowshare,  driven 
Over  the  barren,  fallow,  earthly  fields, 
Preparing  them  for  harvest ;  rooting  up 
Grass,  weeds,  and  flowers,  which  necessary  fall, 
That  in  these  furrows  the  wise  husbandman 
May  drop  celestial  seed. 

And  Joshua  rose  early  in  the  morning,  and  the  priests  took 
up  the  ark  of  the  Lord.  And  seven  priests  bearing  seven  trum- 
pets of  rams'  horns  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord  went  on  contin- 
ually, and  blew  with  the  trumpets  :  and  the  armed  men  went 
before  them  ;  but  the  rearward  came  after  the  ark  of  the  Lord, 
the  priests  going  on,  and  blowing  with  the  trumpets.  And  the 
second  day  they  compassed  the  city  once,  and  returned  into  the 
camp.  So  they  did  six  days.  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  sev- 
enth day,  that  they  rose  early  about  the  dawning  of  the  day,  and 
compassed  the  city  after  the  same  manner  seven  times  :  only  on 
that  day  they  compassed  the  city  seven  times.  And  it  came  to 
pass  at  the  seventh  time,  when  the  priests  blew  with  the  trum- 
pets, Joshua  said  unto  the  people,  Shout  ;  for  the  Lord  hath  given 
you  the  city. 

O  God  !  Thy  arm  was  here, 
And  not  to  us,  but  to  Thy  arm  alone, 
Ascribe  we  all.  —  Take  it,  God, 
For  it  is  only  Thine. 

Come,  go  we  in  procession  to  the  village  : 
And  be  it  death  proclaimed  through  our  host. 
To  boast  of  this,  or  take  that  praise  from  God^ 
Which  is  His  only. 


222  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

And  the  city  shall  be  accursed,  even  it,  and  all  that  are  therein, 
to  the  Lord  :  only  Rahab  the  harlot  shall  live,  she  and  all  that 
are  with  her  in  the  house,  because  she  hid  the  messengers  that 
we  sent.  And  ye,  in  any  wise  keep  yourselves  from  the  accursed 
thing,  lest  ye  make  yourselves  accursed,  when  ye  take  of  the  ac- 
cursed thing,  and  make  the  camp  of  Israel  a  curse,  and  trouble 
it.  But  all  the  silver,  and  gold,  and  vessels  of  brass  and  iron,  are 
consecrated  unto  the  Lord  :  they  shall  come  into  the  treasury  of 
the  Lord.  So  the  people  shouted  when  the  priests  blew  with  the 
trumpets  :  and  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  people  heard  the  sound 
of  the  trumpet,  and  the  people  shouted  with  a  great  shout,  that 
the  wall  fell  down  fiat,  so  that  the  people  went  up  into  the  city, 
every  man  straight  before  him,  and  they  took  the  city.  And  they 
utterly  destroyed  all  that  was  in  the  city,  both  man  and  woman, 
young  and  old,  and  ox,  and  sheep,  and  ass,  with  the  edge  of  the 
sword.  But  Joshua  had  said  unto  the  two  men  that  had  spied 
out  the  country,  Go  into  the  harlot's  house,  and  bring  out  thence 
the  woman,  and  all  that  she  hath,  as  ye  sware  unto  her.  And  the 
young  men  that  were  spies  went  in,  and  brought  out  Rahab,  and 
her  father,  and  her  mother,  and  her  brethren,  and  all  that  she 
had  ;  and  they  brought  out  all  her  kindred,  and  left  them  without 
the  camp  of  Israel.  And  they  burnt  the  city  with  fire,  and  all  that. 
was  therein :  only  the  silver,  and  the  gold,  and  the  vessels  of 
brass  and  of  iron,  they  put  into  the  treasury  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord.  And  Joshua  saved  Rahab  the  harlot  alive,  and  her  father's 
household,  and  all  that  she  had  ;  and  she  dwelleth  in  Israel  even 
unto  this  day ;  because  she  hid  the  messengers,  which  Joshua 
sent  to  spy  out  Jericho. 

And  Joshua  adjured  them  at  that  time,  saying.  Cursed  be  the 
man  before  the  Lord,  that  riseth  up  and  buikleth  this  city  Jeri-- 
cho :  he  shall  lay  the  foundation  thereof  in  his  first-born,  and  in 
.his  youngest  son  shall  he  set  up  the  gates  of  it. 

All-seeinj;,  powerful  God !  who  can  with  Thee  contend  ? 
Or  who  that  tries  the  unequal  strife  shall  prosper  in  the  end  ? 
The  mountains  in  Thy  wrath,  their  ancient  seats  forsake  ; 
The  trembling  earth  deserts  her  place,  her  rooted  pillars  shake. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  223 


CHAPTER   XCIII. 

GIBEON    BESIEGED. HAILSTONES. THE    SUN    AND    MOON 

STAND    STILL. 

They  live,  they  die  like  as  He  doth  ordain, 

Ne  ever  any  asketh  reason  why. 

The  hills  do  not  the  lowly  dales  disdain ; 

The  dales  do  not  the  lofty  hills  envy. 

He  maketh  kings  to  sit  in  sovereignty ; 

He  maketh  subjects  to  their  power  obey  ; 

He  pulleth  down,  He  setteth  up,  on  high  ; 

He  gives  to  this,  from  that  He  takes  away; 

For  all  we  have  is  His  :  what  He  list  do  He  may. 

NOW  it  came  to  pass,  when  Adoni-zedek  king  of  Jerusalem 
had  heard  how  Joshua  had  taken  Ai,  and  had  utterly 
destroyed  it ;  as  he  had  done  to  Jericho  and  her  king,  so  he  had 
done  to  Ai  and  her  king ;  and  how  the  inhabitants  of  Gibeon  had 
made  peace  with  Israel,  and  were  among  them  ;  that  they  feared 
greatly,  because  Gibeon  was  a  great  city,  as  one  of  the  royal 
cities,  and  because  it  was  greater  than  Ai,  and  all  the  men 
thereof  were  mighty.  Wherefore  Adoni-zedek  king  of  Jeru- 
salem sent  unto  Hoham  king  of  Hebron,  and  unto  Piram  king 
of  Jarmuth,  and  unto  Japhia  king  of  Lachish,  and  unto  Debir 
king  of  Eglon,  saying.  Come  up  unto  me,  and  help  me,  that  we 
may  smite  Gibeon  ;  for  it  hath  made  peace  with  Joshua  and  with 
the  children  of  Israel.  Therefore  the  five  kings  of  the  Amorites 
gathered  themselves  together,  and  went  up,  they  and  all  their 
hosts,  and  encamped  before  Gibeon,  and  made  war  against  it. 

The  bay-trees  in  our  country  are  all  withered, 
And  meteors  fright  the  fixed  stars  of  heaven  ; 
The  pale-faced  moon  looks  bloody  on  the  earth, 
And  lean-looked  prophets  whisper  fearful  change : 
Rich  men  look  sad,  and  ruffians  dance  and  leap, 
The  one  in  fear  to  lose  what  they  enjoy, 
The  other  to  enjoy  by  rage  and  war  : 
These  signs  forerun  the  death  or  fall  of  kings. 

And  the  men  of  Gibeon  sent  unto  Joshua  to  the  camp  to  Gil- 
gal,  saying,  Slack  not  thy  hand  from  thy  servants  ;  come  up  to 


224  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

US  quickly,  and  save  us,  and  help  us  :  for  all  the  kings  of  the 
Amorites  that  dwell  in  the  mountains  are  gathered  together 
against  us.  So  Joshua  ascended  from  Gilgal,  he,  and  all  the 
people  of  war  with  him,  and  all  the  mighty  men  of  valour. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  Fear  them  not :  for  I  have 
delivered  them  into  thine  hand  ;  there  shall  not  a  man  of  them 
stand  before  thee.  Joshua  therefore  came  unto  them  suddenly, 
and  went  up  from  Gilgal  all  night.  And  the  Lord  discomfited 
them  before  Israel,  and  slew  them  with  a  great  slaughter  at 
Gibeon,  and  chased  them  along  the  way  that  goeth  up  to  Beth- 
horon,  and  smote  them  to  Azekah,  and  unto  Makkedah.  And 
it  came  to  pass,  as  they  fled  from  before  Israel,  and  were  in  the 
going  down  to  Beth-horon,  that  the  Lord  cast  down  great  stones 
from  heaven  upon  them  unto  Azekah,  and  they  died  :  they  were 
more  which  died  with  hailstones  than  they  whom  the  children 
of  Israel  slew  with  the  sword. 

On  with  thy  armies,  Joshua  !     The  Lord 
God  of  Sabaoth  is  the  avenger  now  ! 
His  voice  is  in  the  thunder,  and  His  wrath 
Poureth  the  beams  of  the  retarded  sun, 
.  With  the  keen  strength  of  arrows,  on  their  sight. 

The  unwearied  sun  rides  in  the  zenith  sky; 
Nature,  obedient  to  the  Maker's  voice, 
Stops,  in  full  course,  all  her  mysterious  wheels. 
On  !  till  avenging  swords  have  drunk  the  blood 
Of  all  Jehovah's  enemies,  and  till 
Thy  banners  in  returning  triumph  wave  ; 
Then  yonder  orb  shall  set  'mid  golden  clouds, 
And,  while  a  dewy  rain  falls  soft  on  earth, 
Show  in  the  heavens  the  glorious  bow  of  God 
Shining,  the  rainbow,  banner  of  the  skies. 

Then  spake  Joshua  to  the  Lord  in  the  day  when  the  Lord 
delivered  up  the  Amorites  before  the  children  of  Israel,  and  he 
said  in  the  sight  of  Israel,  Sun,  stand  thou  still  upon  Gibeon  ; 
and  thou.  Moon,  in  the  valley  of  Aijalon.  And  the  sun  stood 
still,  and  the  moon  stayed,  until  the  people  had  avenged  them- 
selves upon  their  enemies.  Is  not  this  written  in  the  book  of 
Jasher .?  So  the  sun  stood  still  in  the  midst  of  heaven,  and 
hasted  not  to  go  down  about  a  whole  day.  And  there  was  no 
day  like  that  before  it  or  after  it,  that  the  Lord  hearkened  unto 
the  voice  of  a  man  :  for  the  Lord  fought  for  Israel. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  22$ 

The  sun  stood  still,  the  moon  it  stayed 
Till  Israel's  vengeance  was  allayed 

Upon  his  enemy, 
Pausing  all  that  awful  day 
Their  course  upon  their  heavenly  way, 

And  glowing  brilliantly. 

Then  came  the  shock  of  battle  dire, 

As  steel  'gainst  steel  struck  flashing  fire, 

And  ghastly  wounds  laid  bare  ; 
Yet  far  above  the  blood-dyed  sword 
Waved  high  the  banner  of  the  Lord 

Upon  the  battle  air. 


CHAPTER  XCIV. 

THE  CONQUEST   ACHIEVED. THE    INHERITANCE    DIVIDED. 

THE    CITIES    OF    REFUGE. CITIES    FOR    THE    LEVITES. 

Crowned  with  a  thousand  victories,  and  at  last 
Lords  of  the  conquered  soil,  there  rooted  fast, 
In  peace  possessing  what  they  won  by  war, 
Their  name  far  published  and  revered  as  far  ; 
Where  will  you  find  a  race  like  theirs,  endowed 
With  all  that  man  e'er  wished,  or  Heaven  bestowed  ? 

AS  the  Lord  commanded  Moses  his  servant,  so  did  Moses 
command  Joshua,  and  so  did  Joshua ;  he  left  nothing 
undone  of  all  that  the  Lord  commanded  Moses.  So  Joshua 
took  all  that  land,  the  hills,  and  all  the  south  country,  and  all  the 
land  of  Goshen,  and  the  valley,  and  the  plain,  and  the  mountain 
of  Israel,  and  the  valley  of  the  same  ;  even  from  the  mount 
Halak,  that  goeth  up  to  Seir,  even  unto  Baal-gad  in  the  valley 
of  Lebanon  under  mount  Hermon  :  and  all  their  kings  he  took, 
and  smote  them,  and  slew  them.  Joshua  made  war  a  long  time 
with  all  those  kings.  There  was  not  a  city  that  made  peace 
with  the  children  of  Israel,  save  the  Hivites  the  inhabitants  of 
Gibeon  :  all  other  they  took  in  battle.  For  it  was  of  the  Lord 
to  harden  their  hearts,  that  they  should  come  against  Israel  in 
battle,  that  he  might  destroy  them  utterly,  and  that  they  might 

15 


226  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

have  no  favour,  but  that  he  might  destroy  them,  as  the  Lord 
commanded  Moses. 

Be  yielding  to  thy  foe,  and  peace  shall  he  yield  back  ; 

But  yield  not  to  thyself,  and  thou'rt  on  victory's  track. 

Who  is  thy  deadliest  foe  ?  —  An  evil  heart's  desire, 

That  hates  thee  still  the  worse,  as  thy  weak  love  mounts  higher. 

And  these  are  the  countries  which  the  children  of  Israel 
inherited  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  which  Eleazar  the  priest,  and 
Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and  the  heads  of  the  fathers  of  the 
tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel,  distributed  for  inheritance  to 
them.  By  lot  was  their  inheritance,  as  the  Lord  commanded  by 
the  hand  of  Moses,  for  the  nine  tribes,  and  for  the  half  tribe. 
For  Moses  had  given  the  inheritance  of  two  tribes  and  a  half  tribe 
on  the  other  side  Jordan  :  but  unto  the  Levites  he  gave  none 
inheritance  among  them.  For  the  children  of  Joseph  were  two 
tribes,  Manasseh  and  Ephraim  :  therefore  they  gave  no  part 
unto  the  Levites  in  the  land,  save  cites  to  dwell  in,  with  their 
suburbs  for  their  cattle  and  for  their  substance.  As  the  Lord 
commanded  Moses,  so  the  children  of  Israel  did,  and  they 
divided  the  land.  And  the  whole  congregation  of  the  children 
of  Israel  assembled  together  at  Shiloh,  and  set  up  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation  there. 

The  Lord  also  spake  unto  Joshua,  saying.  Speak  to  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  saying.  Appoint  out  for  you  cities  of  refuge, 
whereof  I  spake  unto  you  by  the  hand  of  Moses  :  that  the  slayer 
that  killeth  any  person  unawares  and  unwittingly  may  flee  thither : 
and  they  shall  be  your  refuge  from  the  avenger  of  blood.  And 
when  he  that  doth  flee  unto  one  of  those  cities  shall  stand  at  the 
entering  of  the  gate  of  the  city,  and  shall  declare  his  cause  in 
the  ears  of  the  elders  of  that  city,  they  shall  take  him  into  the 
city  unto  them,  and  give  him  a  place,  that  he  may  dwell  among 
them.  And  if  the  avenger  of  blood  pursue  after  him,  then  they 
shall  not  deliver  the  slayer  up  into  his  hand  ;  because  he  smote 
his  neighbour  unwittingly,  and  hated  him  not  beforetime.  And 
he  shall  dwell  in  that  city,  until  he  stand  before  the  congregation 
for  judgment,  and  until  the  death  of  the  high  priest  that  shall  be 
in  those  days :  then  shall  the  slayer  return,  and  come  unto  his 
own  city,  and  unto  his  own  house,  unto  the  city  from  whence  he 
fled. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  22/ 

Yes  !  thou  art  an  awful  sinner  !     True  our  laws  yet  leave  thee  free  ; 
But  within  thy  soul,  in  terror,  rack  and  gallows  must  thou  see  ! 
Smite  thy  breast,  then,  in  contrition  ;  thy  bowed  head  strew  ashes  o'er  ; 
Bend  thy  knee,  make  full  confession  ;  — go  thy  way,  and  sin  no  more  ! 

And  they  appointed  Kedesh  in  Galilee  in  mount  Naphtali,  and 
Shechem  in  mount  Ephraim,  and  Kirjath-arba,  which  is  Hebron, 
in  the  mountain  of  Judah.  And  on  the  other  side  Jordan  by- 
Jericho  eastward,  they  assigned  Bezer  in  the  wilderness  upon  the 
plain  out  of  the  tribe  of  Reuben,  and  Ramoth  in  Gilead  out  of 
the  tribe  of  Gad,  and  Golan  in  Bashan  out  of  the  tribe  of  Man- 
asseh.  These  were  the  cities  appointed  for  all  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  for  the  stranger  that  sojourneth  among  them,  that 
whosoever  killeth  any  person  at  unawares  might  flee  thither,  and 
not  die  by  the  hand  of  the  avenger  of  blood,  until  he  stood 
before  the  congregation. 

Then  came  near  the  heads  of  the  fathers  of  the  Levites  unto 
Eleazar  the  priest,  and  unto  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and  unto 
the  heads  of  the  fathers  of  the  tribes  of  the  children,  of  Israel  ; 
and  they  spake  unto  them  at  Shiloh  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  say- 
ing. The  Lord  commanded  by  the  hand  of  Moses  to  give  us 
cities  to  dwell  in,  with  the  suburbs  thereof  for  our  cattle.  And 
the  children  of  Israel  gave  unto  the  Levites  out  of  their  inheri- 
tance, at  the  commandment  of  the  Lord,  these  cities  and  their 
suburbs.  All  the  cities  of  the  Levites  within  the  possession  of 
the  children  of  Israel  were  forty  and  eight  cities  with  their 
suburbs. 

Of  the  world's  pages  one  is  yet  unread  :  — 

How  the  stars  tremble  in  Chaldea's  sky, 
With  what  a  sense  of  nothingness  we  tread, 

How  the  heart  beats  when  God  appears  so  nigh ;  — - 
How  on  the  soul,  beside  some  column  lone 

The  shadows  of  old  days  descend  and  hover,  — 
How  the  grass  speaks,  the  earth  sends  out  its  moan, 

And  the  breeze  wails  that  wanders  over. 


228  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   XCV. 

Joshua's  faithful  admonitions  to  the   Israelites. — 

HIS  death. 

The  tongues  of  dying  men 
Enforce  attention  like  deep  harmony  : 
Where  words  are  scarce,  they  are  seldom  spent  in  vain  ; 
For  they  breathe  truth  that  breathe  their  words  in  pain. 
He  that  no  more  must  say,  is  listened  more 
Than  they  whom  youth  and  ease  have  taught  to  glose  ; 
More  are  men's  ends  marked,  than  their  Hves  before. 

AND  Joshua  gathered  all  the  tribes  of  Israel  to  Shechem, 
and  called  for  the  elders  of  Israel,  and  for  their  heads, 
and  for  their  judges,  and  for  their  officers  ;  and  they  presented 
themselves  before  God.  And  Joshua  said  unto  all  the  people, 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  Your  fathers  dwelt  on  the 
other  side  of  the  flood  in  old  time,  even  Terah,  the  father  of 
Abraham,  and  the  father  of  Nahor  :  and  they  served  other  gods. 
And  I  took  your  father  Abraham  from  the  other  side  of  the 
flood,  and  led  him  throughout  all  the  land  of  Canaan,  and  mul- 
tiplied his  seed,  and  gave  him  Isaac.  And  I  gave  unto  Isaac 
Jacob  and  Esau  :  and  I  gave  unto  Esau  Mount  Seir,  to  possess 
it ;  but  Jacob  and  his  children  went  down  into  Egypt.  I  sent 
Moses  also  and  Aaron,  and  I  plagued  Egypt,  according  to  that 
which  I  did  among  them  :  and  afterward  I  brought  you  out. 
And  I  brought  your  fathers  out  of  Egypt :  and  ye  came  unto 
the  sea ;  and  the  Egyptians  pursued  after  your  fathers  with 
chariots  and  horsemen  unto  the  Red  sea.  And  when  they  cried 
unto  the  Lord,  he  put  darkness  between  you  and  the  Egyptians, 
and  brought  the  sea  upon  them,  and  covered  them  ;  and  your 
eyes  have  seen  what  I  have  done  in  Egypt :  and  ye  dwelt  in  the 
wilderness  a  long  season.  And  I  brought  you  into  the  land  of 
the  Amorites,  which  dwelt  on  the  other  side  Jordan  ;  and  they 
fought  with  you  :  and  I  gave  them  into  your  hand,  that  ye  might 
possess  their  land ;  and  I  destroyed  them  from  before  you. 
Then  Balak  the  son  of  Zippor,  king  of  Moab,  arose  and  warred 
against  Israel,  and  sent  and  called  Balaam  the  son  of  Beor  to 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  229 

curse  you :  but  I  would  not  hearken  unto  Balaam  ;  therefore  he 
blessed  you  still :  so  I  delivered  you  out  of  his  hand.  And  ye 
went  over  Jordan,  and  came  unto  Jericho :  and  the  men  of 
Jericho  fought  against  you,  the  Amorites,  and  the  Perizzites, 
and  the  Canaanites,  and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Girgashites,  the 
Hivites,  and  the  Jebusites  ;  and  I  delivered  them  into  your 
hand.  And  I  sent  the  hornet  before  you,  which  drave  them  out 
from  before  you,  even  the  two  kings  of  the  Amorites  ;  but  not 
with  thy  sword,  nor  with  thy  bow.  And  I  have  given  you  a  land 
for  which  ye  did  not  labour,  and  cities  which  ye  built  not,  and 
ye  dwell  in  them  ;  of  the  vineyards  and  oliveyards  which  ye 
planted  not  do  ye  eat. 

And  when  their  wondrous  march  was  o'er, 

And  they  had  won  their  homes, 
Where  Abraham  fed  his  flock  of  yore, 
Among  their  fathers'  tombs  :  — 
A  land  that  drinks  the  rain  of  heaven  at  will. 
Whose  waters  kiss  the  feet  of  many  a  vine-clad  hill ;  — 
Oft  as  they  watched,  at  thoughtful  eve, 

A  gale  from  bovvers  of  balm 
Sweep  o'er  the  billowy  corn,  and  heave 
The  tresses  of  the  palm. 
Just  as  the  lingering  sun  had  touched  with  gold. 
Far  o'er  the  cedar-shade,  some  tower  of  giants  old  ;  — 
It  was  a  fearful  joy,  I  ween, 

To  trace  the  heathen's  toil, 
The  limpid  wells,  the  orchard  green 
Left  ready  for  the  spoil ; 
The  household  stores  untouched,  the  roses  bright, 
Wreathed  o'er  the  cottage  walls  in  garlands  of  delight 

Now  therefore  fear  the  Lord,  and  serve  him  in  sincerity  and 
in  truth  ;  and  put  away  the  gods  which  your  fathers  served  on 
the  other  side  of  the  flood,  and  in  Egypt ;  and  serve  ye  the 
Lord.  And  if  it  seem  evil  unto  you  to  serve  the  Lord,  choose 
you  this  day  whom  ye  will  serv^e  ;  whether  the  gods  which  your 
fathers  served  that  were  on  the  other  side  of  the  flood,  or  the 
gods  of  the  Amorites,  in  whose  land  ye  dwell :  but  as  for  me 
and  my  house,  we  will  serve  the  Lord.  And  the  people  answered 
and  said,  God  forbid  that  we  should  forsake  the  Lord,  to  serve 
other  gods.  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  people,  Ye  cannot  serve 
the  Lord :  for  he  is  a  holy  God  ;  he  is  a  jealous  God  ;  he  will  not 
forgive  your  transgressions  nor  your  sins.    If  ye  forsake  the  Lord, 


230  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

and  serve  strange  gods,  then  he  will  turn  and  do  you  hurt,  and 
consume  you,  after  that  he  hath  done  you  good.  And  the  people 
said  unto  Joshua,  Nay ;  but  we  will  serve  the  Lord.  And 
Joshua  said  unto  the  people,  Ye  are  witnesses  against  your- 
selves that  ye  have  chosen  you  the  Lord,  to  serve  him.  And 
they  said,  We  are  witnesses.  Now  therefore  put  away,  said  he, 
the  strange  gods  which  are  among  you,  and  incline  your  heart 
unto  the  Lord  God  of  Israel.  And  the  people  said  unto  Joshua, 
The  Lord  our  God  will  we  serve,  and  his  voice  will  we  obey. 

Farewell !  —  a  word  that  must  be,  and  hath  been  — • 

A  sound  that  makes  us  linger  ;  —  yet  —  farewell ! 

Ye  !  who  have  traced  the  pilgrim  to  the  scene 

Which  is  his  last,  if  in  your  memories  dwell 

A  thought  which  once  was  his  ;  if  on  ye  swell 

A  single  recollection,  not  in  vain 

He  wore  his  sandal-shoon,  and  scallop-shell ; 

Farewell !  with  him  alone  may  rest  the  pain, 

If  such  there  were  —  \i\'Cayou  the  moral  of  his  strain  ! 

And  when  Joshua  had  let  the  people  go,  the  children  of  Israel 
went  every  man  unto  his  inheritance  to  possess  the  land.  And 
the  people  served  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  Joshua,  and  all  the 
days  of  the  elders  that  outlived  Joshua,  who  had  seen  all  the 
great  works  of  the  Lord,  that  he  did  for  Israel  And  Joshua 
the  son  of  Nun,  the  servant  of  the  Lord,  died,  being  an  hundred 
and  ten  years  old. 

But  men  are  men  ;  the  best  sometimes  forget. 

And  the  children  of  Israel  did  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord, 
and  served  Baalim  :  and  they  forsook  the  Lord  God  of  their 
fathers,  which  brought  them  out  of  the  land'  of  Egypt,  and 
followed  other  gods,  of  the  gods  of  the  people  that  were  round 
about  them,  and  bowed  themselves  unto  them,  and  provoked  the 
Lord  to  anger.  Whithersoever  they  went  out,  the  hand  of  the 
Lord  was  against  them  for  evil,  as  the  Lord  had  said,  and  as 
the  Lord  had  sworn  unto  them :  and  they  were  greatly  dis- 
tressed. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  23 1 


CHAPTER  XCVI. 

ISRAEL    DISLOYAL    AND   TROUBLED. SISERA    DESTROYED. 

SONG    OF  VICTORY. 

Sometimes,  hath  the  brightest  day  a  cloud : 
And,  after  summer,  evermore  succeeds 
Barren  winter,  with  his  wrathful  nipping  cold: 
So  cares  and  joys  abound,  as  seasons  fleet. 

AND  the  children  of  Israel  again  did  evil  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord,  when  Ehud  was  dead.  And  the  Lord  sold  them 
into  the  hand  of  Jabin  king  of  Canaan,  that  reigned  in  Hazor  ; 
the  captain  of  whose  host  was  Sisera,  which  dwelt  in  Harosheth 
of  the  Gentiles.  And  the  children  of  Israel  cried  unto  the 
Lord :  for  he  had  nine  hundred  chariots  of  iron  ;  and  twenty 
years  he  mightily  oppressed  the  children  of  Israel. 

And  Deborah,  a  prophetess,  the  wife  of  Lapidoth,  she  judged 
Israel  at  that  time.  And  she  sent  and  called  Barak  the  son  of 
Abinoam  out  of  Kedesh-naphtali,  and  said  unto  him,  Hath  not 
the  Lord  God  of  Israel  commanded,  saying.  Go  and  draw  toward 
mount  Tabor,  and  take  with  thee  ten  thousand  men  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Naphtali  and  of  the  children  of  Zebulun }  And  I  will 
draw  unto  thee,  to  the  river  Kishon,  Sisera  the  captain  of  Jabin's 
army,  with  his  chariots  and  his  multitude  ;  and  I  will  deliver  him 
into  thine  hand.  And  Barak  said  unto  her.  If  thou  wilt  go  with 
me,  then  I  will  go :  but  if  thou  wilt  not  go  with  me,  then  I  will 
not  go.  And  she  said,  I  will  surely  go  with  thee:  notwith- 
standing the  journey  that  thou  takest  shall  not  be  for  thine 
honour ;  for  the  Lord  shall  sell  Sisera  into  the  hand  of  a 
woman.     And  Deborah  arose,  and  went  with  Barak  to  Kedesh. 

And  they  shewed  Sisera  that  Barak  the  son  of  Abinoam  was 
gone  up  to  mount  Tabor.  And  Sisera  gathered  together  all 
his  chariots,  even  nine  hundred  chariots  of  iron,  and  all  the 
people  that  were  with  him,  from  Harosheth  of  the  Gentiles 
unto  the  river  of  Kishon.  And  Deborah  said  unto  Barak,  Up ; 
for  this  is  the  day  in  which  the  Lord  hath  delivered  Sisera 
into  thine  hand :   is  not  the  Lord  gone  out  before  thee }     So 


232  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Barak  went  down  from  mount  Tabor,  and  ten  thousand  men 
after  him.  And  the  Lord  discomfited.  Sisera,  and  all  his 
chariots,  and  all  his  host,  with  the  edge  of  the  sword  before 
Barak ;  so  that  Sisera  lighted  down  off  his  chariot,  and  fled 
away  on  his  feet.  But  Barak  pursued  after  the  chariots,  and 
after  the  host,  unto  Harosheth  of  the  Gentiles  :  and  all  the  host 
of  Sisera  fell  upon  the  edge  of  the  sword  ;  and  there  was  not 
a  man  left.  Howbeit  Sisera  fled  away  on  his  feet  to  the  tent 
of  Jael  the  wife  of  Heber  the  Kenite  :  for  there  was  peace  between 
Jabin  the  king  of  Hazor  and  the  house  of  Heber  the  Kenite. 

It  is  war's  prize  to  take  all  vantages. 

And  Jael  went  out  to  meet  Sisera,  and  said  unto  him.  Turn 
in,  my  lord,  turn  in  to  me  ;  fear  not.  And  when  he  had  turned 
in  unto  her  into  the  tent,  she  covered  him  with  a  mantle.  And 
he  said  unto  her.  Give  me,  I  pray  thee,  a  little  water  to  drink ; 
for  I  am  thirsty.  And  she  opened  a  bottle  of  milk,  and  gave 
him  drink,  and  covered  him.  Again  he  said  unto  her.  Stand 
in  the  door  of  the  tent,  and  it  shall  be,  when  any  man  doth 
come  and  inquire  of  thee,  and  say.  Is  there  any  man  here } 
that  thou  shalt  say,  No.  Then  Jael  Heber's  wife  took  a  nail 
of  the  tent,  and  took  a  hammer  in  her  hand,  and  went  softly 
unto  him,  and  smote  the  nail  into  his  temples,  and  fastened 
it  into  the  ground :  for  he  was  fast  asleep  and  weary.  So  he 
died.  And,  behold,  as  Barak  pursued  Sisera,  Jael  came  out  to 
meet  him,  and  said  unto  him,  Come,  and  I  will  shew  thee  the 
man  whom  thou  seekest.  And  when  he  came  into  her  tent, 
behold,  Sisera  lay  dead,  and  the  nail  was  in  his  temples.  So 
God  subdued  on  that  day  Jabin  the  king  of  Canaan  before  the 
children  of  Israel. 

Spirit  of  God  !  whose  glory  once  o'erhung 
A  throne,  the  Ark's  dread  cherubim  between, 
So  let  thy  presence  brood,  though  now  unseen, 
O'er  those  two  powers  by  whom  the  harp  is  strung; 
Feeling  and  thought !  till  the  rekindled  chords 
Give  the  long-buried  tone  back  to  immortal  words. 

Then  sang  Deborah  and  Barak  the  son  of  Abinoam  on  that 
day,  saying,  Praise  ye  the  Lord  for  the  avenging  of  Israel,  when 
the  people  willingly  offered  themselves.  Hear,  O  ye  kings ; 
give  ear,  O  ye  princes  ;   I,  even  I,  will  sing  unto  the  Lord ;   I 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  233 

will  sing  praise  to  the  Lord  God  of  Israel.  Lord,  when  thou 
wentest  out  of  Seir,  when  thou  marchedst  out  of  the  field  of 
Edom,  the  earth  trembled,  and  the  heavens  dropped,  the  clouds 
also  dropped  water.  The  mountains  melted  from  before  the 
Lord,  even  that  Sinai  from  before  the  Lord  God  of  Israel. 
Awake,  awake,  Deborah :  awake,  awake,  utter  a  song ;  arise, 
Barak,  and  lead  thy  captivity  captive,  thou  son  of  Abinoam. 
Then  he  made  him  that  remaineth  have  dominion  over  the 
nobles  among  the  people  :  the  Lord  made  me  have  dominion 
over  the  mighty.  Out  of  Ephraim  was  there  a  root  of  them 
against  Amalek  ;  after  thee,  Benjamin,  among  thy  people  ;  out 
of  Machir  came  down  governors,  and  out  of  Zebulun  they  that 
handle  the  pen  of  the  writer.  And  the  princes  of  Issachar  were 
with  Deborah  ;  even  Issachar,  and  also  Barak :  he  was  sent  on 
foot  into  the  valley.  Zebulun  and  Naphtali  were  a  people  that 
jeoparded  their  lives  unto  the  death  in  the  high  places  of  the 
field.  The  kings  came  and  fought ;  then  fought  the  kings  of 
Canaan  in  Taanach  by  the  waters  of  Megiddo ;  they  took  no 
gain  of  money.  They  fought  from  heaven  ;  the  stars  in  their 
courses  fought  against  Sisera.  The  river  of  Kishon  swept  them 
away,  that  ancient  river,  the  river  Kishon.  O  my  soul,  thou 
hast  trodden  down  strength.  Then  were  the  horse-hoofs  broken 
by  the  means  of  the  prancings,  the  prancings  of  their  mighty 
ones.  Curse  ye  Meroz,  said  the  angel  of  the  Lord,  curse  ye 
bitterly  the  inhabitants  thereof ;  because  they  came  not  to  the 
help  of  the  Lord,  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty. 
Blessed  above  women  shall  Jael  the  wife  of  Heber  the  Kenitt 
be  ;  blessed  shall  she  be  above  women  in  the  tent.  He  asked 
water,  and  she  gave  him  milk  ;  she  brought  forth  butter  in  a  lordly 
dish.  She  put  her  hand  to  the  nail,  and  her  right  hand  to  the 
workmen's  hammer ;  and  with  the  hammer  she  smote  Sisera,  she 
smote  off  his  head,  when  she  had  pierced  and  stricken  through 
his  temples.  At  her  feet  he  bowed,  he  fell,  he  lay  down  :  at  her 
feet  he  bowed,  he  fell :  where  he. bowed,  there  he  fell  down  dead. 
The  mother  of  Sisera  looked  out  at  a  window,  and  cried  through 
the  lattice,  Why  is  his  chariot  so  long  in  coming }  why  tarry  the 
wheels  of  his  chariots  .-'  Her  wise  ladies  answered  her,  yea,  she 
returned  answer  to  herself,  Have  they  not  sped .-'  have  they  not 
divided  the  prey ;  to  every  man  a  damsel  or  two ;  to  Sisera  a 
prey  of  divers  colours,  a  prey  of  divers  colours  of  needlework, 


234  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

of  divers  colours  of  needlework  on  both  sides,  meet  for  the  necks 
of  them  that  take  the  spoil  ?  So  let  all  thine  enemies  perish, 
O  Lord  :  but  let  them  that  love  him  be  as  the  sun  when  he 
goeth  forth  in  his  might.     And  the  land  had  rest  forty  years. 

The  browsing  camels'  bells  are  tinkling, 

His  mother  looked  from  her  lattice  high, 

She  saw  the  dews  of  eve  besprinkling 

The  pasture  green  beneath  her  eye, 

She  saw  the  planets  faintly  twinkling: 

'Tis  twilight,  — sure  the  train  is  nigh. 

She  could  not  rest  in  the  garden  bower, 

But  gaze  through  the  grate  of  the  steepest  tower: 

Why  comes  he  not  ?  his  steeds  are  fleet. 

Nor  shrink  they  from  the  summer  heat ; 

Why  sends  not  the  bridegroom  his  promised  gift .'' 


CHAPTER   XCVII. 

THE  THREE  WIDOWS. THE  WAYS  THEY  WENT. 

NOW  it  came  to  pass  in  the  days  when  the  judges  ruled,  that 
there  was  a  famine  in  the  land.  And  a  certain  man  of 
Beth-lehem-judah  went  to  sojourn  in  the  country  of  Moab,  he, 
and  his  wife,  and  his  two  sons.  And  the  name  of  the  man  was 
Elimelech,  and  the  name  of  his  wife  Naomi,  and  the  name  of  his 
two  sons  Mahlon  and  Chilion,  Ephrathites  of  Beth-lehem-judah. 
And  they  came  into  the  country  of  Moab,  and  continued  there. 
And  Elimelech  Naomi's  husband  died  ;  and  she  was  left,  and  her 
two  sons.  And  they  took  them  wives  of  the  women  of  Moab  ; 
the  name  of  the  one  was  Orpah,  and  the  name  of  the  other  Ruth : 
and  they  dwelt  there  about  ten  years.  And  Mahlon  and  Chilion 
died  also  both  of  them  ;  and  the  woman  was  left  of  her  two  sons 
and  her  husband. 

"  Thy  will  be  done  !  "  God  of  the  desolate, 
Teach  me,  with  heart  resigned  and  calm,  to  say, 
Thy  will  be  done  !     I  know  it  was  Thy  hand 
That  gave  ;  oh  !  may  I  see  Thy  hand  alone 
Reclaiming  that  it  graciously  bestowed. 
Quiet  my  murmuring  thoughts  ;  still  my  regrets. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  235 

How  little  I  deserved  my  happy  lot 
Should  last  so  long  !     But  lite  is  now  a  void. 
Void  did  I  say  ?  forgive  me,  Lord  ;  for  life 
Is  full  of  duties  still,  nor  without  joys. 

Then  she  arose  with  her  daughters-in-law,  that  she  might  re- 
turn from  the  country  of  Moab  :  for  she  had  heard  in  the  country 
of  Moab  how  that  the  Lord  had  visited  his  people  in  giving  them 
bread.  Wherefore  she  went  forth  out  of  the  place  where  she 
was,  and  her  two  daughters-in-law  with  her  ;  and  they  went  on 
the  way  to  return  unto  the  land  of  Judah.  And  Naomi  said  unto 
her  two  daughters-in-law,  Go,  return  each  to  her  mother's  house : 
the  Lord  deal  kindly  with  you,  as  ye  have  dealt  with  the  dead, 
and  with  me.  The  Lord  grant  you  that  ye  may  find  rest,  each 
of  you  in  the  house  of  her  husband.  Then  she  kissed  them  ; 
and  they  lifted  up  their  voice,  and  wept.  And  they  said  unto 
her,  Surely  we  will  return  with  thee  unto  thy  people.  And  Na- 
omi said.  Turn  again,  my  daughters :  why  will  ye  go  with  me .'' 
are  there  yet  any  more  sons  in  my  womb,  that  they  may  be  your 
husbands  .''  Turn  again,  my  daughters,  go  your  way  ;  for  I  am 
too  old  to  have  a  husband.  If  I  should  say,  I  have  hope,  if  I 
should  have  a  husband  also  to-night,  and  should  also  bear  sons ; 
would  ye  tarry  for  them  till  they  were  grown }  would  ye  stay  for 
them  from  having  husbands  .-*  nay,  my  daughters  ;  for  it  grieveth 
me  much  for  your  sakes  that  the  hand  of  the  Lord  is  gone  out 
against  me. 

All  are  not  taken  ;  there  are  left  behind 

Living  Beloveds,  tender  looks  to  bring, 

And  make  the  daylight  still  a  happy  thing, 

And  tender  voices,  to  make  soft  the  wind. 

But  if  it  were  not  so  —  if  I  could  find 

No  love  in  all  the  world  for  comforting, 

Nor  any  path  hollowly  did  ring, 

Where  "  dust  to  dust "  the  love  from  life  disjoined. 

And  if,  before  those  sepulchres  unmoving, 

I  stood  alone,  (as  some  forsaken  lamb 

Goes  bleating  up  the  moors  in  weary  dearth) 

Crying,  Where  are  ye,  O  my  loved  and  loving?  .  .  . 

I  know  a  Voice  would  sound,  Daughter,  I  AAL 

Can  I  suffice  for  Hkaven,  and  not  for  earth  .'' 

And  they  lifted  up  their  voice,  and  wept  again :  and  Orpah 
kissed  her  mother-in-law  ;  but  Ruth  clave  unto  her.     And  she 


236  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

said,  Behold,  thy  sister-in-law  is  gone  back  unto  her  people,  and 
unto  her  gods :  return  thou  after  thy  sister-in-law.  And  Ruth 
said,  Entreat  me  not  to  leave  thee,  or  to  return  from  following 
after  thee :  for  whither  thou  goest,  I  will  go  ;  and  where  thou 
lodgest,  I  will  lodge  :  thy  people  shall  be  my  people,  and  thy  God 
my  God :  where  thou  diest,  will  I  die,  and  there  will  I  be  buried : 
the  Lord  do  so  to  me,  and  more  also,  if  aught  but  death  part  thee 
and  me.  When  she  saw  that  she  was  steadfastly  minded  to  go 
with  her,  then  she  left  speaking  unto  her. 

Oh,  let  me  share  thy  weight  of  woe,  the  burden  of  thy  care, 
My  heart  shall  never  weary  grow,  or  shrink  its  load  to  bear. 
I  cannot,  cannot  part  with  thee,  above,  below  the  sod  — 
Thy  people  shall  my  people  be,  thy  God  shall  be  my  God. 

So  they  two  went  until  they  came  to  Beth-lehem.  And  it  came 
to  pass,  when  they  were  come  to  Beth-lehem,  that  all  the  city  was 
moved  about  them,  and  they  said,  Is  this  Naomi }  And  she  said 
unto  them.  Call  me  not  Naomi,  call  me  Mara  :  for  the  Almighty 
hath  dealt  very  bitterly  with  me.  I  went  out  full,  and  the  Lord 
hath  brought  me  home  again  empty:  why  then  call  ye  me  Naomi, 
seeing  the  Lord  hath  testified  against  me,  and  the  Almighty  hath 
afflicted  me  }  So  Naomi  returned,  and  Ruth  the  Moabitess,  her 
daughter-in-law,  with  her,  which  returned  out  of  the  country  of 
Moab  :  and  they  came  to  Beth-lehem  in  the  beginning  of  barley 
harvest. 

The  friends  thou  hast,  and  their  adoption  tried, 
Grapple  them  to  thy  soul  with  hoops  of  steel ; 
But  do  not  dull  thy  palm  with  entertainment 
Of  each  new-hatched,  unfledged  comrade. 


CHAPTER    XCVIII. 

THE    GAINFUL    GLEANER. 

We  are  as  children  :  here  and  there 

A  few  fallen  ears,  the  sheaves  among. 
We  glean,  where  best  the  bounteous  Hand  may  spare, 

So  learning  for  His  perfect  store  to  long. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  237 

Come,  little  ones  —  come  early  out, 

Come  joyous,  come  with  steady  heart, 
Roam  not  to  seek  wild  flowers  the  field  about, 

Nor  yet  at  dreams  of  fancied  vipers  start. 

Sing  softly  in  your  hearts  all  day 

Sweet  carols  to  the  harvest's  Lord, 
So  shall  you  chase  those  evil  powers  away. 

That  walk  at  noon  —  rude  gaze  and  wanton  word. 

AND  Naomi  had  a  kinsman  of  her  husband's,  a  mighty  man 
of  wealth,  of  the  family  of  Elimelech  ;  and  his  name  was 
Boaz.  And  Ruth  the  Moabitess  said  unto  Naomi,  Let  me  now 
go  to  the  field,  and  glean  ears  of  corn  after  him  in  whose  sight 
I  shall  find  grace.  And  she  said  unto  her,  Go,  my  daughter. 
And  she  went,  and  came,  and  gleaned  in  the  field  after  the 
reapers  :  and  her  hap  was  to  light  on  a  part  of  the  field  belong- 
ing unto  Boaz,  who  was  of  the  kindred  of  Elimelech. 

And,  behold,  Boaz  came  from  Beth-lehem,  and  said  unto  the 
reapers.  The  Lord  be  with  you.  And  they  answered  him.  The 
Lord  bless  thee.  Then  said  Boaz  unto  his  servant  that  was  set 
over  the  reapers,  Whose  damsel  is  this  .-*  And  the  servant  that 
was  set  over  the  reapers  answered  and  said,  It  is  the  Moabitish 
damsel  that  came  back  with  Naomi  out  of  the  country  of  Moab : 
and  she  said,  I  pray  you,  let  me  glean  and  gather  after  the 
reapers  among  the  sheaves  :  so  she  came,  and  hath  continued 
even  from  the  morning  until  now,  that  she  tarried  a  little  in  the 
house.  Then  said  Boaz  unto  Ruth,  Hearest  thou  not,  my 
daughter  .-•  Go  not  to  glean  in  another  field,  neither  go  from 
hence,  but  abide  here  fast  by  my  maidens  :  let  thine  eyes  be  on 
the  field  that  they  do  reap,  and  go  thou  after  them  :  have  I  not 
charged  the  young  men  that  they  shall  not  touch  thee?  and 
when  thou  art  athirst,  go  unto  the  vessels,  and  drink  of  that 
which  the  young  men  have  drawn.  Then  she  fell  on  her  face, 
and  bowed  herself  to  the  ground,  and  said  unto  him.  Why  have 
I  found  grace  in  thine  eyes,  that  thou  shouldest  take  knowledge 
of  me,  seeing  I  am  a  stranger }  And  Boaz  answered  and  said 
unto  her.  It  hath  fully  been  shewed  me,  all  that  thou  hast  done 
unto  thy  mother-in-law  since  the  death  of  thine  husband  ;  and 
how  thou  hast  left  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  and  the  land  of 
thy  nativity,  and  art  come  unto  a  people  which  thou  knewest  not 
heretofore.     The  Lord  recompense  thy  work,  and  a  full  reward 


238  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

be  given  thee  of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  under  whose  wings 
thou  art  come  to  trust.  Then  she  said,  Let  me  find  favour  in 
thy  sight,  my  lord  ;  for  that  thou  hast  comforte4  me,  and  for  that 
thou  hast  spoken  friendly  unto  thine  handmaid,  though  I  be  not 
like  unto  one  of  thine  handmaidens.  And  Boaz  said  unto  her, 
At  meal-time  come  thou  hither,  and  eat  of  the  bread,  and  dip  thy 
morsel  in  the  vinegar.  And  she  sat  beside  the  reapers  :  and  he 
reached  her  parched  corn,  and  she  did  eat,  and  was  sufficed,  and 
left.  And  when  she  was  risen  up  to  glean,  Boaz  commanded  his 
young  men,  saying.  Let  her  glean  even  among  the  sheaves,  and 
reproach  her  not :  and  let  fall  also  some  of  the  handfuls  of  pur- 
pose for  her,  and  leave  them,  that  she  may  glean  them,  and 
rebuke  her  not.  So  she  gleaned  in  the  field  until  even,  and 
beat  out  that  she  had  gleaned :  and  it  was  about  an  ephah  of 

barley. 

Kind  words  !     O,  earth  like  heaven  would  be, 

And  sweet  would  be  our  fellowship, 
If  kind  thoughts  dwelt  in  every  heart, 

And  kind  words  hallowed  every  lip ! 
Speak  kindly  then  ;  and  every  word 

Of  thine  within  some  heart  shall  be 
A  Hnk  of  love's  mysterious  chain, 

To  bind  it  ever  unto  thee. 

And  she  took  it  up,  and  went  into  the  city ;  and  her  mother- 
in-law  saw  what  she  had  gleaned :  and  she  brought  forth,  and 
gave  to  her  that  she  had  reserved  after  she  was  sufficed.  And 
her  mother-in-law  said  unto  her,  Where  hast  thou  gleaned  to-day .'' 
and  where  wroughtest  thou  .''  blessed  be  he  that  did  take  knowl- 
edge of  thee.  And  she  shewed  her  mother-in-law  with  whom 
she  had  wrought,  and  said.  The  man's  name  with  whom  I 
wrought  to-day  is  Boaz.  And  Naomi  said  unto  her  daughter-in- 
law.  Blessed  be  he  of  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  left  off  his  kind- 
ness to  the  living  and  to  the  dead.  And  Naomi  said  unto  her, 
The  man  is  near  of  kin  unto  us,  one  of  our  next  kinsmen.  And 
Ruth  the  Moabitess  said.  He  said  unto  me  also,  Thou  shalt 
keep  fast  by  my  young  men,  until  they  have  ended  all  my  har- 
vest. And  Naomi  said  unto  Ruth  her  daughter-in-law.  It  is 
good,  my  daughter,  that  thou  go  out  with  his  maidens,  that  they 
meet  thee  not  in  any  other  field.  So  she  kept  fast  by  the 
maidens  of  Boaz  to  glean  unto  the  end  of  barley  harvest  and  of 
wheat  harvest ;  and  dwelt  with  her  mother-in-law. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  239 

The  plume-like  swaying  of  the  autumn  corn, 
By  soft  winds  to  a  dreamy  motion  fanned, 
Still  brings  me  back  thine  image  —  Oh  !  forlorn, 
Yet  not  forsaken,  Ruth  !  —  I  see  thee  stand 
Love,  'midst  the  gladness  of  the  harvest  band  — 
Lone  as  a  wood-bird  on  the  ocean's  foam. 
Fallen  in  its  weariness.     Thy  father-land 
Smiles  far  away !  yet  to  the  sense  of  home, 
That  finest,  purest,  which  can  recognize 
Home  in  affection's  glance,  for  ever  true 
Beats  thy  calm  heart ;  and  if  thy  gentle  eyes 
Gleam  tremulous  with  tears,  'tis  not  to  rue 
Those  words,  immortal  in  their  deep  Love's  tone, 
"  Thy  people  and  thy  God  shall  be  mine  own." 


CHAPTER  XCIX. 

WOMANLY    EXPEDIENTS. HOPEFUL   TOKENS. 

Who  art  thou  ?  on  what  errand  bent  ?     "  Behold,  'tis  Ruth  !  "  she  cried : 
"  Protect  me,  kinsman  !  for  alone  in  this  wide  world  I  bide. 
Oh  !  shield  me  from  the  storms  of  life,  thy  mantle  o'er  me  spread ; 
My  husband  was  thy  kinsman,  lord,  and  he  hath  long  been  dead." 

THEN  Naomi  her  mother-in-law  said  unto  her,  My  daughter, 
shall  I  not  seek  rest  for  thee,  that  it  may  be  well  with 
thee  }  And  now  is  not  Boaz  of  our  kindred,  with  whose  maidens 
thou  wast  .-*  Behold,  he  winnoweth  barley  to-night  in  the  thresh- 
ing-floor. Wash  thyself  therefore,  and  anoint  thee,  and  put  thy 
raiment  upon  thee,  and  get  thee  down  to  the  floor :  but  make 
not  thyself  known  unto  the  man,  until  he  shall  have  done  eating 
and  drinking.  And  it  shall  be,  when  he  lieth  down,  that  thou 
shalt  mark  the  place  where  he  shall  lie,  and  thou  shalt  go  in,  and 
uncover  his  feet,  and  lay  thee  down  ;  and  he  will  tell  thee  what 
thou  shalt  do.  And  she  said  unto  her,  All  that  thou  sayest  unto 
me  I  will  do. 

And  she  went  down  unto  the  floor,  and  did  according  to  all 
that  her  mother-in-law  bade  hor.  And  when  Boaz  had  eaten  and 
drunk,  and  his  heart  was  merry,  he  went  to  lie  down  at  the  end 
of  the  heap  of  corn  :  and  she  came  softly,  and  uncovered  his  feet, 
and  laid  her  down. 


240  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  it  came  to  pass  at  midnight,  that  the  man  was  afraid,  and 
turned  himself :  and,  behold,  a  woman  lay  at  his  feet.  And  he 
said.  Who  art  thou  ?  And  she  answered,  I  am  Ruth  thine  hand- 
maid :  spread  therefore  thy  skirt  over  thine  handmaid  ;  for  thou 
art  a  near  kinsman.  And  he  said,  Blessed  be  thou  of  the  Lord, 
my  daughter :  for  thou  hast  shewed  more  kindness  in  the  latter 
end  than  at  the  beginning,  inasmuch  as  thou  followedst  not 
young  men,  whether  poor  or  rich.  And  now,  my  daughter,  fear 
not ;  I  will  do  to  thee  all  that  thou  requirest :  for  all  the  city  of 
my  people  doth  know  that  thou  art  a  virtuous  woman.  And 
now  it  is  true  that  I  am  thy  near  kinsman :  howbeit  there  is  a 
kinsman  nearer  than  I.  Tarry  this  night,  and  it  shall  be  in  the 
morning,  that  if  he  will  perform  unto  thee  the  part  of  a  kinsman, 
well ;  let  him  do  the  kinsman's  part :  but  if  he  will  not  do  the 
part  of  a  kinsman  to  thee,  then  will  I  do  the  part  of  a  kinsman 
to  thee,  as  the  Lord  liveth  :  lie  down  until  the  morning. 

His  words  are  bonds,  his  oaths  are  oracles ; 
His  love  sincere,  his  thoughts  immaculate  ; 
His  tears,  pure  messengers  sent  from  his  heart ; 
His  heart  as  far  from  fraud,  as  heaven  from  earth. 

And  she  lay  at  his  feet  until  the  morning :  and  she  rose  up 
before  one  could  know  another.  And  he  said.  Let  it  not  be 
known  that  a  woman  came  into  the  floor.  Also  he  said.  Bring 
the  vail  that  thou  hast  upon  thee,  and  hold  it.  And  when  she 
held  it,  he  measured  six  measures  of  barley,  and  laid  it  on  her : 
and  he  went  into  the  city.  And  when  she  came  to  her  mother- 
in-law,  she  said.  Who  art  thou,  my  daughter  1  And  she  told  her 
all  that  the  man  had  done  to  her.  And  she  said.  These  six 
measures  of  barley  gave  he  me  ;  for  he  said  to  me.  Go  not  empty 
unto  thy  mother-in-law.  Then  said  she.  Sit  still,  my  daughter, 
until  thou  know  how  the  matter  will  fall :  for  the  man  will  not 
be  in  rest,  until  he  have  finished  the  thing  this  day. 

This  hope  is  earth's  most  estimable  prize; 
This  is  man's  portion,  while  no  more  than  man : 
Hope,  of  all  passions,  most  befriends  us  here  ; 
Passions  of  prouder  name  befriend  us  less. 
Joy  has  her  tears,  and  transport  has  her  death ; 
Hope,  like  a  cordial,  innocent  though  strong, 
Man's  heart  at  once  inspirits  and  serenes  ; 
Nor  makes  him  pay  his  wisdom  for  his  joys  ; 
'Tis  all  our  present  state  can  safely  bear. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  241 


CHAPTER   C. 

THE    GLEANER    REAPING. 

Tear  not  away  the  veil,  clear  friend, 
Nor  from  its  shelter  rudely  rend 
The  heaven-protected  flower : 
It  waits  for  sun  and  shower 
To  woo  it  kindly  forth  in  its  own  time, 
And  when  they  come,  untaught  will  know  its  hour  of  prime. 

THEN  went  Boaz  up  to  the  gate,  and  sat  him  down  there : 
and,  behold,  the  kinsman  of  whom  Boaz  spake  came  by  ; 
unto  whom  he  said,  Ho,  such  a  one  !  turn  aside,  sit  down  here. 
And  he  turned  aside,  and  sat  down.  And  he  took  ten  men  of 
the  elders  of  the  city,  and  said.  Sit  ye  down  here.  And  they  sat 
down.  And  he  said  unto  the  kinsman,  Naomi,  that  is  come 
again  out  of  the  country  of  Moab,  selleth  a  parcel  of  land,  which 
was  our  brother  Elimelech's  :  and  I  thought  to  advertise  thee, 
saying.  Buy  it  before  the  inhabitants,  and  before  the  elders  of 
my  people.  If  thou  wilt  redeem  it,  redeem  it :  but  if  thou  wilt 
not  redeem  it,  then  tell  me,  that  I  may  know  :  for  there  is  none 
to  redeem  it  besides  thee  ;  and  I  am  after  thee.  And  he  said,  I 
will  redeem  it.  Then  said  Boaz,  What  day  thou  buyest  the  field 
of  the  hand  of  Naomi,  thou  must  buy  it  also  of  Ruth  the 
Moabitess,  the  wife  of  the  dead,  to  raise  up  the  name  of  the  dead 
upon  his  inheritance.  And  the  kinsman  said,  I  cannot  redeem 
it  for  myself,  lest  I  mar  mine  own  inheritance :  redeem  thou  my 
right  to  thyself  ;  for  I  cannot  redeem  it.  Now  this  was  the  man- 
ner in  former  time  in  Israel  concerning  redeeming  and  concerning 
changing,  for  to  confirm  all  things  ;  a  man  plucked  off  his  shoe, 
and  gave  it  to  his  neighbour  :  and  this  was  a  testimony  in  Israel. 
Therefore  the  kinsman  said  unto  Boaz,  Buy  it  for  thee.  So  he 
drew  off  his  shoe. 

O  what  a  treasure  is  a  virtuous  wife, 
Discreet  and  loving  !     Not  one  gift  on  earth 
Makes  a  man's  life  so  nighly  bound  to  heaven ; 
She  gives  him  double  forces  to  endure, 
And  to  enjoy,  by  being  one  with  him, 
Feeling  his  joys  and  griefs  with  equal  sense. 
16 


242  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

And  Boaz  said  unto  the  elders,  and  unto  all  the  people,  Ye  are 
witnesses  this  day,  that  I  have  bought  all  that  was  Elimelech's, 
and  all  that  was  Chilion's  and  Mahlon's,  of  the  hand  of  Naomi. 
Moreover  Ruth  the  Moabitess,  the  wife  of  Mahlon,  have  I  pur- 
chased to  be  my  wife,  to  raise  up  the  name  of  the  dead  upon  his 
inheritance,  that  the  name  of  the  dead  be  not  cut  off  from  among 
his  brethren,  and  from  the  gate  of  his  place :  ye  are  witnesses 
this  day.  And  all  the  people  that  were  in  the  gate,  and  the 
elders,  said.  We  are  witnesses.  The  Lord  make  the  woman  that 
is  come  into  thine  house  like  Rachel  and  like  Leah,  which  two  did 
build  the  house  of  Israel :  and  do  thou  worthily  in  Ephratah,  and 
be  famous  in  Beth-lehem  :  and  let  thy  house  be  Hke  the  house 
of  Pharez,  whom  Tamar  bare  unto  Judah  of  the  seed  which  the 
Lord  shall  give  thee  of  this  young  woman. 

God,  the  best  maker  of  all  marriages, 

Combine  your  hearts  in  one  ! 

As  man  and  wife,  being  two,  are  one  in  love. 

So  Boaz  took  Ruth,  and  she  was  his  wife  :  and  when  he  went 
in  unto  her,  the  Lord  gave  her  conception,  and  she  bare  a  son. 
And  the  women  said  unto  Naomi,  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  which 
hath  not  left  thee  this  day  without  a  kinsman,  that  his  name . 
may  be  famous  in  Israel.  And  he  shall  be  unto  thee  a  restorer 
of  thy  life,  and  a  nourisher  of  thine  old  age  :  for  thy  daughter-in- 
law,  which  loveth  thee,  which  is  better  to  thee  than  seven  sons, 
hath  borne  him.  And  Naomi  took  the  child,  and  laid  it  in  her 
bosom,  and  became  nurse  unto  it.  And  the  women  her  neigh- 
bours gave  it  a  name,  saying,  There  is  a  son  born  to  Naomi; 
and  they  called  his  name  Obed :  he  is  the  father  of  Jesse,  the 
father  of  David. 

Now  these  are  the  generations  of  Pharez  :  Pharez  begat 
Hezron,  and  Hezron  begat  Ram,  and  Ram  begat  Amminadab, 
and  Amminadab  begat  Nahshon,  and  Nahshon  begat  Salmon, 
and  Salmon  begat  Boaz,  and  Boaz  begat  Obed,  and  Obed  begat 
Jesse,  and  Jesse  begat  David. 

O  Ruth,  thy  reaping-time  had  come  ! 

The  faith,  that  led  thee  far  from  home  — 

Far  from  thy  idols  and  thy  kin  — 

To  dwell  with  tribes  forbid  to  sin, 

Its  sure  reward  began  to  reap. 

In  Boaz's  field  —  this  was  thy  hap  — 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  243 

'Twas  deemed  a  boon,  by  thee,  to  glean 

Where  hirehng  reapers  thought  thee  mean. 

But  God,  —  Naomi's  God  —  now  thine  — 

The  heart  of  Boaz  did  inchne 

Thy  modest  virtue  to  admire, — 

To  raise  thee  to  a  station  higher 

Than  thought  of  his  or  thine  had  reached. 

As  alien-born,  to  be  impeached 

By  Jewish  maids  was  small  disgrace  ; 

Since  to  be  worthy  of  their  race. 

By  purpose  pure  and  life  unstained, 

Thy  Faith,  by  grace  of  God,  had  gained. 

A  gleaner  once  !  —  a  reaper  now  !  — 

For  when  good  Boaz  made  his  vow, 

The  stranger  then  his  wife  became, — 

A  lot  denied  to  Hebrew  dame  !  — ■ 

That  wife  the  mother  of  his  son  ; 

That  son  the  sire  of  the  Holy  One  : 

For  Obed,  Jesse,  David,  all. 

Their  mother  were  constrained  to  call 

Ruth,  whom  the  world,  as  since,  Maria, 

Would  hail  a  mother  of  Messiah  ! 


CHAPTER   CI. 

THE    VALIANT    JEPHTHAH. HIS    VOW. HIS    DOOMED 

DAUGHTER. SAMSON    BORN. 

Still  there  was  virtue  ;  —  but  a  rolling  stone 
On  a  hill's  brow  is  not  more  quickly  gone  ; 
The  slightest  motion,  —  ceasing  from  our  care,  — 
A  moment's  absence,  —  when  we're  not  aware,  — 
When  down  it  rolls,  and  at  the  bottom  lies. 
Sunk,  lost,  degraded,  never  more  to  rise ! 
Far  off  the  glorious  height  from  whence  it  fell, 
With  all  things  base  and  infamous  to  dwell. 

NOW  Jephthah  the  Gileadite  was  a  mighty  man  of  valour, 
and  he  was  the  son  of  a  harlot :  and  Gilead  begat  Jephthah. 
And  Gilead's  wife  bare  him  sons  ;  and  his  wife's  sons  grew  up, 
and  they  thrust  out  Jephthah,  and  said  unto  him,  Thou  shalt 
not   inherit  in  our  father's  house  ;   for  thou  art  the  son  of  a 


244  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

strange  woman.  Then  Jephthah  fled  from  his  brethren,  and 
dwelt  in  the  land  of  Tob :  and  there  were  gathered  vain  men  to 
Jephthah,  and  went  out  with  him. 

And  it  came  to  pass  in  process  of  time,  that  the  children  of 
Ammon  made  war  against  Israel.  And  it  was  so,  that  when 
the  children  of  Ammon  made  war  against  Israel,  the  elders  of 
Gilead  went  to  fetch  Jephthah  out  of  the  land  of  Tob  :  and  they 
said  unto  Jephthah,  Come,  and  be  our  captain,  that  we  may  fight 
with  the  children  of  Ammon.  And  Jephthah  said  unto  the 
elders  of  Gilead,  If  ye  bring  me  home  again  to  fight  against 
the  children  of  Ammon,  and  the  Lord  deliver  them  before  me, 
shall  I  be  your  head  .-*  And  the  elders  of  Gilead  said  unto 
Jephthah,  The  Lord  be  witness  between  us,  if  we  do  not  so 
according  to  thy  words.  Then  Jephthah  went  with  the  elders 
of  Gilead,  and  the  people  made  him  head  and  captain  over  them  : 
and  Jephthah  uttered  all  his  words  before  the  Lord  in  Mizpeh. 

Oh  !  sweet  the  flow 
Of  grief  that  mourns  an  erring  brother's  woe: 
Sweet  is  the  tear  that  gems  the  downcast  eye 
When  love  implores,  nor  beauty  dare  reply: 
But  sweeter  yet  to  see  the  warrior  rude, 
Iron  of  limb,  and  stern  in  mien  and  mood, 
Bow  to  his  God  the  strong  but  willing  knee, 
And  drop  the  tear  of  meek  humility. 

And  Jephthah  sent  messengers  unto  the  king  of  the  children 
of  Ammon,  saying,  What  hast  thou  to  do  with  me,  that  thou 
art  come  against  me  to  fight  in  my  land  }  And  the  king  of  the 
children  of  Ammon  answered  unto  the  messengers  of  Jephthah, 
Because  Israel  took  away  my  land,  when  they  came  up  out  of 
Egypt,  from  Arnon  even  unto  Jabbok,  and  unto  Jordan :  now 
therefore  restore  those  lands  again  peaceably.  And  Jephthah 
sent  messengers  again  unto  the  king  of  the  children  of  Ammon  : 
and  said  unto  him,  Thus  saith  Jephthah,  Israel  took  not  away 
the  land  of  Moab,  nor  the  land  of  the  children  of  Ammon  : 
wherefore  I  have  not  sinned  against  thee,  but  thou  doest  me 
wrong  to  war  against  me :  the  Lord  the  Judge  be  judge  this 
day  between  the  children  of  Israel  and  the  children  of  Ammon. 
Howbeit  the  king  of  the  children  of  Ammon  hearkened  not  unto 
the  words  of  Jephthah  which  he  sent  him. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  245 

It  is  the  purpose  that  makes  strong  the  vow ; 
But  vows  to  every  purpose  must  not  hold. 

Then  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon  Jephthah,  and  he 
passed  over  Gilead,  and  Manassch,  and  passed  over  Mizpeh 
of  Gilead,  and  from  Mizpeh  of  Gilead  he  passed  over  unto  the 
children  of  Ammon.  And  Jephthah  vowed  a  vow  unto  the 
Lord,  and  said,  If  thou  shalt  without  fail  deliver  the  children 
of  Ammon  into  mine  hands,  then  it  shall  be,  that  whatsoever 
Cometh  forth  of  the  doors  of  my  house  to  meet  me,  when  I 
return  in  peace  from  the  children  of  Ammon,  shall  surely  be 
the  Lord's,  and  I  will  offer  it  up  for  a  burnt  offering. 

So  Jephthah  passed  over  unto  the  children  of  Ammon  to 
fight  against  them  ;  and  the  Lord  delivered  them  into  his  hands. 
And  he  smote  them  from  Aroer,  even  till  thou  come  to  Minnith, 
even  twenty  cities,  and  unto  the  plain  of  the  vineyards,  with 
a  very  great  slaughter.  Thus  the  children  of  Ammon  were 
subdued  before  the  children  of  Israel. 

Some  feehngs  are  to  mortals  given, 

With  less  of  earth  in  them  than  heaven  : 

And  if  there  be  a  human  tear 

From  passion's  dross  refined  and  clear, 

A  tear  so  limpid  and  so  meek, 

It  would  not  stain  an  angel's  cheek, 

'Tis  that  which  pious  fathers  shed 

Upon  a  duteous  daughter's  head  ! 

And  Jephthah  came  to  Mizpeh  unto  his  house,  and,  behold, 
his  daughter  came  out  to  meet  him  with  timbrels  and  with 
dances  :  and  she  was  his  only  child  :  beside  her  he  had  neither 
son  nor  daughter.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  saw  her,  that 
he  rent  his  clothes,  and  said,  Alas,  my  daughter !  thou  hast 
brought  me  very  low,  and  thou  art  one  of  them  that  trouble 
me  :  for  I  have  opened  my  mouth  unto  the  Lord,  and  I  cannot 
go  back.  And  she  said  unto  him,  My  father,  if  thou  hast  opened 
thy  mouth  unto  the  Lord,  do  to  me  according  to  that  which  hath 
proceeded  out  of  thy  mouth  ;  forasmuch  as  the  Lord  hath  taken 
vengeance  for  thee  of  thine  enemies,  even  of  the  children  of 
Ammon.  And  she  said  unto  her  father,  Let  this  thing  be  done 
for  me  :  let  me  alone  -two  months,  that  I  may  go  up  and  down 
upon  the  mountains,  and  bewail  my  virginity,  I  and  my  fellows. 
And  he  said.  Go. 


246  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Though  the  virgins  of  Salem  lament, 
Be  the  judge  and  the  hero  unbent ; 
I  have  won  the  great  battle  for  thee, 
And  my  father  and  country  are  free. 
When  this  blood  of  thy  giving  has  gushed, 
When  the  voice  that  thou  lovest  is  hushed, 
Let  my  memory  still  be  thy  pride. 
And  forget  not  I  smiled  as  I  died. 

And  he  sent  her  away  for  two  months  :  and  she  went  with 
her  companions,  and  bewailed  her  virginity  upon  the  mountains. 
And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  two  months,  that  she  returned 
unto  her  father,  who  did  with  her  according  to  his  vow  which 
he  had  vowed.  And  it  was  a  custom  in  Israel,  that  the  daugh- 
ters of  Israel  went  yearly  to  lament  the  daughter  of  Jephthah 
the  Gileadite  four  days  in  a  year. 

When  the  next  moon  was  rolled  into  the  sky. 

Strength  came  to  me,  that  equalled  my  desire  — 
How  beautiful  a  thing  it  was  to  die 
For  God  and  for  my  sire  ! 

It  comforts  me  in  this  one  thought  to  dwell. 

That  I  subdued  me  to  my  father's  will ; 
Because  the  kiss  he  gave  me,  ere  I  fell, 
Sweetens  the  spirit  still. 

And  there  was  a  certain  man  of  Zorah,  of  the  family  of  the 
Daniies,  whose  name  was  Manoah ;  and  his  wife  was  barren, 
and  bare  not.  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto  the 
woman,  and  said  unto  her,  Behold  now,  thou  art  barren,  and 
bearest  not :  but  thou  shalt  conceive,  and  bear  a  son.  Now 
therefore  beware,  I  pray  thee,  and  drink  not  wine  nor  strong 
drink,  and  eat  not  any  unclean  thing :  for,  lo,  thou  shalt  con- 
ceive, and  bear  a  son  ;  and  no  razor  shall  come  on  his  head :  for 
the  child  shall  be  a  Nazarite  unto  God  from  the  womb :  and 
he  shall  begin  to  deliver  Israel  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philistines. 

And  the  woman  bare  a  son,  and  called  his  name  Samson  :  and 
the  child  grew,  and  the  Lord  blessed  him.  And  the  Spirit  of 
the  Lord  began  to  move  him  at  times  in  the  camp  of  Dan 
between  Zorah  and  Eshtaol. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  247 


CHAPTER   CII. 

Hannah's  prayer  and  vow.  —  the  prayer  answered. 

Domestic  happiness,  thou  only  bliss 
Of  Paradise  that  hast  survived  the  fall ! 
Though  few  now  taste  thee  unimpaired  and  pure, 
Or,  tasting,  long  enjoy  thee,  too  infirm 
Or  too  incautious  to  preserve  thy  sweets 
Unmixt  with  drops  of  bitter,  which  neglect 
Or  temper  sheds  into  thy  crystal  cup. 
Thou  art  the  nurse  of  virtue.     In  thine  arms 
She  smiles,  appearing,  as  in  truth  she  is, 
Heaven-born  and  destined  to  the  skies  again. 

NOW  there  was  a  certain  man  of  Ramathaim-zophim,  of 
mount  Ephraim,  and  his  name  was  Elkanah,  the  son  of 
Jeroham,  the  son  of  EHhu,  the  son  of  Tohu,  the  son  of  Zuph,  an 
Ephrathite :  and  he  had  two  wives  ;  the  name  of  the  one  was 
Hannah,  and  the  name  of  the  other  Peninnah :  and  Peninnah 
had  children,  but  Hannah  had  no  children.  And  this  man  went 
up  out  of  his  city  yearly  to  worship  and  to  sacrifice  unto  the 
Lord  of  hosts  in  Shiloh. 

When  longings  pure,  when  holy  prayers, 
When  self-denying  thoughts  and  cares 

Room  in  thy  heart  would  win, 
Stay  not  too  long  to  count  them  o'er : 
Rise  in  His  name  :  throw  wide  the  door. 

Let  the  good  angels  in. 

So  Hannah  rose  up  after  they  had  eaten  in  Shiloh,  and  after 
they  had  drunk.  Now  Eli  the  priest  sat  upon  a  seat  by  a  post 
of  the  temple  of  the  Lord.  And  she  was  in  bitterness  of  soul, 
and  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  and  wept  sore.  '  And  she  vowed  a 
vow,  and  said,  O  Lord  of  hosts,  if  thou  wilt  indeed  look  on  the 
affliction  of  thine  handmaid,  and  remember  me,  and  not  forget 
thine  handmaid,  but  wilt  give  unto  thine  handmaid  a  man  child  ; 
then  I  will  give  him  unto  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  his  life,  and 
there  shall  no  razor  come  upon  his  head.  And  it  came  to  pass, 
as  she  continued  praying  before  the  Lord,  that  Eli  marked  her 


248  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

mouth.  Now  Hannah,  she  spake  in  her  heart ;  only  her  Hps 
moved,  but  her  voice  was  not  heard  :  therefore  Eli  thought  she 
had  been  drunken.  And  Eli  said  unto  her.  How  long  wilt  thou 
be  drunken  .''  put  away  thy  wine  from  thee.  And  Hannah  an- 
swered and  said,  No,  my  lord,  I  am  a  woman  of  a  sorrowful 
spirit :  I  have  drunk  neither  wine  nor  strong  drink,  but  have 
poured  out  my  soul  before  the  Lord.  Count  not  thine  handmaid 
for  a  daughter  of  Belial  :  for  out  of  the  abundance  of  my  com- 
plaint and  grief  have  I  spoken  hitherto.  Then  Eli  answered  and 
said.  Go  in  peace :  and  the  God  of  Israel  grant  thee  thy  petition 
that  thou  hast  asked  of  him.  And  she  said,  Let  thine  handmaid 
find  grace  in  thy  sight.  So  the  woman  went  her  way,  and  did 
eat,  and  her  countenance  was  no  more  sad. 

And  they  rose  up  in  the  morning  early,  and  worshipped  before 
the  Lord,  and  returned,  and  came  to  their  house  to  Ramah :  and 
Elkanah  knew  Hannah  his  wife  ;  and  the  Lord  remembered  her. 
Wherefore  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  time  was  come  about  after 
Hannah  had  conceived,  that  she  bare  a  son,  and  called  his  name 
Samuel,  saying,  Because  I  have  asked  him  of  the  Lord. 

A  life  has  just  begun  ! 
Another  soul  has  won 
The  glorious  spark  of  being. 

Pilgrim  of  life,  all  hail ! 
He  who  at  first  called  forth 
From  nothingness  the  earth, 
Who  piled  the  mighty  hills,  and  dug  the  sea, 
Who  gave  the  stars  to  gem 
Night  like  a  diadem, 
O  blessM  child  !  made  thee, 
Fair  creature  of  the  earth, 
Heir  of  immortal  life,  though  mortal  in  thy  birth, 
Hail,  all  hail ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  249 

CHAPTER   cm. 

ELKANAH's    piety. HANNAHS    LOAN    AND    te   deum. 

There  is  an  eye  that  never  sleeps,  beneath  the  wings  of  night ; 

There  is  an  ear  that  never  shuts,  when  sink  the  beams  of  light. 

There  is  an  arm  that  never  tires,  when  human  strength  gives  way  ; 

There  is  a  love  that  never  fails,  when  earthly  loves  decay. 

That  eye  is  fixed  on  seraph  throngs  ;  that  ear  is  filled  with  angels'  songs  ; 

That  arm  upholds  the  world  on  high  ;  that  love  is  throned  beyond  the  sky. 

But  there's  a  power  which  man  can  wield,  when  mortal  aid  is  vain  ;  — 
That  eye,  that  arm,  that  love  to  reach,  that  listening  ear  to  gain : 
That  power  is  Prayer,  which  soars  on  high, 
And  feeds  on  bliss  beyond  the  sky. 

AND  the  man  Elkanah,  and  all  his  house,  went  up  to  offer 
unto  the  Lord  the  yearly  sacrifice,  and  his  vow.  But 
Hannah  went  not  up  ;  for  she  said  unto  her  husband,  I  will  not 
go  up  until  the  child  be  weaned,  and  then  I  will  bring  him,  that 
he  may  appear  before  the  Lord,  and  there  abide  for  ever.  And 
Elkanah  her  husband  said  unto  her.  Do  what  seemeth  thee  good ; 
tarry  until  thou  have  weaned  him  ;  only  the  Lord  establish  his 

word. 

Thee  on  thy  mother's  knees,  a  new-born  child, 
In  tears  we  saw,  when  all  around  thee  smiled. 
So  live,  that,  sinking  in  thy  last  long  sleep. 
Smiles  may  be  thine,  when  all  around  thee  weep. 

And  when  she  had  weaned  him,  she  took  him  up  with  her, 
with  three  bullocks,  and  one  ephah  of  flour,  and  a  bottle  of  wine, 
and  brought  him  unto  the  house  of  the  Lord  in  Shiloh,:  and  the 
child  was  young.  And  they  slew  a  bullock,  and  brought  the 
child  to  Eli.  And  she  said,  O  my  lord,  as  thy  soul  liveth,  my 
lord,  I  am  the  woman  that  stood  by  thee  here,  praying  unto  the 
Lord.  For  this  child  I  prayed  ;  and  the  Lord  hath  given  me  my 
petition  which  I  asked  of  him :  therefore  also  I  have  lent  him  to 
the  Lord  ;  as  long  as  he  liveth  he  shall  be  lent  to  the  Lord. 
And  he  worshipped  the  Lord  there. 

Under  the  palm-trees  thou  no  more  shalt  meet  me, 
When  from  the  fount  at  evening  I  return, 
With  the  full  water-urn  ; 


250  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Nor  will  thy  sleep's  low  dove-like  breathings  greet  me, 
As  'midst  the  silence  of  the  stars  I  wake, 
And  watch  for  thy  dear  sake. 

And  thou,  will  slumber's  dewy  cloud  fall  round  thee, 
Without  thy  motlier's  hand  to  soothe  thy  bed  ? 

Wilt  thou  not  vainly  spread 
Thine  arms,  when  darkness  as  a  veil  hath  wound  thee, 
To  fold  my  neck,  and  lift  up,  in  thy  fear, 

A  cry  which  none  shall  hear  ? 

What  have  I  said,  my  child  !  —  Will  He  not  hear  thee. 
Who  the  young  ravens  heareth  from  their  nest  ? 

Shall  He  not  guard  thy  rest, 
And,  in  the  hush  of  holy  midnight  near  thee, 
Breathe  o'er  thy  soul,  and  fill  thy  dreams  with  joy  ? 

Thou  shalt  sleep  soft,  my  boy. 

And  Hannah  prayed,  and  said,  My  heart  rejoiceth  in  the  Lord, 
mine  horn  is  exalted  in  the  Lord  ;  my  mouth  is  enlarged  over 
mine  enemies;  because  I  rejoice  in  thy  salvation.  There  is  none 
holy  as  the  Lord  :  for  there  is  none  besides  thee  :  neither  is  there 
any  rock  like  our  God.  Talk  no  more  so  exceeding  proudly  ;  let 
not  arrogancy  come  out  of  your  mouth  :  for  the  Lord  is  a  God  of 
knowledge,  and  by  him  actions  are  weighed.  The  bows  of  the 
mighty  men  are  broken,  and  they  that  stumbled  are  girded  with 
strength.  They  that  were  full  have  hired  out  themselves  for 
bread  ;  and  they  that  were  hungry  ceased  :  so  that  the  barren 
hath  borne  seven  ;  and  she  that  hath  many  children  is  waxed 
feeble.  The  Lord  killeth,  and  maketh  alive :  he  bringeth  down 
to  the  grave,  and  bringeth  up.  The  Lord  maketh  poor,  and 
maketh  rich:  he  bringeth  low,  and  lifteth  up.  He  raiseth  up 
the  poor  out  of  the  dust,  and  lifteth  up  the  beggar  from  the 
dunghill,  to  set  them  among  princes,  and  to  make  them  inherit 
the  throne  of  glory  :  for  the  pillars  of  the  earth  are  the  Lord's, 
and  he  hath  set  the  world  upon  them.  He  will  keep  the  feet  of 
his  saints,  and  the  wicked  shall  be  silent  in  darkness  ;  for  by 
strength  shall  no  man  prevail.  The  adversaries  of  the  Lord  shall 
be  broken  to  pieces  ;  out  of  heaven  shall  he  thunder  upon  them  : 
the  Lord  shall  judge  the  ends  of  the  earth  ;  and  he  shall  give 
strength  unto  his  king,  and  exalt  the  horn  of  his  anointed. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  25 1 


CHAPTER   CIV. 

THE    DIVINE    CALL. ELI    DOOMED. SAMUEL    AS    PROPHET 

AND    JUDGE. 

I  GIVE  thee  to  thy  God  —  the  God  that  gave  thee, 
A  well-spring  of  deep  gladness,  to  my  heart ! 

And,  precious  as  thou  art, 
And  pure  as  dew  of  Hermon,  He  shall  have  thee, 
My  own,  my  beautiful,  my  undefiled  ! 

And  thou  shalt  be  His  child. 

Therefore,  farewell !  —  I  go,  my  soul  may  fail  me, 
As  the  hart  panteth  for  the  water  brooks, 

Yearning  for  thy  sweet  looks. 
But  thou,  my  tirst-born,  droop  not,  nor  bewail  me  ; 
Thou  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock  shalt  dwell. 

The  Rock  of  Strength.  —  Farewell. 

AND  the  child  Samuel  ministered  unto  the  Lord  before  Eli. 
And  the  word  of  the  Lord  was  precious  in  those  days ; 
there  was  no  open  vision.  And  it  came  to  pass  at  that  time, 
when  Eli  was  laid  down  in  his  place,  and  his  eyes  began  to  wax 
dim,  that  he  could  not  see ;  and  ere  the  lamp  of  God  went  out 
in  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  where  the  ark  of  God  was,  and  Sam- 
uel was  laid  down  to  sleep ;  that  the  Lord  called  Samuel :  and 
he  answered,  Here  am  L  And  he  ran  unto  Eli,  and  said.  Here 
am  I ;  for  thou  calledst  me.  And  he  said,  I  called  not ;  lie  down 
again.  And  he  went  and  lay  down.  And  the  Lord  called  yet 
again,  Samuel :  and  Samuel  arose  and  went  to  Eli,  and  said. 
Here  am  I ;  for  thou  didst  call  me.  And  he  answered,  I  called 
not,  my  son  ;  lie  down  again.  Now  Samuel  did  not  yet  know 
the  Lord,  neither  was  the  word  of  the  Lord  yet  revealed  unto 
him.  And  the  Lord  called  Samuel  again  the  third  time.  And 
he  arose  and  went  to  Eli,  and  said.  Here  am  I  ;  for  thou  didst 
call  me.  And  Eli  perceived  that  the  Lord  had  called  the  child. 
Therefore  Eli  said  unto  Samuel,  Go,  lie  down :  and  it  shall  be, 
if  he  call  thee,  that  thou  shalt  say.  Speak,  Lord  ;  for  thy  servant 
heareth.  So  Samuel  went  and  lay  down  in  his  place.  And  the 
Lord  came,  and  stood,  and  called  as  at  other  times,  Samuel,  Sam- 
uel.    Then  Samuel  answered.  Speak  ;  for  thy  servant  heareth. 


252  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  the  Lord  said  to  Samuel,  Behold,  I  will  do  a  thing  in 
Israel,  at  which  both  the  ears  of  every  one  that  heareth  it  shall 
tingle.  In  that  day  I  will  perform  against  Eli  all  things  which 
I  have  spoken  concerning  his  house :  when  I  begin,  I  will  also 
make  an  end.  For  I  have  told  him  that  I  will  judge  his  house 
for  ever  for  the  iniquity  which  he  knoweth  ;  because  his  sons 
made  themselves  vile,  and  he  restrained  them  not.  And  there- 
fore I  have  sworn  unto  the  house  of  Eli,  that  the  iniquity  of 
Eli's  house  shall  not  be  purged  with  sacrifice  nor  offering  for 

ever. 

Prince,  desire  to  be  honourable. 

Cherish  thy  folke,  and  hate  extortion, 

Suffer  nothing  that  may  be  reprovable 

To  thine  estate,  done  in  thy  region. 

Shew  forth  the  yerd  of  castigation, 

Drede  God,  do  law,  love  trouth  and  worthinesse, 

And  wed  thy  folke  ayen  to  stedfastnesse. 

And  Samuel  lay  until  the  morning,  and  opened  the  doors  of 
the  house  of  the  Lord.  And  Samuel  feared  to  show  Eli  the 
vision.  Then  Eli  called  Samuel,  and  said,  Samuel,  my  son  :  and 
he  answ.ered,  Here  am  L  And  he  said.  What  is  the  thing  that 
the  Lord  hath  said  unto  thee .''  I  pray  thee  hide  it  not  from 
me  :  God  do  so  to  thee,  and  more  also,  if  thou  hide  any  thing 
from  me  of  all  the  things  that  he  said  unto  thee.  And  Samuel 
told  him  every  whit,  and  hid  nothing  from  him.  And  he  said, 
It  is  the  Lord  :  let  him  do  what  seemeth  him  good. 

Thou  Power  Supreme,  whose  mighty  scheme  these  woes  of  mine  fulfil, 
Here  firm  I  rest,  they  must  be  best,  because  they  are  Thy  will ! 
Then  all  I  want,  — O  !  do  Thou  grant  this  one  request  of  mine  !  — 
Since  to  enjoy  Thou  dost  deny,  assist  me  to  resign. 

And  Samuel  grew,  and  the  Lord  was  with  him,  and  did  let 
none  of  his  words  fall  to  the  ground.  And  all  Israel  from  Dan 
even  to  Beer-sheba  knew  that  Samuel  was  established  to  be  a 
prophet  of  the  Lord.  And  the  Lord  appeared  again  in  Shiloh : 
for  the  Lord  revealed  himself  to  Samuel  in  Shiloh  by  the  word 

of  the  Lord. 

God  doth  not  need 
Either  man's  work,  or  his  own  gifts  ;  who  best 
Bear  His  mild  yoke,  they  serve  him  best ;  His  state 
Is  kingly  ;  thousands  at  His  bidding  speed, 
And  post  o'er  land  and  ocean  without  rest: 
They  also  serve  who  only  stand  and  wait. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  253 


CHAPTER   CV. 

SAMSON    SEEKS    A    WIFE. HE    KILLS    A    LION. HIS 

FEAST. HIS    RIDDLE. HIS    VICTORY. 

The  chariest  maid  is  prodigal  enough, 
If  she  unmask  her  beauty  to  the  moon. 
Virtue  itself  'scapes  not  calumnious  strokes  : 
The  canker  galls  the  infants  of  the  spring, 
Too  oft  before  their  buttons  be  disclosed ; 
Andln  the  morn  and  liquid  dew  of  youth 
Contagious  blastments  are  most  imminent. 
Be  wary,  then  ;  best  safety  lies  in  fear  : 
Youth  to  itself  rebels,  though  none  else  near. 

AND  Samson  went  down  to  Timnath,  and  saw  a  woman  in 
Timnath  of  the  daughters  of  the  Philistines.  And  he 
came  up,  and  told  his  father  and  his  mother,  and  said,  I  have 
seen  a  woman  in  Timnath  of  the  daughters  of  the  Philistines  : 
now  therefore  get  her  for  me  to  wife.  Then  his  father  and  his 
mother  said  unto  him,  Is  there  never  a  woman  among  the 
daughters  of  thy  brethren,  or  among  all  my  people,  that  thou 
goest  to  take  a  wife  of  the  uncircumcised  Philistines .-'  And 
Samson  said  unto  his  father,  Get  her  for  me  ;  for  she  pleaseth 
me  well.  But  his  father  and  his  mother  knew  not  that  it  was  of 
the  Lord,  that  he  sought  an  occasion  against  the  Philistines :  for 
at  that  time  the  Philistines  had  dominion  over  Israel. 

But  here  the  cloud, 
So  wills  Eternal  Providence,  sits  deep. 
Enough  for  us  to  know  that  this  dark  state, 
In  wayward  passions  lost,  and  vain  pursuits, 
This  Infancy  of  Being,  cannot  prove 
The  final  issue  of  the  works  of  God, 
By  boundless  Love,  and  perfect  Wisdom  formed, 
And  ever  rising  with  the  rising  mind. 

Then  went  Samson  down,  and  his  father  and  his  mother,  to 
Timnath,  and  came  to  the  vineyards  of  Timnath  :  and,  behold, 
a  young  lion  roared  against  him.  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
came  mightly  upon  him,  and  he  rent  him  as  he  would  have  rent 
a  kid,  and  he  had  nothing  in  his  hand  :  but  he  told  not  his  father 


254  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

or  his  mother  what  he  had  done.    And  he  went  down,  and  talked 
with  the  woman  ;  and  she  pleased  Samson  well. 

And  after  a  time  he  returned  to  take  her,  and  he  turned  aside 
to  see  the  carcass  of  the  lion  :  and,  behold,  there  was  a  swarm  of 
bees  and  honey  in  the  carcass  of  the  lion.  And  he  took  thereof 
in  his  hands,  and  went  on  eating,  and  came  to  his  father  and 
mother,  and  he  gave  them,  and  they  did  eat :  but  he  told  not 
them  that  he  had  taken  the  honey  out  of  the  carcass  of  the 

lion. 

The  rolling  waves,  the  .sun's  unwearied  course, 
The  elements  and  seasons,  all  declare 
For  what  the  Eternal  Maker  has  ordained 
The  powers  of  man  :  we  feel  within  ourselves 
His  energy  divine  :   He  tells  the  heart 
He  meant,  ' —  He  made  us  to  behold  and  love 
What  He  beholds  and  loves,  the  general  orb 
Of  life  and  being,  —  to  be  great  like  Him, 
Beneficent  and  active. 

So  his  father  went  down  unto  the  woman  :  and  Samson  made 
there  a  feast ;  for  so  used  the  young  men  to  do.  And  it  came 
to  pass,  when  they  saw  him,  that  they  brought  thirty  companions 
to  be  with  him.  And  Samson  said  unto  them,  I  will  now  put 
forth  a  riddle  unto  you  :  if  ye  can  certainly  declare  it  me  within 
the  seven  days  of  the  feast,  and  find  it  out,  then  I  will  give  you 
thirty  sheets  and  thirty  change  of  garments  :  but  if  ye  cannot 
declare  it  me,  then  shall  ye  give  me  thirty  sheets  and  thirty 
change  of  garments.  And  they  said  unto  him.  Put  forth  thy 
riddle,  that  we  may  hear  it.  And  he  said  unto  them.  Out  of  the 
eater  came  forth  meat,  and  out  of  the  strong  came  forth  sweet- 
ness. And  they  could  not  in  three  days  expound  the  riddle. 
And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  seventh  day,  that  they  said  unto 
Samson's  wife,  Entice  thy  husband,  that  he  may  declare  unto  us 
the  riddle,  lest  we  burn  thee  and  thy  father's  house  with  fire  : 
have  ye  called  us  to  take  that  we  have  t  is  it  not  so .''  And 
Samson's  wife  wept  before  him,  and  said.  Thou  dost  but  hate 
me,  and  lovest  me  not :  thou  hast  put  forth  a  riddle  unto  the 
children  of  my  people,  and  hast  not  told  it  me.  And  he  said 
unto  her,  Behold,  I  have  not  told  it  my  father  nor  my  mother, 
and  shall  I  tell  it  thee  ?  And  she  wept  before  him  the  seven 
days,  while  their  feast  lasted  :  and  it  came  to  pass  on  the  seventh 
day,  that   he  told   her,  because  she  lay   sore   upon  him  :   and 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  255 

she  told  the  riddle  to  the  children  of  her  people.  And  the  men 
of  the  city  said  unto  him  on  the  seventh  day  before  the  sun 
went  down,  What  is  sweeter  than  honey  ?  and  what  is  stronger 
than  a  lion  ?  And  he  said  unto  them,  If  ye  had  not  ploughed 
with  my  heifer,  ye  had  not  found  out  my  riddle. 

The  course  of  true  love  never  did  run  smooth. 
But,  either  it  was  differenced  in  blood  ; 
Or  else  misgrafffed,  in  respect  of  years  ; 
Or  else  it  stood  upon  the  choice  of  friends  ; 
Or,  if  there  were  a  sympathy  in  choice, 
War,  death,  or  sickness  did  lay  siege  to  it. 

And  the  Spirit  ot  the  Lord  came  upon  him,  and  he  went  down 
to  Ashkelon,  and  slew  thirty  men  of  them,  and  took  their  spoil,  and 
gave  change  of  garments  unto  them  which  expounded  the  riddle. 
And  his  anger  was  kindled,  and  he  went  up  to  his  father's  house. 
But  Samson's  wife  was  given  to  his  companion,  whom  he  had 
used  as  his  friend. 

Parents,  be  not  too  cruell ;  children  doe 

Things  oft  too  deepe  for  us  to  enquire  into. 

What  father  would  not  storme  if  his  wilde  sonne 

Should  doe  the  deed  that  Samson  here  had  done  .'' 

Nor  doe  I  make  it  an  exemplar  act, 

Onely  let  parents  not  be  too  exact, 

To  curse  their  children,  or  to  dispossesse 

Them  of  their  blessings,  Heaven  may  chance  to  blesse. 

Be  not  too  strict;  faire  language  may  recure 

A  fault  of  youth  ;  whilst  rougher  words  obdure. 


CHAPTER   CVI. 

DELILAH     LOVED.   —  HER     IMPORTUNATE     PLEA.  SAMSON 

BLINDED. HIS    REVENGE. 

Our  dangers  and  delights  are  near  allies  ; 
From  the  same  stem,  the  rose  and  prickle  rise. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  afterward,  that  he  loved  a  woman  in 
the  valley  of  Sorek,  whose  name  was  Delilah.     And  the 
lords  of  the  Philistines  came  up  unto  her,  and  said  unto  her, 


256  THE  BIBLE  AXD    THE  POETS. 

Entice  him,  and  see  wherein  his  great  strength  heth,  and  by  what 
means  we  may  prevail  against  him,  that  we  may  bind  him  to  afflict 
him  :  and  we  will  give  thee  every  one  of  us  eleven  hundred  pieces 
of  silver. 

And  Delilah  said  to  Samson,  Tell  me,  I  pray  thee,  wherein 
thy  great  strength  lieth,  and  wherewith  thou  mightest  be  bound 
to  afflict  thee.  And  Samson  said  unto  her,  If  they  bind  me 
with  seven  green  withs  that  were  never  dried,  then  shaU  I  be 
weak,  and  be  as  another  man.  Then  the  lords  of  the  Philistines 
brought  up  to  her  seven  green  withs  which  had  not  been  dried, 
and  she  bound  him  with  them.  Now  there  were  men  lying  in 
wait,  abiding  with  her  in  the  chamber.  And  she  said  unto  him, 
The  Philistines  be  upon  thee,  Samson.  And  he  brake  the 
withs,  as  a  thread  of  tow  is  broken  when  it  toucheth  the  fire. 
So  his  strength  was  not  known.  And  Delilah  said  unto  Samson, 
Behold,  thou  hast  mocked  me,  and  told  me  lies  :  now  tell  me, 
I  pray  thee,  wherewith  thou  mightest  be  bound.  And  he  said 
unto  her,  If  they  bind  me  fast  with  new  ropes  that  never  were 
occupied,  then  shall  I  be  weak,  and  be  as  another  man.  Delilah 
therefore  took  new  ropes,  and  bound  him  therewith,  and  said 
unto  him,  The  Philistines  be  upon  thee,  Samson.  And  there 
were  liers  in  wait  abiding  in  the  chamber.  And  he  brake  them 
from  off  his  arms  like  a  thread.  And  Delilah  said  unto  Samson, 
Hitherto  thou  hast  mocked  me,  and  told  me  lies  :  tell  me  where- 
with thou  mightest  be  bound.  And  he  said  unto  her,  If  thou 
weavest  the  seven  locks  of  my  head  with  the  web.  And  she 
fastened  it  with  the  pin,  and  said  unto  him.  The  Phihstines  be 
upon  thee,  Samson.  And  he  awaked  out  of  his  sleep,  and  went 
away  with  the  pin  of  the  beam,  and  with  the  web. 

This  world  is  not  for  aye  ;  nor  'tis  not  strange, 
That  even  our  love  should  with  our  fortunes  change : 
For  'tis  a  question  left  us  yet  to  prove, 
Whether  love  lead  fortune,  or  else  fortune  love. 

And  she  said  unto  him,  How  canst  thou  say,  I  love  thee, 
when  thine  heart  is  not  with  me.''  Thou  hast  mocked  me 
these  three  times,  and  hast  not  told  me  wherein  thy  great 
strength  lietb.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  she  pressed  him 
daily  with  her  words,  and  urged  him,  so  that  his  soul  was  vexed 
unto  death  ;  that  he  told  her  all  his  heart,  and  said  unto  her, 
There  hath  not  come  a  razor  upon  mine  head  ;  for  I  have  been 


THE  BIBLE  AXD    THE  POETS.  2-^-j 

a  Nazarite  unto  God  from  my  mother's  womb :  if  I  be  shaven, 
then  my  strength  will  go  from  me,  and  I  shall  become  weak, 
and  be  like  any  other  man.  And  when  Delilah  saw  that  he  had 
told  her  all  his  heart,  she  sent  and  called  for  the  lords  of  the 
Philistines,  saving,  Come  up  this  once,  for  he  hath  shewed  me  all 
his  heart.  Then  the  lords  of  the  Philistines  came  up  unto  her, 
and  brought  money  in  their  hand. 

She  bids  you 
Upon  the  wanton  rushes  lay  you  down. 
And  rest  your  gentle  head  upon  her  lap, 
And  she  will  sing  the  song  that  pleaseth  you. 
And  on  your  eye-lids  crown  the  god  of  sleep, 
Charming  your  blood  with  pleasing  heaviness  ; 
Making  such  difference  'twixt  wake  and  sleep. 
As  is  the  difference  betwixt  day  and  night. 
The  hour  before  the  heavenly-harnessed  team 
Begins  his  golden  progress  in  the  east. 

And  she  made  him  sleep  upon  her  knees  ;  and  she  called  for 
a  man,  and  she  caused  him  to  shave  off  the  seven  locks  of  his 
head  ;  and  she  began  to  afflict  him,  and  his  strength  went  from 
him.  And  she  said.  The  Philistines  be  upon  thee,  Samson. 
And  he  awoke  out  of  his  sleep,  and  said.  I  will  go  out  as  at 
other  times  before,  and  shake  myself.  And  he  wist  not  that 
the  Lord  was  departed  from  him. 

Think'st  thou  there  are  no  serpents  in  the  world 
Bi:t_ those  who  shde  along  the  grassy  sod. 
And  sting  the  luckless  foot  that  presses  them  ? 
There  are  who  in  the  path  of  social  life 
Do  bask  their  spotted  skins  in  fortune's  sur.. 
And  sting  the  souL 

But  the  Philistines  took  him.  and  put  out  his  eyes,  and  brought 
him  down  to  Gaza,  and  bound  him  with  fetters  of  brass ;  and  he 
did  grind  in  the  prison  house.  Howbeit  the  hair  of  his  head 
began  to  grow  again  after  he  was  shaven.  Then  the  lords  of 
the  PhiUstines  gathered  them  together  for  to  offer  a  great  sac- 
rifice unto  Dagon  their  god,  and  to  rejoice :  for  thev  said.  Our 
god  hath  delivered  Samson  oiu-  enemy  into  our  hand.  And 
when  the  people  saw  him.  they  praised  their  god :  for  thev  said. 
Our  god  hath  delivered  into  our  hands  our  enemy,  and  the 
destrover  of  our  country-,  which  slew  manv  of  us. 


258  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Dagon  hath  presumed, 
Me  overthrown,  to  enter  the  hsts  with  God, 
His  deity  comparing  and  preferring 
Before  the  God  of  Abraham,  He,  be  sure. 
Will  not  connive  or  linger,  thus  provoked  ; 
But  will  arise,  and  His  great  name  assert: 
Dagon  must  stoop,  and  shall  ere  long  receive 
Such  a  discomfit,  as  shall  quite  despoil  him 
Of  all  these  boasted  trophies  won  on  me. 
And  with  confusion  blank  his  worshippers. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  their  hearts  were  merry,  that  they 
said,  Call  for  Samson,  that  he  may  make  us  sport.  And  they 
called  for  Samson  out  of  the  prison  house  ;  and  he  made  them 
sport :  and  they  set  him  between  the  pillars.  And  Samson 
said  unto  the  lad  that  held  him  by  the  hand.  Suffer  me  that  I 
may  feel  the  pillars  whereupon  the  house  standeth,  that  I  may 
lean  upon  them.  Now  the  house  was  full  of  men  and  women ; 
and  all  the  lords  of  the  Philistines  were  there  ;  and  there  were 
upon  the  roof  about  three  thousand  men  and  women,  that  be- 
held while  Samson  made  sport.  And  Samson  called  unto  the 
Lord,  and  said,  O  Lord  God,  remember  me,  I  pray  thee,  and 
strengthen  me,  I  pray  thee,  only  this  once,  O  God,  that  I  may 
be  at  once  avenged  of  the  Philistines  for  my  two  eyes.  And 
Samson  took  hold  of  the  two  middle  pillars  upon  which  the 
house  stood,  and  on  which  it  was  borne  up,  of  the  one  with  his 
right  hand,  and  of  the  other  with  his  left.  And  Samson  said. 
Let  me  die  with  the  Philistines.  And  he  bowed  himself  with 
all  his  might ;  and  the  house  fell  upon  the  lords,  and  upon  all 
the  people  that  were  therein.  So  the  dead  which  he  slew  at 
his  death  were  more  than  they  which  he  slew  in  his  life.  Then 
his  brethren  and  all  the  house  of  his  father  came  down,  and 
took  him,  and  brought  him  up,  and  buried  him  between  Zorah 
and  Eshtaol  in  the  burying-place  of  Manoah  his  father.  And  he 
judged  Israel  twenty  years. 

Would  any  strive  with  Samson  for  renown, 

Whose  brawny  arm  can  strike  most  pillars  down  ? 

Preserve  he  then  unstainM  in  his  breast 

A  milk-white  conscience,  let  his  soul  be  blest 

With  simple  innocence  ;  this  sevenfold  shield 

No  dart  shall  pierce,  no  sword  shall  make  it  yield ;  — 

Well  guarded  with  himself  he  walks  along. 

When  most  alone,  he  stands  a  thousand  strong. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  259 


CHAPTER   CVII. 

THE  ISRAELITES  DEFEATED. THE  ARK  CAPTURED. ELl's 

DEATH. 

AND  the  word  of  Samuel  came  to  all  Israel.  Now  Israel  went 
out  against  the  Philistines  to  battle,  and  pitched  beside 
Eben-ezer :  and  the  Philistines  pitched  in  Aphek.  And  the 
Philistines  put  themselves  in  array  against  Israel  :  and  when 
they  joined  battle,  Israel  was  smitten  before  the  Philistines  : 
and  they  slew  of  the  army  in  the  field  about  four  thousand 
men. 

And  when  the  people  were  come  into  the  camp,  the  elders  of 
Israel  said.  Wherefore  hath  the  Lord  smitten  us  to-day  before 
the  Philistines  .''  Let  us  fetch  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  out  of  Shiloh  unto  us,  that  when  it  cometh  among  us,  it 
may  save  us  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies.  So  the  people  sent 
to  Shiloh,  that  they  might  bring  from  thence  the  ark  of  the  cove- 
nant of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  which  dwelleth  between  the  cherubim  : 
and  the  two  sons  of  Eli,  Hophni  and  Phinehas,  were  there  with 
the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  God.  And  when  the  ark  of  the  cove- 
nant of  the  Lord  came  into  the  camp,  all  Israel  shouted  with  a 
great  shout,  so  that  the  earth  rang  again.  And  when  the  Philis- 
tines heard  the  noise  of  the  shout,  they  said.  What  meaneth  the 
noise  of  this  great  shout  in  the  camp  of  the  Hebrews  ?  And  they 
understood  that  the  ark  of  the  Lord  was  come  into  the  camp. 
And  the  Philistines  were  afraid,  for  they  said,  God  is  come  into 
the  camp.  And  they  said,  Wo  unto  us  !  for  there  hath  not  been 
such  a  thing  heretofore.  Wo  unto  us  !  who  shall  deliver  us  out 
of  the  hand  of  these  mighty  Gods  }  these  are  the  Gods  that  smote 
the  Egyptians  with  all  the  plagues  in  the  wilderness.  Be  strong, 
and  quit  yourselves  like  men,  O  ye  Philistines,  that  ye  be  not 
servants  unto  the  Hebrews,  as  they  have  been  to  you :  quit  your- 
selves like  men,  and  fight. 

By  how  much  unexpected,  by  so  much 
We  must  awake  endeavour  for  defence  ; 
For  courage  mounteth  with  occasion. 


26o  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

And  the  Philistines  fought,  and  Israel  was  smitten,  and  they 
fled  every  man  into  his  tent :  and  there  was  a  very  great  slaugh- 
ter, for  there  fell  of  Israel  thirty  thousand  footmen.  And  the  ark 
of  God  was  taken  ;  and  the  two  sons  of  Eli,  Hophni  and  Phinehas, 
were  slain. 

Though  it  be  honest,  it  is  never  good 

To  bring  bad  news  :  give  to  a  gracious  message 

An  host  of  tongues  ;  but  let  ill  tidings  tell 

Themselves,  when  they  are  felt. 

And  there  ran  a  man  of  Benjamin  out  of  the  army  and  came 
to  Shiloh  the  same  day  with  his  clothes  rent,  and  with  earth  upon 
his  head.  And  when  he  came,  lo,  Eli  sat  upon  a  seat  by  the  way- 
side watching  :  for  his  heart  trembled  for  the  ark  of  God.  And 
when  the  man  came  into  the  city  and  told  it  all  the  city  cried 
out.  And  when  Eli  heard  the  noise  of  the  crying,  he  said.  What 
meaneth  the  noise  of  this  tumiilt .-'  And  the  man  came  in  hastily, 
and  told  Eli.  Now  Eli  was  ninety  and  eight  years  old ;  and  his 
eyes  were  dim,  that  he  could  not  see.  And  the  man  said  unto 
Eli,  I  am  he  that  came  out  of  the  army,  and  I  fled  to-day  out  of 
the  army.  And  he  said,  What  is  there  done,  my  son  .''  And  the 
messenger  answered  and  said,  Israel  is  fled  before  the  Philistines, 
and  there  hath  been  also  a  great  slaughter  among  the  people,  and 
thy  two  sons  also,  Hophni  and  Phinehas,  are  dead,  and  the  ark  of 
God  is  taken.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  made  mention  of 
the  ark  of  God,  that  he  fell  from  off  the  seat  backward  by  the 
side  of  the  gate,  and  his  neck  brake,  and  he  died  :  for  he  was  an 
old  man,  and  heavy.     And  he  had  judged  Israel  forty  years. 

Life's  little  stage  is  a  small  eminence, 
Inch  high  the  grave  above,  that  home  of  man, 
Where  dwells  the  multitude  :  we  gaze  around  ; 
We  read  their  monuments  ;  we  sigh  ;  and  while 
We  sigh  we  sink  ;  and  are  what  we  deplored : 
Lamenting  or  lamented  all  our  lot ! 

And  his  daughter-in-law,  Phinehas'  wife,  was  with  child  near 
to  be  delivered  :  and  when  she  heard  the  tidings  that  the  ark  of 
God  was  taken,  and  that  her  father-in-law  and  her  husband  were 
dead,  she  bowed  herself,  and  travailed  ;  for  her  pains  came  upon 
her.  And  about  the  time  of  her  death,  the  women  that  stood  by 
her  said  unto  her.  Fear  not  ;  for  thou  hast  borne  a  son.  But  she 
answered  not,  neither  did  she  regard  it.     And  she  named  the 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  261 

child  Ich'a-bod,  saying,  The  glory  is  departed  from  Israel :  for 

the  ark  of  God  is  taken. 

Next  came  one 
Who  mourned  in  earnest,  when  the  captive  ark 
Maimed  his  brute  image,  head  and  hands  lopt  off 
In  his  own  temple,  on  the  grunsel  edge. 
Where  he  fell  flat,  and  shamed  his  worshippers : 
Dagon  his  name  ;  sea-monster,  upward  man 
And  downward  fish  :  yet  had  his  temple  high 
Reared  in  Azotus,  dreaded  through  the  court 
Of  Palestine  in  Gath  and  Ascalon, 
And  Accaron  and  Gaza's  frontier  bounds. 

And  the  Philistines  took  the  ark  of  God,  and  brought  it  from 
Eben-ezer  unto  Ashdod.  When  the  Philistines  took  the  ark  of 
God,  they  brought  it  into  the  house  of  Dagon,  and  set  it  by 
Dagon. 

And  when  they  of  Ashdod  arose  early  on  the  morrow,  behold, 
Dagon  was  fallen  upon  his  face  to  the  earth  before  the  ark  of  the 
Lord.  And  they  took  Dagon,  and  set  him  in  his  place  again. 
And  when  they  arose  early  on  the  morrow  morning,  behold, 
Dagon  was  fallen  upon  his  face  to  the  ground  before  the  ark  of 
the  Lord  :  and  the  head  of  Dagon,  and  both  the  palms  of  his 
hands  were  cut  off  upon  the  threshold  ;  only  the  stump  of  Dagon 
was  left  to  him.  But  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  heavy  upon 
Ashdod,  and  he  destroyed  them.  And  when  the  men  of  Ashdod 
saw  that  it  was  so,  they  said.  The  ark  of  the  God  of  Israel  shall 
not  abide  with  us  :  for  his  hand  is  sore  upon  us,  and  upon  Dagon 
our  god. 


CHAPTER  CVIIL 

THE    ARK    RESTORED. SOLEMNITIES    AT    MIZPEH. PEACE. 

Man's  a  poor  deluded  bubble,  wand'ring  in  a  mist  of  lies, 
Seeing  false,  and  seeing  double  ;  who  would  trust  to  such  weak  eyes  ? 
Yet  presuming  on  his  senses,  on  he  goes,  most  wondrous  wise  ; 
Doubts  of  truth,  believes  pretences  ;  lost  in  error,  lives  and  dies. 

AND  the  ark  of  the  Lord  was  in  the  country  of  the  Philistines 
seven  months.     And  the  Philistines  called  for  the  priests 
and  the  diviners,  saying.  What   shall  we  do  to  the  ark  of  the 


262  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Lord  ?  tell  us  wherewith  we  shall  send  it  to  his  place.  And  they 
said,  If  ye  send  away  the  ark  of  the  God  of  Israel,  send  it  not 
empty  :  but  in  any  wise  return  him  a  trespass  offering  :  then  ye 
shall  be  healed,  and  it  shall  be  known  to  you  why  his  hand  is  not 
removed  from  you.  Now  therefore  make  a  new  cart,  and  take 
two  milch  kine,  on  which  there  hath  come  no  yoke,  and  tie  the 
kine  to  the  cart,  and  bring  their  calves  home  from  them  :  and 
take  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  lay  it  upon  the  cart  ;  and  put  the 
jewels  of  gold,  which  ye  return  him  for  a  trespass  offering,  in  a 
coffer  by  the  side  thereof  ;  and  send  it  away,  that  it  may  go. 
And  see,  if  it  goeth  up  by  the  way  of  his  own  coast  to  Beth- 
shemesh,  then  he  hath  done  us  this  great  evil :  but  if  not,  then 
we  shall  know  that  it  is  not  his  hand  that  smote  us ;  it  was  a 
chance  that  happened  to  us.  And  the  kine  took  the  straight 
way  to  the  way  of  Beth-shemesh,  and  went  along  the  highway, 
lowing  as  they  went,  and  turned  not  aside  to  the  right  hand  or 
to  the  left.  And  when  the  five  lords  of  the  Philistines  had  seen 
it,  they  returned  to  Ekron  the  same  day. 

'Tis  not  to  cry  God  mercy,  or  to  sit 

And  droop,  or  to  confess  that  thou  hast  failed  : 

'Tis  to  bewail  the  sin  thou  didst  commit, 

And  not  commit  those  sins  thou  hast  bewailed. 

He  that  bewails,  and  not  forsakes  them  too, 

Confesses  rather  what  he  means  to  do. 

And  the  men  of  Kirjath-jearim  came,  and  fetched  up  the  ark 
of  the  Lord,  and  brought  it  into  the  house  of  Abinadab  in  the 
hill,  and  sanctified  Eleazer  his  son  to  keep  the  ark  of  the  Lord. 
And  it  came  to  pass,  while  the  ark  abode  in  Kirjath-jearim,  that 
the  time  was  long  ;  for  it  was  twenty  years  :  and  all  the  house  of 
Israel  lamented  after  the  Lord.  And  Samuel  spake  unto  all  the 
house  of  Israel,  saying.  If  ye  do  return  unto  the  Lord  with  all 
your  hearts,  then  put  away  the  strange  gods  and  Ashtaroth  from 
among  you,  and  prepare  your  hearts  unto  the  Lord,  and  serve  him 
only :  and  he  will  deliver  you  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philistines. 
Then  the  children  of  Israel  did  put  away  Baalim  and  Ashtaroth, 
and  served  the  Lord  only.  And  Samuel  said.  Gather  all  Israel 
to  Mizpeh,  and  I  will  pray  for  you  unto  the  Lord.  And  they 
gathered  together  to  Mizpeh,  and  drew  water,  and  poured  it  out 
before  the  Lord,  and  fasted  on  that  day,  and  said  there,  We  have 
sinned  against  the  Lord.     And  Samuel  judged  the  children  of 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  263 

Israel  in  Mizpeh.  And  when  the  Philistines  heard  that  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  were  gathered  together  to  Mizpeh,  the  lords  of  the 
Philistines  went  up  against  Israel.  And  when  the  children  of 
Israel  heard  it,  they  were  afraid  of  the  PhiHstines.  And  the 
children  of  Israel  said  to  Samuel,  Cease  not  to  cry  unto  the 
Lord  our  God  for  us,  that  he  will  save  us  out  of  the  hand  of 
the  Philistines. 

Prayer  ardent  opens  heaven,  lets  down  a  stream 

Of  glory  on  the  consecrated  hour 

Of  man,  in  Audience  with  the  Deity: 

Who  worships  the  great  God,  that  instant  joins 

The  first  in  heaven,  and  sets  his  foot  on  hell. 

And  Samuel  took  a  sucking  lamb,  and  offered  it  for  a  burnt 
offering  wholly  unto  the  Lord  :  and  Samuel  cried  unto  the  Lord 
for  Israel  ;  and  the  Lord  heard  him.  And  as  Samuel  was  offer- 
ing up  the  burnt  offering,  the  Philistines  drew  near  to  battle 
against  Israel  :  but  the  Lord  thundered  with  a  great  thunder  on 
that  day  upon  the  Philistines,  and  discomfited  them  ;  and  they 
were  smitten  before  Israel.  And  the  men  of  Israel  went  out  of 
Mizpeh,  and  pursued  the  Philistines,  and  smote  them,  until  they 
came  unto  Beth-car.  Then  Samuel  took  a  stone,  and  set  it  be- 
tween Mizpeh  and  Shen,  and  called  the  name  of  it  Eben-ezer, 
saying.  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us.  So  the  Philistines 
were  subdued,  and  they  came  no  more  into  the  coast  of  Israel  : 
and  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  against  the  Philistines  all  the  days 
of  Samuel.  And  the  cities  which  the  Philistines  had  taken  from 
Israel  were  restored  to  Israel,  from  Ekron  even  unto  Gath  ;  and 
the  coasts  thereof  did  Israel  deliver  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Phil- 
istines. And  there  was  peace  between  Israel  and  the  Amorites. 
And  Samuel  judged  Israel  all  the  days  of  his  life.  And  he  went 
from  year  to  year  in  circuit  to  Beth-el,  and  Gilgal,  and  Mizpeh, 
and  judged  Israel  in  all  those  places.  And  his  return  was  to 
Ramah  ;  for  there  was  his  house  ;  and  there  he  judged  Israel  ; 
and  there  he  built  an  altar  unto  the  Lord. 

O  first  of  human  blessings  !  and  supreme  ! 
Fair  Peace  !  how  lovely,  how  delightful  thou ! 
By  whose  wide  tie  the  kindred  sons  of  men 
Live  brothers  like,  in  amity  combined, 
And  unsuspicious  faith  ;  while  honest  toil 
Gives  every  joy,  and  to  those  joys  a  right 
Which  idle,  barbarous  rapine  but  usurps. 


264  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER    CIX. 

THE    MAJESTY    AND    PROVIDENCE    OF    GOD    DEVOUTLY 
CELEBRATED. 

Thou  art,  oh  God,  the  life  and  light 

Of  all  this  wondrous  world  we  see  ; 
Its  glow  by  day,  its  smile  by  night. 

Are  all  reflections  caught  from  Thee. 
Where'er  we  turn.  Thy  glories  shine. 

And  all  things  fair  and  bright  are  Thine. 

When  night,  with  wings  of  starry  gloom, 

O'ershadows  all  the  earth  and  skies, 
Like  some  dark,  beauteous  bird,  whose  plume 

Is  sparkling  with  unnumbered  eyes  ;  — 
That  sacred  gloom,  those  fires  divine. 

So  grand,  so  countless.  Lord  !  are  Thine. 

BLESS  the  Lord,  O  my  soul.  O  Lord  my  God,  thou  art  very 
great ;  thou  are  clothed  with  honour  and  majesty  :  who 
coverest  thyself  with  light  as  with  a  garment :  who  stretchest 
out  the  heavens  like  a  curtain  :  who  layeth  the  beams  of  his 
chambers  in  the  waters  :  who  maketh  the  clouds  his  chariot : 
who  walketh  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind :  who  maketh  his 
angels  spirits  ;  his  ministers  a  flaming  fire  :  who  laid  the  founda- 
tions of  the  earth,  that  it  should  not  be  removed  for  ever.  Thou 
coveredst  it  with  the  deep  as  with  a  garment :  the  waters  stood 
above  the  mountains.  At  thy  rebuke  they  fled  ;  at  the  voice  of 
thy  thunder  they  hasted  away.  They  go  up  by  the  mountains  ; 
they  go  down  by  the  valleys  unto  the  place  which  thou  hast 
founded  for  them.  Thou  hast  set  a  bound  that  they  may  not 
pass  over  ;  that  they  turn  not  again  to  cover  the  earth.  He 
sendeth  the  springs  into  the  valleys,  which  run  among  the  hills. 
They  give  drink  to  every  beast  of  the  field  :  the  wild  asses 
quench  their  thirst.  By  them  shall  the  fowls  of  the  heaven  have 
their  habitation,  which  sing  among  the  branches.  He  watereth 
the  hills  from  his  chambers  :  the  earth  is  satisfied  with  the  fruit 
of  thy  works.  He  causeth  the  grass  to  grow  for  the  cattle,  and 
herb  for  the  service  of  man  :  that  he  may  bring  forth  food  out 
of  the  earth ;  and  wine  that  maketh  glad  the  heart  of  man,  and 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  265 

oil  to  make  his  face  to  shine,  and  bread  which  strengtheneth 
man's  heart.  The  trees  of  the  Lord  are  full  of  sap  ;  the  cedars 
of  Lebanon,  which  he  hath  planted  ;  where  the  birds  make  their 
nests :  as  for  the  stork,  the  fir  trees  are  her  house.  The  high 
hills  are  a  refuge  for  the  wild  goats  ;  and  the  rocks  for  the 
conies.  He  appointed  the  moon  for  seasons :  the  sun  knoweth 
his  going  down.  Thou  makest  darkness,  and  it  is  night :  wherein 
all  the  beasts  of  the  forest  do  creep  forth.  The  young  lions  roar 
after  their  prey,  and  seek  their  meat  from  God.  The  sun  ariseth, 
they  gather  themselves  'together,  and  lay  them  down  in  their 
dens.  Man  goeth  forth  unto  his  work  and  to  his  labour  until 
the  evening. 

The  corn  springs  up,  a  wealth  untold, 
A  sight  to  gladden  young  and  old, 

Who  now  their  voices  lift 
To  Him  who  gives  such  plenteous  store. 
And  makes  the  cup  of  life  run  o'er 

With  many  a  noble  gift. 

Thy  mighty  working,  mighty  God, 
Wakes  all  my  powers  ;  I  look  abroad 

And  can  no  longer  rest : 
I  too  must  sing  when  all  things  sing. 
And  from  my  heart  the  praises  ring 

The  Highest  loveth  best. 

O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works  !  in  wisdom  hast  thou 
made  them  all :  the  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches.  So  is  this  great 
and  wide  sea,  wherein  are  things  creeping  innumerable,  both 
small  and  great  beasts.  There  go  the  ships :  there  is  that  levia- 
than, whom  thou  hast  made  to  play  therein.  These  wait  all 
upon  thee  ;  that  thou  mayest  give  them  their  meat  in  due  sea- 
son. That  thou  givest  them  they  gather :  thou  openest  thine 
hand,  they  are  filled  with  good.  Thou  hidest  thy  face,  they  are 
troubled  :  thou  takest  away  their  breath,  they  die,  and  return  to 
their  dust.  Thou  sendest  forth  thy  spirit,  they  are  created  :  and 
thou  renewest  the  face  of  the  earth. 

Behold  !  and  look  away  your  low  despair  — 
See  the  light  tenants  of  the  barren  air  : 
To  them,  nor  stores,  nor  granaries  belong. 
Nought  but  the  woodland  and  the  pleasing  song; 
Yet  your  kind  heavenly  Father  bends  His  eye 
On  the  least  wing  that  flits  along  the  sky  ; 


266  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

To  Him  they  sing,  when  spring  renews  the  plain, 
To  Him  they  cry,  in  winter's  pinching  reign ; 
Nor  is  their  music,  nor  their  plaint  in  vain  ; 
He  hears  the  gay  and  the  distressful  call, 
And  with  unsparing  bounty  fills  them  all. 

The  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  endure  for  ever :  the  Lord  shall 
rejoice  in  his  works.  He  looketh  on  the  earth,  and  it  trembleth  : 
he  toucheth  the  hills,  and  they  smoke.  I  will  sing  unto  the 
Lord  as  long  as  I  live :  I  will  sing  praise  to  my  God  while  I  have 
my  being.  My  meditation  of  him  shall  be  sweet :  I  will  be  glad 
in  the  Lord.  Let  the  sinners  be  consumed  out  of  the  earth,  and 
let  the  wicked  be  no  more.  Bless  thou  the  Lord,  O  my  soul. 
Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

O  Lord,  when  on  Thy  various  works  we  look. 
How  richly  furnished  is  the  earth  we  tread  ! 
Where,  in  the  fair  contents  of  Nature's  book, 
We  may  the  wonders  of  Thy  wisdom  read : 
Nor  earth  alone,  but  lo  !  the  sea  so  wide. 
Where,  great  and  small,  a  world  of  creatures  glide. 


PERIOD   V. 

THE    REIGNS    OF    SAUL,    DAVID,   AND    SOLOMON. 

B.C.   1095-975. 


CHAPTER   ex. 

THE    ELDERS    OF    ISRAEL    ASK    SAMUEL   TO    APPOINT    THEM    A 

KING. 

Look,  as  I  blow  this  feather  from  my  face, 
And  as  the  air  blows  it  to  me  again, 
Obeying  with  my  wind  when  I  do  blow. 
And  yielding  to  another  when  it  blows. 
Commanded  always  by  the  greater  gust ; 
Such  is  the  lightness  of  your  common  men. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  Samuel  was  old,  that  he  made  his 
sons  judges  over  Israel.  And  his  sons  walked  not  in  his 
ways,  but  turned  aside  after  lucre,  and  took  bribes,  and  per- 
verted judgment.  Then  all  the  elders  of  Israel  gathered  them- 
selves together,  and  came  to  Samuel  unto  Ramah,  and  said 
unto  him.  Behold,  thou  art  old,  and  thy  sons  walk  not  in  thy 
ways  :  now  make  us  a  king  to  judge  us  like  all  the  nations.  But 
the  thing  displeased  Samuel,  when  they  said,  Give  us  a  king  to 
judge  us:  and  Samuel  prayed  unto  the  Lord.  And  the  Lord 
said  unto  Samuel,  Hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the  people  in  all 
that  they  say  unto  thee  :  for  they  have  not  rejected  thee,  but 
they  have  rejected  me,  that  I  should  not  reign  over  them. 
According  to  all  the  works  which  they  have  done  since  the  day 
that  I  brought  them  up  out  of  Egypt,  even  unto  this  day,  where- 
with they  have  forsaken  me,  and  served  other  gods,  so  do  they 
also  unto  thee.  Now  therefore  hearken  unto  their  voice :  how- 
beit,  yet  protest  solemnly  unto  them,  and  shew  them  the  manner 
of  the  king  that  shall  reicrn  over  them. 


268  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Against  our  peace  we  arm  our  will ; 
Amid  our  plenty  something  still 
For  houses,  horses,  pictures,  planting, 
To  thee,  to  me,  to  him  is  wanting : 
That  cruel  something  unpossest 
Corrodes  and  leavens  all  the  rest ; 
That  something  if  we  could  obtain, 
Would  soon  create  a  future  pain. 

And  Samuel  told  all  the  words  of  the  Lord  unto  the  people 
that  asked  of  him  a  king.  And  he  said,  This  will  be  the  manner 
of  the  king  that  shall  reign  over  you  :  He  will  take  your  sons, 
and  appoint  them  for  himself,  for  his  chariots,  and  to  be  his 
horsemen  ;  and  some  shall  run  before  his  chariots.  And  he  will 
appoint  him  captains  over  thousands,  and  captains  over  fifties ; 
and  will  set  them  to  ear  his  ground,  and  to  reap  his  harvest, 
and  to  make  his  instruments  of  war,  and  instruments  of  his 
chariots.  And  he  will  take  your  daughters  to  be  confectionaries, 
and  to  be  cooks,  and  to  be  bakers.  And  he  will  take  your 
fields,  and  your  vineyards,  and  your  oliveyards,  even  the  best 
of  them,  and  give  them  to  his  servants.  And  he  will  take 
the  tenth  of  your  seed,  and  of  your  vineyards,  and  give  to 
his  officers,  and  to  his  servants.  And  he  will  take  your  men- 
servants,  and  your  maid-servants,  and  your  goodliest  young 
men,  and  your  asses,  and  put  them  to  his  work.  He  will  take 
the  tenth  of  your  sheep  :  and  ye  shall  be  his  servants.  And  ye 
shall  cry  out  in  that  day  because  of  your  king  which  ye  shall 
have  chosen  you ;  and  the  Lord  will  not  hear  you  in  that  day. 

But,  bitterest  of  the  ills  beneath 
Whose  load  man  totters  down  to  death, 
Is  that  which  plucks  the  regal  crown 
Of  freedom  from  his  forehead  down, 
And  snatches  from  his  powerless  hand 
The  sceptred  sign  of  self-command, 
Effacing  with  the  chain  and  rod 
The  image  and  the  seal  of  God. 

And  the  Lord  said  to  Samuel,  Hearken  unto  their  voice, 
and  make  them  a  king.  And  Samuel  said  unto  the  men  of 
Israel,  Go  ye  every  man  unto  his  city. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  269 


CHAPTER  CXI. 

THE    GENEALOGY    OF    SAUL. HOW    HE    WAS    ANOINTED    TO 

BE    KING. 

NOW  there  was  a  man  of  Benjamin,  whose  name  was  Kish, 
the  son  of  Abiel,  the  ^on  of  Zeror,  the  son  of  Bechorath, 
the  son  of  Aphiah,  a  Benjamite,  a  mighty  man  of  power.  And 
he  had  a  son,  whose  name  was  Saul,  a  choice  young  man,  and 
a  goodly  :  and  there  was  not  among  the  children  of  Israel  a 
goodlier  person  than  he :  from  his  shoulders  and  upward  he  was 
higher  than  any  of  the  people. 

Let  none  presume 
To  wear  an  undeserved  dignity. 
O,  that  estates,  degrees,  and  ofifices, 
Were  not  derived  corruptly  !  and  that  clear  honour 
Were  purchased  by  the  merit  of  the  wearer  ! 
How  many  then  should  cover,  that  stand  bare  ! 
How  many  be  commanded,  that  command  ! 

Now  the  Lord  had  told  Samuel  in  his  ear  a  day  before  Saul 
came,  saying,  To-morrow  about  this  time  I  will  send  thee  a  man 
out  of  the  land  of  Benjamin,  and  thou  shalt  anoint  him  to  be 
captain  over  my  people  Israel,  that  he  may  save  my  people  out 
of  the  hand  of  the  Philistines  :  for  I  have  looked  upon  my  people, 
because  their  cry  is  come  unto  me.  And  when  Samuel  saw  Saul, 
the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Behold  the  man  whom  I  spake  to  thee 
of !  this  same  shall  reign  over  my  people.  Then  Saul  drew  near 
to  Samuel  in  the  gate,  and  said,  Tell  me,  I  pray  thee,  where  the 
seer's  house  is.  And  Samuel  answered  Saul,  and  said,  I  am  the 
seer :  go  up  before  me  unto  the  high  place  ;  for  ye  shall  eat  with 
me  to-day,  and  to-morrow  I  will  let  thee  go,  and  will  tell  thee  all 
that  is  in  thine  heart.  And  Samuel  took  Saul  and  his  servant, 
and  brought  them  into  the  parlour,  and  made  them  sit  in  the 
chiefest  place  among  them  that  were  bidden,  which  were  about 
thirty  persons.  And  Samuel  said  unto  the  cook.  Bring  the  por- 
tion which  I  gave  thee,  of  which  I  said  unto  thee,  Set  it  by  thee. 
And  the  cook  took  up  the  shoulder,  and  that  which  was  upon  it, 
and  set  it  before  Saul.     And  Samuel  said,  Behold  that  which  is 


270  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

left !  set  it  before  thee,  and  eat :  for  unto  this  time  hath  it  been 
kept  for  thee  since  I  said,  I  have  invited  the  people.  So  Saul 
did  eat  with  Samuel  that  day.  And  they  arose  early :  and  it 
came  to  pass  about  the  spring  of  the  day,  that  Samuel  called 
Saul  to  the  top  of  the  house,  saying.  Up,  that  I  may  send  thee 
away.  And  Saul  arose,  and  they  went  out  both  of  them,  he  and 
Samuel,  abroad.  Then  Samuel  took  a  vial  of  oil,  and  poured  it 
upon  his  head,  and  kissed  him,  and  said,  Is  it  not  because  the 
Lord  hath  anointed  thee  to  be  captain  over  his  inheritance  ? 

Who  could  with  him  compare  ? 
King  was  a  name  too  proud  for  man  to  wear 
With  modesty  and  meekness  ;  and  the  crown, 
So  dazzhng  in  their  eyes  who  set  it  on, 
Was  sure  to  intoxicate  the  brows  it  bound. 
Conscious  of  impotence,  they  soon  get  drunk 
With  gazing,  when  they  see  an  able  man 
Step  forth  to  notice  ;  and  besbtted  thus 
Build  him  a  pedestal,  and  say,  Stand  there, 
And  be  our  admiration  and  our  praise  ! 
Inflated  and  astrut  with  self-conceit, 
He  gulps  the  windy  diet,  and  ere  long 
Adopting  their  mistake,  profoundly  thinks 
The  world  was  made  in  vain,  if  not  for  him. 

And  Samuel  called  the  people  together  unto  the  Lord  to 
Mizpeh  ;  and  said  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  Thus  saith  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel,  I  brought  up  Israel  out  of  Egypt,  and  deliv- 
ered you  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Egyptians,  and  out  of  the  hand 
of  all  kingdoms,  and  of  them  that  oppressed  you  :  and  ye  have 
this  day  rejected  your  God,  who  himself  saved  you  out  of  all 
your  adversities  and  your  tribulations  ;  and  ye  have  said  unto 
him,  Nay,  but  set  a  king  over  us.  Now  therefore  present  your- 
selves before  the  Lord  by  your  tribes,  and  by  your  thousands. 
And  when  Samuel  had  caused  all  the  tribes  of  Israel  to  come 
near,  the  tribe  of  Benjamin  was  taken.  When  he  had  caused 
the  tribe  of  Benjamin  to  come  near  by  their  families,  the  family 
of  Matri  was  taken,  and  Saul  the  son  of  Kish  was  taken  :  and 
when  he  stood  among  the  people,  he  was  higher  than  any  of  the 
people  from  his  shoulders  and  upward.  And  Samuel  said  to  all 
the  people.  See  ye  him  whom  the  Lord  hath  chosen,  that  there 
is  none  like  him  among  all  the  people  \  And  all  the  people 
shouted,  and  said,  God  save  the  king. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  27 1 

God  save  the  king  !  —  Will  no  man  say,  amen  ? 
Am  I  both  priest  and  clerk  ?  well  then,  amen. 
God  save  the  king  !  although  I  be  not  he  ; 
And  yet,  amen,  if  Heaven  do  think  him  me. 

Then  Samuel  told  the  people  the  manner  of  the  kingdom,  and 
wrote  it  in  a  book,  and  laid  it  up  before  the  Lord.  And  Samuel 
sent  all  the  people  away,  every  man  to  his  house.  Then  said 
Samuel  to  the  people,  Come,  and  let  us  go  to  Gilgal,  and  renew 
the  kingdom  there.  And  all  the  people  went  to  Gilgal ;  and 
there  they  made  Saul  king  before  the  Lord  in  Gilgal :  and  there 
they  sacrificed  sacrifices  of  peace-offerings  before  the  Lord  ;  and 
there  Saul  and  all  the  men  of  Israel  rejoiced  greatly. 

Great  —  from  the  lustre  of  his  crown, 
From  Samuel's  horn,  and  God's  renown, 

Which  is  the  people's  voice  ; 
For  all  the  host,  from  rear  to  van, 
Applauded  and  embraced  the  man  — 

The  man  of  God's  own  choice. 

And  Samuel  said  unto  all  Israel,  Behold,  I  have  hearkened  unto 
your  voice  in  all  that  ye  said  unto  me,  and  have  made  a  king 
over  you.  And  now,  behold,  the  king  walketh  before  you  :  and 
I  am  old  and  gray-headed  ;  and  behold,  my  sons  are  with  you : 
and  I  have  walked  before  you  from  my  childhood  unto  this  day. 
Behold,  here  I  am  :  witness  against  me  before  the  Lord,  and 
before  his  anointed  ;  whose  ox  have  I  taken  .-•  or  whose  ass  have 
I  taken .''  or  whom  have  I  defrauded  .-•  whom  have  I  oppressed  .<* 
or  of  whose  hand  have  I  received  any  bribe  to  blind  mine  eyes 
therewith  .■*  and  I  will  restore  it  you.  And  they  said,  Thou  hast 
not  defrauded  us,  nor  oppressed  us,  neither  hast  thou  taken 
aught  of  any  man's  hand.  And  he  said  unto  them.  The  Lord  is 
witness  against  you,  and  his  anointed  is  witness  this  day,  that 
ye  have  not  found  aught  in  my  hand.  And  they  answered.  He 
is  witness. 

The  soul's  dark  cottage,  battered  and  decayed, 

Lets  in  new  light,  through  chinks  that  time  has  made. 

Stronger  by  weakness,  wiser  men  become, 

As  they  draw  near  to  their  eternal  home  : 

Leaving  the  old,  both  worlds  at  once  they  view, 

That  stand  upon  the  threshold  of  the  new. 


2/2  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CXII. 

SAUL    REJECTED    BY   JEHOVAH. DAVID    ANOINTED    KING 

INSTEAD. 

His  caprice 
Becomes  the  soul  that  animates  them  all. 
He  deems  a  thousand  or  ten  thousand  lives 
Spent  in  the  purchase  of  renown  for  him 
An  easy  reckoning,  and  they  think  the  same. 
Thus  kings  were  first  invented,  and  thus  kings 
Were  burnished  into  heroes,  and  became 
The  arbiters  of  this  terraqueous  swamp. 
Storks  among  frogs,  that  have  but  croaked  and  died. 

SAUL  reigned  one  year ;  and  when  he  had  reigned  two  years 
over  Israel,  Saul  chose  him  three  thousand  men  of  Israel ; 
whereof  two  thousand  were  with  Saul  in  Michmash  and  in  mount 
Beth-el,  and  a  thousand  were  with  Jonathan  in  Gibeah  of  Ben- 
jamin :  and  the  rest  of  the  people  he  sent  every  man  to  his  tent. 
And  Jonathan  smote  the  garrison  of  the  Philistines  that  was 
in  Geba,  and  the  Philistines  heard  of  it.  And  Saul  blew  the 
trumpet  throughout  all  the  land,  saying,  Let  the  Hebrews  hear. 
And  all  Israel  heard  say  that  Saul  had  smitten  a  garrison  of  the 
Philistines,  and  that  Israel  also  was  had  in  abomination  with 
the  Philistines.  And  the  people  were  called  together  after  Saul 
to  Gilgal. 

And  the  Philistines  gathered  themselves  together  to  fight 
with  Israel,  thirty  thousand  chariots,  and  six  thousand  horse- 
men, and  people  as  the  sand  which  is  on  the  sea  shore  in  multi- 
tude :  and  they  came  up,  and  pitched  in  Michmash,  eastward 
from  Beth-aven.  When  the  men  of  Israel  saw  that  they  were 
in  a  strait,  (for  the  people  were  distressed,)  then  the  people  did 
hide  themselves  in  caves,  and  in  thickets,  and  in  rocks,  and  in 
high  places,  and  in  pits.  And  some  of  the  Hebrews  went  over 
Jordan  to  the  land  of  Gad  and  Gilead.  As  for  Saul,  he  was  yet 
in  Gilgal,  and  all  the  people  followed  him  trembling. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  2^1 

A  cause  on  foot 
Lived  so  in  hope,  as  in  an  early  spring 
We  see  the  appearing  buds  ;  which,  to  prove  fruit, 
Hope  gives  not  so  much  warrant,  as  despair 
That  frosts  will  bite  them. 

And  he  tarried  seven  days,  according  to  the  set  time  that 
Samuel  had  appointed  :  but  Samuel  came  not  to  Gilgal ;  and 
the  people  were  scattered  from  him.  And  Saul  said.  Bring 
hither  a  burnt  offering  to  me,  and  peace  offerings.  And  he 
offered  the  burnt  offering.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  soon 
as  he  had  made  an  end  of  offering  the  burnt  offering,  behold, 
Samuel  came  ;  and  Saul  went  out  to  meet  him,  that  he  might 
salute  him.  And  Samuel  said.  What  hast  thou  done  1  And 
Saul  said.  Because  I  saw  that  the  people  were  scattered  from 
me,  and  that  thou  camest  not  within  the  days  appointed,  and 
that  the  Philistines  gathered  themselves  together  at  Michmash  ; 
therefore  said  I,  The  Philistines  will  come  down  now  upon  me 
to  Gilgal,  and  I  have  not  made  supplication  unto  the  Lord : 
I  forced  myself  therefore,  and  offered  a  burnt  offering.  And 
Samuel  said  to  Saul,  Thou  hast  done  foolishly :  thou  hast  not 
kept  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  he  com- 
manded thee  :  for  now  would  the  Lord  have  established  thy 
kingdom  upon  Israel  for  ever.  But  now  thy  kingdom  shall  not 
continue :  the  Lord  hath  sought  him  a  man  after  his  own  heart, 
and  the  Lord  hath  commanded  him  to  be  captain  over  his  people, 
because  thou  hast  not  kept  that  which  the  Lord  commanded 
thee. 

God  will  have  all  or  none  ;  serve  Him,  or  fall 
Down  before  Baal,  Bel,  or  Belial : 
Either  be  hot  or  cold  ;  God  doth  despise, 
Abhor,  and  spew  out  all  neutralities. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Samuel,  How  long  wilt  thou  mourn 
for  Saul,  seeing  I  have  rejected  him  from  reigning  over  Israel  > 
.fill  thine  horn  with  oil,  and  go,  I  will  send  thee  to  Jesse  the 
Beth-lehemite :  for  I  have  provided  me  a  king  among  his  sons. 
And  Samuel  said,  How  can  I  go  .-*  if  Saul  hear  it,  he  will  kill 
me.  And  the  Lord  said,  Take  a  heifer  with  thee,  and  say,  I  am 
come  to  sacrifice  to  the  Lord.  And  call  Jesse  to  the  sacrifice, 
and  I  will  shew  thee  what  thou  shalt  do  :  and  thou  shalt  anoint 

i8 


2/4  THE  BIBLE  AND  THE  POETS. 

unto  me  him  whom  I  name  unto  thee.  And  Samuel  did  that 
which  the  Lord  spake,  and  came  to  Beth-lehem.  And  the 
elders  of  the  town  trembled  at  his  coming,  and  said,  Comest 
thou  peaceably  ?  And  he  said.  Peaceably :  I  am  come  to  sac- 
rifice unto  the  Lord :  sanctify  yourselves,  and  come  with  me  to 
the  sacrifice.  And  he  sanctified  Jesse  and  his  sons,  and  called 
them  to  the  sacrifice. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  were  come,  that  he  looked 
on  Eliab,  and  said,  Surely  the  Lord's  anointed  is  before  him. 
But  the  Lord  said  unto  Samuel,  Look  not  on  his  countenance, 
or  on  the  height  of  his  stature  ;  because  I  have  refused  him  : 
for  the  Lord  seeth  not  as  man  seeth  ;  for  man  looketh  on  the 
outward  appearance,  but  the  Lord  looketh  on  the  heart.  Then 
Jesse  called  Abinadab,  and  made  him  pass  before  Samuel.  And 
he  said.  Neither  hath  the  Lord  chosen  this.  Then  Jesse  made 
Shammah  to  pass  by.  And  he  said.  Neither  hath  the  Lord 
chosen  this.  Again,  Jesse  made  seven  of  his  sons  to  pass 
before  Samuel.  And  Samuel  said  unto  Jesse,  The  Lord  hath 
not  chosen  these.  And  Samuel  said  unto  Jesse,  Are  here  all 
thy  children  .''  And  he  said.  There  remaineth  yet  the  youngest, 
and,  behold,  he  keepeth  the  sheep.  And  Samuel  said  unto 
Jesse,  Send  and  fetch  him  :  for  we  will  not  sit  down  till  he  come 
hither.  And  he  sent,  and  brought  him  in.  Now  he  was  ruddy, 
and  withal  of  a  beautiful  countenance,  and  goodly  to  look  to. 
And  the  Lord  said.  Arise,  anoint  him  :  for  this  is  he.  Then 
Samuel  took  the  horn  of  oil,  and  anointed  him  in  the  midst  of 
his  brethren :  and  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon  David  from 
that  day  forward.     So  Samuel  rose  up,  and  went  to  Ramah. 

Wherever  the  bright  sun  of  heaven  shall  shine, 

His  honour  and  the  greatness  of  His  name 

Shall  be.     He  shall  flourish  ;  and  our  children's  children 

Shall  see  this,  and  bless  Heaven. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  2/5 


CHAPTER   CXIII. 

GOLIATH,    THE     GIANT     CHAMPION. DAVID,    THE    STRIPLING 

SHEi'HERD. 

To  whom  do  lions  cast  their  gentle  looks  ? 
Not  to  the  beast  that  would  usurp  their  den. 
Whose  hand  is  that  the  forest  bear  doth  lick .'' 
Not  his  that  spoils  her  young  before  her  face. 
Who  'scapes  the  lurking  serpent's  mortal  sting? 
Not  he  that  sets  his  foot  upon  her  back. 
The  smallest  worm  will  turn,  being  trodden  on  ; 
And  doves  will  peck  in  safeguard  of  their  brood. 

NOW  the  Philistines  gathered  together  their  armies  to  battle, 
and  were  gathered  together  at  Socoh,  which  belongeth  to 
Judah,  and  pitched  between  Socoh  and  Azekah,  in  Ephes-dam- 
mim.  And  Saul  and  the  men  of  Israel  were  gathered  together, 
and  pitched  by  the  valley  of  Elah,  and  set  the  battle  in  array 
against  the  Philistines.  And  the  Philistines  stood  on  a  moun- 
tain on  the  one  side,  and  Israel  stood  on  a  mountain  on  the  other 
side :  and  there  was  a  valley  between  them. 

And  there  went  out  a  champion  out  of  the  camp  of  the  Philis- 
tines, named  Goliath,  of  Gath,  whose  height  was  six  cubits  and 
a  span.  And  he  had  a  helmet  of  brass  upon  his  head,  and  he 
was  armed  with  a  coat  of  mail ;  and  the  weight  of  the  coat  was 
five  thousand  shekels  of  brass.  And  he  had  greaves  of  brass 
upon  his  legs,  and  a  target  of  brass  between  his  shoulders.  And 
the  staff  of  his  spear  was  like  a  weaver's  beam  ;  and  his  spear's 
head  weighed  six  hundred  shekels  of  iron  :  and  one  bearing  a 
shield  went  before  him.  And  he  stood  and  cried  unto  the  armies 
of  Israel,  and  said  unto  them.  Why  are  ye  come  out  to  set  your 
battle  in  array .-'  am  not  I  a  Philistine,  and  ye  servants  to  Saul } 
choose  you  a  man  for  you,  and  let  him  come  down  to  me.  If  he 
be  able  to  fight  with  me,  and  to  kill  me,  then  will  we  be  your 
servants :  but  if  I  prevail  against  him,  and  kill  him,  then  shall  ye 
be  our  servants,  and  serve  us.  And  the  Philistine  said,  I  defy 
the  armies  of  Israel  this  day  ;  give  me  a  man,  that  we  may  fight 
together.  When  Saul  and  all  Israel  heard  those  words  of  the 
Philistine,  they  were  dismayed,  and  greatly  afraid. 


276  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

I  do  not  think,  a  braver  gentleman, 
More  active-valiant,  or  more  valiant-young, 
More  daring,  or  more  bold,  is  now  alive 
To  grace  this  latter  age  with  noble  deeds. 

Now  David  was  the  son  of  that  Ephrathite  of  Beth-lehem- 
Jiidah,  whose  name  was  Jesse  ;  and  he  had  eight  sons  :  and  the 
man  went  among  men  for  an  old  man  in  the  days  of  Saul.  And 
the  three  eldest  sons  of  Jesse  went  and  followed  Saul  to  the 
battle :  and  the  names  of  his  three  sons  that  went  to  the  battle 
were  Eliab  the  first-born,  and  next  unto  him  Abinadab,  and  the 
third  Shammah.  And  David  was  the  youngest :  and  the  three 
eldest  followed  Saul.  And  the  Philistine  drew  near  morning 
and  evening,  and  presented  himself  forty  days.  And  Jesse 
said  unto  David  his  son.  Take  now  for  thy  brethren  an  ephah 
of  this  parched  corn,  and  these  ten  loaves,  and  run  to  the  camp 
to  thy  brethren  ;  and  carry  these  ten  cheeses  unto  the  captain 
of  their  thousand,  and  look  how  thy  brethren  fare,  and  take  their 
pledge.  Now  Saul,  and  they,  and  all  the  men  of  Israel,  were  in 
the  valley  of  Elah,  fighting  with  the  Philistines. 

Oh  !  timely  happy,  timely  wise. 
Hearts  that  with  rising  morn  arise  ! 
Eyes  that  the  beam  celestial  view, 
Which  evermore  makes  all  things  new  ! 
New  every  morning  is  the  love 
Our  wakening  and  uprising  prove  ; 
Through  sleep  and  darkness  safely  brought, 
Restored  to  life,  and  power,  and  thought. 

And  David  rose  up  early  in  the  morning,  and  left  the  sheep 
with  a  keeper,  and  took,  and  went,  as  Jesse  had  commanded 
him  ;  and  he  came  to  the  trench,  as  the  host  was  going  forth  to 
the  fight,  and  shouted  for  the  battle.  For  Israel  and  the  Philis- 
tines had  put  the  battle  in  array,  army  against  army.  And  David 
left  his  carriage  in  the  hand  of  the  keeper  of  the  carriage,  and  ran 
into  the  army,  and  came  and  saluted  his  brethren.  And  as  he 
talked  with  them,  behold,  there  came  up  the  champion,  the  Philis- 
tine of  Gath,  Goliath  by  name,  out  of  the  armies  of  the  Philis- 
tines, and  spake  according  to  the  same  words  :  and  David  heard 

them. 

Who  does  i'  the  wars  more  than  his  captain  can, 
Becomes  his  captain's  captain  ;  and  ambition, 
The  soldier's  virtue,  rather  makes  choice  of  loss, 
Than  gain  which  darkens  him. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  277 

I  could  do  more  to  do  Antonius  good, 
But  'twould  offend  him  ;  and  in  his  offence 
Should  my  performance  perish. 

And  David  spake  to  the  men  that  stood  by  him,  saying,  What 
shall  be  done  to  the  man  that  killeth  this  Philistine,  and  taketh 
away  the  reproach  from  Israel  ?  for  who  is  this  uncircumcised 
Philistine,  that  he  should  defy  the  armies  of  the  living  God  ? 
And  the  people  answered  him  after  this  manner,  saying,  So  shall 
it  be  done  to  the  man  that  killeth  him.  And  when  the  words 
were  heard  which  David  spake,  they  rehearsed  them  before  Saul : 
and  he  sent  for  him. 

He  holds  no  parley  with  unmanly  fears  ; 
Where  duty  bids  he  confidently  steers. 
Faces  a  thousand  dangers  at  her  call. 
And,  trusting  in  his  God,  surmounts  them  all. 

And  David  said  to  Saul,  Let  no  man's  heart  fail  because  of 
him  :  thy  servant  will  go  and  fight  with  this  Philistine.  And 
Saul  said  to  David,  Thou  art  not  able  to  go  against  this  Philis- 
tine to  fight  with  him  :  for  thou  art  but  a  youth,  and  he  a  man 
of  war  from  his  youth.  And  David  said  unto  Saul,  Thy  servant 
kept  his  father's  sheep,  and  there  came  a  lion,  and  a  bear,  and 
took  a  lamb  out  of  the  flock :  and  I  went  out  after  him,  and 
smote  him,  and  delivered  it  out  of  his  mouth  :  and  when  he 
arose  against  me,  I  caught  him  by  his  beard,  and  smote  him, 
and  slew  him.  Thy  servant  slew  both  the  lion  and  the  bear : 
and  this  uncircumcised  Philistine  shall  be  as  one  of  them,  seeing 
he  hath  defied  the  armies  of  the  living  God.  David  said  more- 
over, The  Lord  that  delivered  me  out  of  the  paw  of  the  lion, 
and  out  of  the  paw  of  the  bear,  he  will  deliver  me  out  of  the 
hand  of  this  Philistine.  And  Saul  said  unto  David,  Go,  and  the 
Lord  be  with  thee. 

The  grace  of  Heaven, 

Before,  behind  thee,  and  on  every  hand, 

Enwheel  thee  round. 


278  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CXIV. 

GOLIATH    SLAIN    BY    DAVID, 

Such  is  the  state  of  men  in  honour  placed : 
They  are  gold  vessels  made  for  servile  uses  ; 
High  trees  that  keep  the  weather  from  low  houses, 
But  cannot  shield  the  tempest  from  themselves. 
I  love  to  dwell  betwixt  the  hills  and  dales, 
Neither  to  be  so  great  as  to  be  envied, 
Nor  yet  so  poor  the  world  should  pity  me. 

AND  Saul  armed  David  with  his  armour,  and  he  put  a  helmet 
of  brass  upon  his  head  ;  also  he  armed  him  with  a  coat  of 
mail.  And  David  girded  his  sword  upon  his  armour,  and  he 
assayed  to  go  ;  for  he  had  not  proved  it.  And  David  said  unto 
Saul,  I  cannot  go  with  these  ;  for  I  have  not  proved  them.  And 
David  put  them  off  him.  And  he  took  his  staff  in  his  hand, 
and  chose  him  five  smooth  stones  out  of  the  brook,  and  put 
them  in  a  shepherd's  bag  which  he  had,  even  in  a  scrip ;  and  his 
sling  was  in  his  hand  :  and  he  drew  near  to  the  Philistine.  And 
the  Philistine  came  on  and  drew  near  unto  David  :  and  the  man 
that  bare  the  shield  went  before  him.  And  when  the  Philistine 
looked  about,  and  saw  David,  he  disdained  him  :  for  he  was  but 
a  youth,  and  ruddy,  and  of  a  fair  countenance.  And  the  Philis- 
tine said  unto  David,  Am  I  a  dog,  that  thou  comest  to  me  with 
staves  .-*  And  the  Philistine  cursed  David  by  his  gods.  And 
the  Philistine  said  to  David,  Come  to  me,  and  I  will  give  thy 
flesh  unto  the  fowls  of  the  air,  and  to  the  beasts  of  the  field. 

I,  in  the  name  of  Israel's  God  alone, 
That  more  than  Mighty,  that  Eternal  One, 
Am  come  to  meet  thee,  who  bids  not  to  fear, 
Nor  once  respect  the  arms  that  thou  dost  bear. 
Slave  !  mark  the  earth  whereon  thou  now  dost  stand, 
I'll  make  thy  length  to  measure  so  much  land, 
As  thou  liest  growHng,  and  within  this  hour, 
The  birds  and  beasts  thy  carcass  shall  devour  ! 

Then  said  David  to  the  Philistine,  Thou  comest  to  me  with  a 
sword,  and  with  a  spear,  and  with  a  shield :  but  I  come  to  thee 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  279 

in  the  name  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  the  armies  of 
Israel,  whom  thou  hast  defied.  This  day  will  the  Lord  deliver 
thee  into  mine  hand  ;  and  I  will  smite  thee,  and  take  thine  head 
from  thee  ;  and  I  will  give  the  carcasses  of  the  host  of  the 
Philistines  this  day  unto  the  fowls  of  the  air,  and  to  the  wild 
beasts  of  the  earth  ;  that  all  the  earth  may  know  that  there  is  a 
God  in  Israel.  And  all  this  assembly  shall  know  that  the  Lord 
saveth  not  with  sword  and  spear :  for  t^e  battle  is  the  Lord's, 
and  he  will  give  you  into  our  hands. 

A  valiant  man 
Ought  not  to  undergo,  or  tempt  a  clanger, 
But  worthily,  and  by  selected  ways. 
He  undertakes  by  reason,  not  by  chance  ; 
His  valour  is  the  salt  to  his  virtues, 
They're  all  unseasoned  without  it. 

And  David  put  his  hand  in  his  bag,  and  took  thence  a  stone, 
and  slang  it,  and  smote  the  Philistine  in  his  forehead,  that  the 
stone  sunk  into  his  forehead  ;  and  he  fell  upon  his  face  to  the 
earth.  So  David  prevailed  over  the  Philistine  with  a  sling  and 
with  a  stone,  and  smote  the  Philistine,  and  slew  him  ;  but  there 
was  no  sword  in  the  hand  of  David.  Therefore  David  ran,  and 
stood  upon  the  Philistine,  and  took  his  sword,  and  drew  it  out  of 
the  sheath  thereof,  and  slew  him,  and  cut  off  his  head  therewith. 
And  when  the  Philistines  saw  their  champion  was  dead,  they 
fled.  And  the  men  of  Israel  and  of  Judah  arose,  and  shouted, 
and  pursued  the  Philistines,  until  thou  come  to  the  valley,  and 
to  the  gates  of  Ekron.  And  the  wounded  of  the  Philistines  fell 
down  by  the  way  to  Shaaraim,  even  unto  Gath,  and  unto  Ekron. 
And  the  children  of  Israel  returned  from  chasing  after  the 
Philistines,  and  they  spoiled  their  tents. 

And  as  David  returned  from  the  slaughter  of  the  Phihstine, 
Abner  took  him,  and  brought  him  before  Saul  with  the  head  of 
the  Philistine  in  his  hand.  And  Saul  said  to  him,  Whose  son 
art  thou,  young  man  }  And  David  answered,  I  am  the  son  of 
thy  servant  Jesse  the  Beth-lehemite. 

By  whom  was  David  taught  to  aim  the  dreadful  blow, 
When  he  Goliath  fought,  and  laid  the  Gittite  low  ? 

No  sword  nor  spear  the  stripling  took, 

But  chose  a  pebble  from  the  brook. 


28o  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

'Twas  Israel's  God  and  King  who  sent  him  to  the  fight  ; 

Who  gave  him  strength  to  shng,  and  skill  to  aim  aright. 
Ye  feeble  saints,  your  strength  endures, 
Because  young  David's  God  is  yours. 


CHAPTER  CXV. 

THE    PSALMIST    PRAISES    GOD.  HIS    HAPPY   EXPERIENCE. 

OTHERS    EXHORTED    AND    ENCOURAGED. 

Where'er  I  go,  whate'er  my  task, 
The  counsel  of  my  God  I  ask, 

Who  all  things  hath  and  can  ; 
Unless  He  give  both  thought  and  deed. 
The  utmost  pains  can  ne'er  succeed. 

And  vain  the  wisest  plan. 

For  what  can  all  my  toil  avail  ? 
My  care,  my  watching  all  must  fail, 

Unless  my  God  is  there  ; 
Then  let  Him  order  all  for  me, 
As  He  in  wisdom  shall  decree  ; 

On  Him  I  cast  my  care. 

I  WILL  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times  :  his  praise  shall  continually 
be  in  my  mouth.  My  soul  shall  make  her  boast  in  the  Lord : 
the  humble  shall  hear  thereof,  and  be  glad.  Oh  magnify  the 
Lord  with  me,  and  let  us  exalt  his  name  together.  I  sought 
the  Lord,  and  he  heard  me,  and  delivered  me  from  all  my  fears. 
They  looked  unto  him,  and  were  lightened  :  and  their  faces  were 
not  ashamed.  This  poor  man  cried,  and  the  Lord  heard  him, 
and  saved  him  out  of  all  his  troubles.  The  angel  of  the  Lord 
encampeth  round  about  them  that  fear  him,  and  delivereth  them. 
Oh  taste  and  see  that  the  Lord  is  good  :  blessed  is  the  man  that 
trusteth  in  him.  Oh  fear  the  Lord,  ye  his  saints  :  for  there  is  no 
want  to  them  that  fear  him.  The  young  lions  do  lack,  and  suffer 
hunger :  but  they  that  seek  the  Lord  shall  not  want  any  good 

thing. 

Would'st  see  blithe  looks,  fresh  cheeks  beguile 
Age  ?     Would'st  see  December  smile  .■* 
Would'st  see  nests  of  new  roses  grow 
In  a  bed  of  reverend  snow  ? 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  28l 

Warm  thoughts,  free  spirits  flattering 
■    Winter's  self  into  a  Spring  ?  — 
In  sum,  would'st  see  a  man  that  can 
Live  to  be  old,  and  still  a  man  ? 
Whose  latest  and  most  leaden  hours 
Fall  with  soft  wings,  stuck  with  soft  flowers; 
And  when  life's  sweet  fable  ends, 
Soul  and  body  part  like  friends  — 
No  quarrels,  murmurs,  no  delay  — 
A  kiss,  a  sigh,  and  so  away  ? 
This  rare  one,  reader,  would'st  thou  see  ? 
Hark,  hither  !  and  thyself  be  he. 

Come,  ye  children,  hearken  unto  me  :  I  will  teach  you  the  fear 
of  the  Lord.  What  man  is  he  that  desireth  life,  and  loveth  many 
days,  that  he  may  see  good  }  Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil,  and 
thy  lips  from  speaking  guile.  Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good  ; 
seek  peace,  and  pursue  it.  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the 
righteous,  and  his  ears  are  open  unto  their  cry.  The  face  of  the 
Lord  is  against  them  that  do  evil,  to  cut  off  the  remembrance  of 
them  from  the  earth.  The  righteous  cry,  and  the  Lord  heareth, 
and  delivereth  them  out  of  all  their  troubles.  The  Lord  is  nigh 
unto  them  that  are  of  a  broken  heart  ;  and  saveth  such  as  be  of 
a  contrite  spirit.  Many  are  the  afflictions  of  the  righteous  :  but 
the  Lord  delivereth  him  out  of  them  all.  He  keepeth  all  his 
bones  :  not  one  of  them  is  broken.  Evil  shall  slay  the  wicked  : 
and  they  that  hate  the  righteous  shall  be  desolate.  The  Lord 
redeemeth  the  soul  of  his  servants  :  and  none  of  them  that  trust 
in  him  shall  be  desolate. 

Far,  far  away,  the  roar  of  passion  dieth. 

And  loving  thoughts  rise  calm  and  peacefully. 

And  no  rude  storm,  how  fierce  soe'er  it  flieth. 
Disturbs  the  soul  that  dwells,  O  Lord,  in  Thee. 

O  rest  of  rests  !  O  peace,  serene,  eternal ! 

Thou  ever  livest,  and  Thou  changest  never  ; 
And  in  the  secret  of  Thy  presence  dwelleth 

Fulness  of  joy  for  ever  and  for  ever. 


282  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CXVI. 

SAUL    FORSAKEN    BY    GOD. HE     CONSULTS    A   WITCH. HIS 

DOOM    DECLARED. 

Before,  I  was  secure  'gainst  death  and  hell ; 

But  now  am  subject  to  the  heartless  fear 

Of  every  shadow,  and  of  every  breath. 

And  would  change  firmness  with  an  aspen  leaf; 

So  confident  a  spotless  conscience  is, 

So  weak  a  guilty. 

NOW  Samuel  was  dead,  and  all  Israel  had  lamented  him,  and 
buried  him  in  Ramah,  even  in  his  own  city.  And  Saul 
had  put  away  those  that  had  familiar  spirits,  and  the  wizards, 
out  of  the  land.  And  the  Philistines  gathered  themselves 
together,  and  came  and  pitched  in  Shunem  :  and  Saul  gath- 
ered all  Israel  together,  and  they  pitched  in  Gilboa.  And  when 
Saul  saw  the  host  of  the  Philistines,  he  was  afraid,  and  his  heart 
greatly  trembled.  And  when  Saul  inquired  of  the  Lord,  the 
Lord  answered  him  not,  neither  by  dreams,  nor  by  Urim,  nor 
by  prophets. 

Sorrow  breaks  seasons,  and  reposing  hours. 

Makes  the  light  morning,  and  the  noon-tide  night. 

Princes  have  but  their  titles  for  their  glories. 

An  outward  honour  for  an  inward  toil ; 

And  for  unfelt  imaginations, 

They  often  feel  a  world  of  restless  cares  : 

So  that,  between  their  titles,  and  low  name, 

There's  nothing  differs  but  the  outward  fame. 

Then  said  Saul  unto  his  servants.  Seek  me  a  woman  that  hath 
a  familiar  spirit,  that  I  may  go  to  her,  and  inquire  of  her.  And 
his  servants  said  to  him,  Behold,  there  is  a  woman  that  hath  a 
familiar  spirit  at  En-dor.  And  Saul  disguised  himself,  and  put 
on  other  raiment,  and  he  went,  and  two  men  with  him,  and  they 
came  to  the  woman  by  night :  and  he  said,  I  pray  thee,  divine 
unto  me  by  the  familiar  spirit,  and  bring  me  him  up,  whom  I 
shall  name  unto  thee.  And  the  woman  said  unto  him,  Behold, 
thou  knowest  what  Saul  hath  done,. how  he  hath  cut  off  those 
that  have  familiar  spirits,  and  the  wizards,  out  of   the  land : 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  283 

wherefore  then  layest  thou  a  snare  for  my  Ufe,  to  cause  me  to 
die  ?  And  Saul  sware  to  her  by  the  Lord,  saying,  as  the  Lord 
liveth,  there  shall  no  punishment  happen  to  thee  for  this  thing. 

Come,  sisters,  cheer  we  up  his  sprites, 
And  show  the  best  of  our  dehghts. 
I'll  charm  the  air  to  give  a  sound. 
While  you  perform  your  antic  round ; 
That  this  great  king  may  kindly  say. 
Our  duties  did  his  welcome  pay. 

Then  said  the  woman,  Whom  shall  I  bring  up  unto  thee.? 
And  he  said.  Bring  me  up  Samuel.  And  when  the  woman  saw 
Samuel,  she  cried  with  a  loud  voice  :  and  the  woman  spake  to 
Saul,  saying,  Why  hast  thou  deceived  me.''  for  thou  art  Saul. 
And  the  king  said  unto  her,  Be  not  afraid :  for  what  sawest 
thou }  And  the  woman  said  unto  Saul,  I  saw  gods  ascending 
out  of  the  earth.  And  he  said  unto  her.  What  form  is  he  of  t 
And  she  said,  An  old  man  cometh  up  ;  and  he  is  covered  with 
a  mantle.  And  Saul  perceived  that  it  was  Samuel,  and  he 
stooped  with  his  face  to  the  ground,  and  bowed  himself. 

O  Thou  eternal  Mover  of  the  heavens, 
Look  with  a  gentle  eye  upon  this  wretch  ! 
Oh,  beat  away  the  busy  meddling  fiend, 
That  lays  strong  siege  unto  this  wretch's  soul, 
And  from  his  bosom  purge  this  black  despair  ! 

And  Samuel  said  to  Saul,  Why  hast  thou  disquieted  me,  to 
bring  me  up }  And  Saul  answered,  I  am  sore  distressed  ;  for 
the  Philistines  make  war  against  me,  and  God  is  departed  from 
me,  and  answereth  me  no  more,  neither  by  prophets,  nor  by 
dreams :  therefore  I  have  called  thee,  that  thou  mayest  make 
known  unto  me  what  I  shall  do.  Then  said  Samuel,  Wherefore 
then  dost  thou  ask  of  me,  seeing  the  Lord  is  departed  from  thee, 
and  is  become  thine  enemy }  And  the  Lord  hath  done  to  him, 
as  he  spake  by  me ":  for  the  Lord  hath  rent  the  kingdom  out  of 
thine  hand,  and  given  it  to  thy  neighbour,  even  to  David : 
because  thou  obeyedst  not  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  nor  executedst 
his  fierce  wrath  upon  Amalek,  therefore  hath  the  Lord  done  this 
thing  unto  thee  this  day.  M9reover  the  Lord  will  also  deliver 
Israel  with  thee  into  the  hand  of  the  Philistines  :  and  to-morrow 
shalt  thou  and  thy  sons  be  with  me  :  the  Lord  also  shall  deliver 
the  host  of  Israel  into  the  hand  of  the  Philistines.     Then  Saul 


284  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

fell  straightway  all  along  on  the  earth,  and  was  sore  afraid, 
because  of  the  words  of  Samuel :  and  there  was  no  strength  in 
him ;  for  he  had  eaten  no  bread  all  the  day,  nor  all  the  night. 

The  dread  of  something  after  death,  — 
The  undiscovered  country,  from  whose  bourn 
No  traveller  returns, — puzzles  the  will. 
And  makes  us  rather  bear  those  ills  we  have. 
Than  fly  to  others  that  we  know  not  of! 
Thus  conscience  does  make  cowards  of  us  all ; 
And  thus  the  native  hue  of  resolution 
Is  sicklied  o'er  with  the  pale  cast  of  thought, 
And  enterprises  of  great  pith  and  moment, 
With  this  regard  their  currents  turn  awry, 
And  lose  the  name  of  action. 

And  the  woman  came  unto  Saul,  and  saw  that  he  was  sore 
troubled,  and  said  unto  him.  Behold,  thine  handmaid  hath  obeyed 
thy  voice,  and  I  have  put  my  life  in  my  hand,  and  have  heark- 
ened unto  thy  words  which  thou  spakest  unto  me.  Now  there- 
fore, I  pray  thee,  hearken  thou  also  unto  the  voice  of  thine 
handmaid,  and  let  me  set  a  morsel  of  bread  before  thee ;  and 
eat,  that  thou  mayest  have  strength,  when  thou  goest  on  thy 
way.  But  he  refused,  and  said,  I  will  not  eat.  But  his  servants, 
together  with  the  woman,  compelled  him  ;  and  he  hearkened 
unto  their  voice.  So  he  rose  from  the  earth,  and  sat  upon  the 
bed.  And  the  woman  had  a  fat  calf  in  the  house  ;  and  she 
hasted,  and  killed  it,  and  took  flour,  and  kneaded  it,  and  did 
bake  unleavened  bread  thereof :  and  she  brought  it  before  Saul, 
and  before  his  servants  ;  and  they  did  eat.  Then  they  rose  up, 
and  went  away  that  night. 

Thou  whose  spell  can  raise  the  dead, 

Bid  the  prophet's  form  appear. 

Samuel,  raise  thy  buried  head  ! 

King,  behold  thy  phantom  seer. 
Earth  yawned  ;  he  stood  the  centre  of  a  cloud : 
Light  changed  its  hue,  retiring  from  his  shroud. 
Death  stood  all  glassy  in  his  fixed  eye  ; 
His  hand  was  withered,  and  his  veins  were  dry; 
His  foot,  in  bony  whiteness,  glittered  there, 
Shrunken  and  sinewless,  and  ghastly  bare  ; 
From  lips  that  moved  not  and  unbreathing  frame, 
Like  caverned  winds,  the  hollow  accents  came. 
Saul  saw,  and  fell  to  earth,  as  falls  the  oak, 
At  once,  and  blasted  by  a  thunder-stroke. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  285 


CHAPTER   CXVir. 

THE  DEATHS  OF  SAUL  AND  JONATHAN. THE  GRIEF  OF 

DAVID. 

NOW  the  Philistines  fought  against  Israel :  and  the  men 
of  Israel  fled  from  before  the  Philistines,  and  fell  down 
slain  in  mount  Gilboa.  And  the  Philistines  followed  hard  upon 
Saul  and  upon  his  sons  ;  and  the  Philistines  slew  Jonathan,  and 
Abinadab,  and  Melchishua,  Saul's  sons.  And  the  battle  went 
sore  against  Saul,  and  the  archers  hit  him  ;  and  he  was  sore 
wounded  of  the  archers.  So  Saul  died,  and  his  three  sons,  and 
his  armour  bearer,  and  all  his  men,  that  same  day  together. 

Yet  the  first  bringer  of  unwelcome  news 
Hath  but  a  losing  office  ;  and  his  tongue 
Sounds  ever  after  as  a  sullen  bell, 
Remembered  knoUing  a  departing  friend. 

Now  it  came  to  pass  after  the  death  of  Saul,  when  David  was 
returned  from  the  slaughter  of  the  Amalekites,  and  David  had 
abode  two  days  in  Ziklag ;  it  came  even  to  pass  on  the  third  day, 
that,  behold,  a  man  came  out  of  the  camp  from  Saul  with  his 
clothes  rent,  and  earth  upon  his  head  :  and  so  it  was,  when  he 
came  to  David,  that  he  fell  to  the  earth,  and  did  obeisance.  And 
David  said  unto  him.  From  whence  comest  thou .''  And  he  said 
unto  him.  Out  of  the  camp  of  Israel  am  I  escaped.  And  David 
said  unto  him.  How  went  the  matter  .-*  I  pray  thee,  tell  xne.  And 
he  answered.  That  the  people  are  fled  from  the  battle,  and  many 
of  the  people  also  are  fallen  and  dead  ;  and  Saul  and  Jonathan 
his  son  are  dead  also.  And  David  said  unto  the  young  man 
that  told  him.  How  knowest  thou  that  Saul  and  Jonathan  his  son 
be  dead  "^  And  the  young  man  that  told  him  said,  As  I  happened 
by  chance  upon  mount  Gilboa,  behold,  Saul  leaned  upon  his 
spear  ;  and,  lo,  the  chariots  and  horsemen  followed  hard  after 
him.  And  when  he  looked  behind  him,  he  saw  me,  and  called 
unto  me.  And  I  answered.  Here  am  I.  And  he  said  unto  me. 
Who  art  thou  .■'  And  I  answered  him,  I  am  an  Amalekite.  He 
said  unto  me  again,  Stand,  I  pray  thee,  upon  me,  and  slay  me  : 


286  THE  BIBLE  AND  THE  POETS. 

for  anguish  is  come  upon  me,  because  my  life  is  yet  whole  in  me. 
So  I  stood  upon  him,  and  slew  him,  because  I  was  sure  that  he 
could  not  live  after  that  he  was  fallen :  and  I  took  the  crown  that 
was  upon  his  head,  and  the  bracelet  that  was  on  his  arm,  and 
have  brought  them  hither  unto  my  lord.  Then  David  took  hold 
on  his  clothes,  and  rent  them  ;  and  likewise  all  the  men  that  were 
with  him  :  and  they  mourned,  and  wept,  and  fasted  until  even,  for 
Saul,  and  for  Jonathan  his  son,  and  for  the  people  of  the  Lord, 
and  for  the  house  of  Israel  ;  because  they  were  fallen  by  the 
sword. 

O  bloody  Gilboa  !  a  curse  ever  lie 

Where  the  king  and  his  people  were  slaughtered  together ! 
May  the  dew  and  the  rain  leave  thy  herbage  to  die, 

Thy  flocks  to  decay,  and  thy  forests  to  wither  ! 

And  David  said  unto  the  young  man  that  told  him,  Whence 
art  thou  ?  And  he  answered,  I  am  the  son  of  a  stranger,  an 
Amalekite.  And  David  said  unto  him,  How  wast  thou  not  afraid 
to  stretch  forth  thine  hand  to  destroy  the  Lord's  anointed .-'  And 
David  called  one  of  the  young  men,  and  said,  Go  near,  and  fall 
upon  him.  And  he  smote  him  that  he  died.  And  David  said 
unto  him.  Thy  blood  be  upon  thy  head ;  for  thy  mouth  hath  tes- 
tified against  thee,  saying,  I  have  slain  the  Lord's  anointed. 

Sad  Israel's  daughters  weep  for  Saul ;  lament  his  fall, 

Who  fed  you  with  the  earth's  increase,  and  crowned  with  peace  ; 

With  robes  of  Tyrian  purple  decked, 

And  gems  which  sparkling  light  reflect. 

How  are  thy  worthies  by  the  sword  of  war  devoured  ! 
O  Jonathan  !  the  better  part  of  my  torn  heart ! 

The  savage  rocks  have  drunk  thy  blood  : 

My  brother  !  O  how  kind  !  how  good  ! 

And  David  lamented  with  this  lamentation  over  Saul  and  over 
Jonathan  his  son  :  The  beauty  of  Israel  is  slain  upon  thy  high 
places  :  how  are  the  mighty  fallen  !  Tell  it  not  in  Gath,  publish 
it  not  in  the  streets  of  Ashkelon  ;  lest  the  daughters  of  the  Phi- 
listines rejoice,  lest  the  daughters  of  the  uncircumcised  triumph. 
Ye  mountains  of  Gilboa,  let  there  be  no  dew,  neither  let  there  be 
rain,  upon  you,  nor  fields  of  offerings  :  for  there  the  shield  of  the 
mighty  is  vilely  cast  away,  the  shield  of  Saul,  as  though  he  had 
not  been  anointed  with  oil.     From  the  blood  of  the  slain,  from 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  287 

the  fat  of  the  mighty,  the  bow  of  Jonathan  turned  not  back,  and 
the  sword  of  Saul  returned  not  empty.  Saul  and  Jonathan  were 
lovely  and  pleasant  in  their  lives,  and  in  their  death  they  were  not 
divided  :  they  were  swifter  than  eagles,  they  were  stronger  than 
lions.  Ye  daughters  of  Israel,  weep  over  Saul,  who  clothed  you 
in  scarlet,  with  other  delights  ;  who  put  on  ornaments  of  gold 
upon  your  apparel.  How  are  the  mighty  fallen  in  the  midst  of 
the  battle  !  O  Jonathan,  thou  wast  slain  in  thine  high  places.  I 
am  distressed  for  thee,  my  brother  Jonathan  :  very  pleasant  hast 
thou  been  unto  me  :  thy  love  to  me  was  wonderful,  passing  the 
love  of  women.  How  are  the  mighty  fallen,  and  the  weapons  of 
war  perished ! 

God  is  much  displeased, 

That  you  take  with  unthankfulness  His  doing. 

In  common  worldly  things,  'tis  called  ungrateful, 

With  dull  unwillingness  to  pay  a  debt, 

Which  with  a  bounteous  hand  was  kindly  lent ; 

Much  more  to  be  tlius  opposite  with  heaven, 

For  it  requires  the  royal  debt  it  lent  you. 


CHAPTER   CXVIII. 

DAVID   IS    FULLY   ESTABLISHED    AS    KING. HE    BRINGS    THE 

ARK   OF   GOD    TO   JERUSALEM. 

That  last  best  effort  of  Thy  skill, 
To  form  the  life  and  rule  the  will. 

Propitious  Power,  impart ! 
Teach  me  to  cool  my  passion's  fires, 
Make  me  the  judge  of  my  desires, 

The  master  of  my  heart. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that  David  inquired  of  the 
Lord,  saying,  Shall  I  go  up  into  any  of  the  cities  of 
Judah.!*  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Go  up.  And  David 
said,  Whither  shall  I  go  up.?  And  he  said.  Unto  Hebron. 
So  David  went  up  thither,  and  his  two  wives  also,  Ahinoam, 
and  Abigail.  And  his  men  that  were  with  him  did  David 
bring  up,  every  man  with   his   household  :   and  they  dwelt  in 


288  THE  BIBLE  AND  THE  POETS. 

the  cities  of  Hebron.     And  the  men  of  Judah  came,  and  there 
they  anointed  David  king  over  the  house  of  Judah. 

We  look 
But  at  the  surfaces  of  things  ;  we  hear 
Of  towns  in  flames,  fields  ravaged,  young  and  old 
Driven  out  in  troops  to  want  and  nakedness  ; 
Then  grasp  our  swords  and  rush  upon  a  cure 
That  flatters  us,  because  it  asks  not  thought : 
The  deeper  malady  is  better  hid ; 
The  world  is  poisoned  at  the  heart. 

Now  there  was  long  war  between  the  house  of  Saul  and 
the  house  of  David  :  but  David  waxed  stronger  and  stronger, 
and  the  house  of  Saul  waxed  weaker  and  weaker.  Then  came 
all  the  tribes  of  Israel  to  David  unto  Hebron,  and  spake,  saying, 
Behold,  we  are  thy  bone  and  thy  flesh.  Also  in  time  past, 
when  Saul  was  king  over  us,  thou  wast  he  that  leddest  out  and 
broughtest  in  Israel :  and  the  Lord  said  to  thee,  Thou  shalt 
feed  my  people  Israel,  and  thou  shalt  be  a.  captain  over  Israel. 
So  all  the  elders  of  Israel  came  to  the  king  to  Hebron  ;  and 
king  David  made  a  league  with  them  in  Hebron  before  the 
Lord :  and  they  anointed  David  king  over  Israel.  David  was 
thirty  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign. 

And  David  went  on,  and  grew  great,  and  the  Lord  God  of 
hosts  was  with  him.  And  Hiram  king  of  Tyre  sent  messengers 
to  David,  and  cedar  trees,  and  carpenters,  and  masons  :  and 
they  built  David  a  house.  And  David  perceived  that  the  Lord 
had  established  him  king  over  Israel,  and  that  he  had  exalted 
his  kingdom  for  his  people  Israel's  sake. 

Again,  David  gathered  together  all  the  chosen  men  of  Israel, 
thirty  thousand.  And  David  arose,  and  went  with  all  the  people 
that  were  with  him  from  Baale  of  Judah,  to  bring  up  from  thence 
the  ark  of  God,  whose  name  is  called  by  the  name  of  the  Lord 
of  hosts  that  dwelleth  between  the  cherubim.  And  they  set 
the  ark  of  God  upon  a  new  cart,  and  brought  it  out  of  the  house 
of  Abinadab  that  was  in  Gibeah  :  and  Uzzah  and  Ahio,  the  sons 
of  Abinadab,  drave  the  new  cart.  And  they  brought  it  out  of 
the  house  of  Abinadab  which  was  at  Gibeah,  accompanying  the 
ark  of  God  :  and  Ahio  went  before  the  ark.  And  David  and 
all  the  house  of  Israel  played  before  the  Lord  on  all  manner  of 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  289 

instruments  made  of  fir  wood,  even  on  harps,  and  on  psalteries, 
and  on  timbrels,  and  on  cornets,  and  on  cymbals. 

Nought  so  stockish,  hard,  and  full  of  rage, 
But  music  for  the  time  doth  change  his  nature. 
The  man  that  hath  no  music  in  himself, 
Nor  is  not  moved  with  concord  of  sweet  sounds, 
Is  tit  for  treason,  stratagems,  and  spoils  : 
The  motions  of  his  spirit  are  dull  as  night. 
And  his  affections  dark  as  Erebus. 
Let  no  such  man  be  trusted. 

And  when  they  came  to  Nachon's  threshing  floor,  Uzzah  put 
forth  his  hand  to  the  ark  of  God,  and  took  hold  of  it  ;  for  the 
oxen  shook  it.  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  against 
Uzzah,  and  God  smote  him  there  for  his  error ;  and  there  he 
died  by  the  ark  of  God.  And  David  was  displeased,  because 
the  Lord  had  made  a  breach  upon  Uzzah  :  and  he  called  the 
name  of  the  place  Perez-uzzah  to  this  day.  And  David  was 
afraid  of  the  Lord  that  day,  and  said,  How  shall  the  ark  of  the 
Lord  come  to  me }  So  David  would  not  remove  the  ark  of 
the  Lord  unto  him  into  the  city  of  David  :  but  David  carried 
it  aside  into  the  house  of  Obed-edom  the  Gittite.  And  the  ark 
of  the  Lord  continued  in  the  house  of  Obed-edom  the  Gittite 
three  months  :  and  the  Lord  blessed  Obed-edom,  and  all  his 
household. 

And  it  was  told  king  David,  saying,  The  Lord  hath  blessed 
the  house  of  Obed-edom,  and  all  that  pertaineth  unto  him,  be- 
cause of  the  ark  of  God.  So  David  went  and  brought  up  the 
ark  of  God  from  the  house  of  Obed-edom  into  the  city  of  David 
with  gladness.  And  it  was  so,  that  when  they  that  bare  the 
ark  of  the  Lord  had  gone  six  paces,  he  sacrificed  oxen  and 
fatlings.  And  David  danced  before  the  Lord  with  all  his 
might ;  and  David  was  girded  with  a  linen  ephod.  So  David 
and  all  the  house  of  Israel  brought  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord 
with  shouting,  and  with  the  sound  of  the  trumpet. 

'Twas  the  voice 
Of  a  free  people  from  impending  chains 
Redeemed  ;  a  people  proud,  whose  bosom  beat 
With  fire  of  glory  and  renown  in  arms 
Triumphant.     Loud  the  exultation  rang. 
19 


290  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

There,  many  a  beauteous  virgin  blushing  deep, 
Flung  back  her  veil,  and,  as  the  warrior  came, 
Hailed  her  betrothed.     But,  chiefly,  on  one  alone 
All  dwelt. 

And  they  brought  in  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  set  it  in  his 
place,  in  the  midst  of  the  tabernacle  that  David  had  pitched  for 
it :  and  David  offered  burnt  offerings  and  peace  offerings  before 
the  Lord.  And  as  soon  as  David  had  made  an  end  of  offering 
burnt  offerings  and  peace  offerings,  he  blessed  the  ])eople  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  of  hosts.  And  he  dealt  among  ail  the  people, 
even  among  the  whole  multitude  of  Israel,  as  well  to  the  women 
as  men,  to  every  one  a  cake  of  bread,  and  a  good  piece  of  flesh, 
and  a  flagon  of  wine.  So  all  the  people  departed  every  one  to 
his  house. 


CHAPTER  CXIX. 

A   SPECIAL    PSALM    OF    THANKS    TO   JEHOVAH. 

WouLDST  thou  find  pause  to  thank  thy  God  for  every  pleasure, 
For  mourning  over  griefs  thou  wouldst  not  find  the  leisure. 
O  heart,  but  try  it  once :  'tis  easy  good  to  be j 
But  to  appear  so,  such  a  strain  and  misery. 

SO  they  brought  the  ark  of  God,  and  set  it  in  the  midst  of  the 
tent  that  David  had  pitched  for  it :  and  they  offered  burnt 
sacrifices  and  peace  offerings  before  God. 

Then  on  that  day  David  delivered  first  this  psalm  to  thank 
the  Lord,  into  the  hand  of  Asaph  and  his  brethren. 

Give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  call  upon  his  name, 

Make  known  his  deeds  among  the  people. 

Sing  unto  him,  sing  psalms  unto  him, 

Talk  ye  of  all  his  wondrous  works. 

Glory  ye  in  his  holy  name : 

Let  the  heart  of  them  rejoice  that  seek  the  Lord. 

Seek  the  Lord  and  his  strength, 

Seek  his  face  continually. 

Remember  his  marvellous  works  that  he  hath  done. 

His  wonders,  and  the  judgments  of  his  mouth  ; 


% 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  29 1 

O  ye  seed  of  Israel  his  servant, 

Ye  children  of  Jacob,  his  chosen  ones. 

He  is  the  Lord  our  God  ; 

His  judgments  are  in  all  the  earth. 

Be  ye  mindful  always  of  his  covenant ; 

Tlie  word  which  he  commanded  to  a  thousand  generations  ; 

Even  of  the  covenant  which  he  made  with  Abraham, 

And  of  his  oath  unto  Isaac  ; 

And  hath  confirmed  the  same  to  Jacob  for  a  law, 

And  to  Israel  for  an  everlasting  covenant, 

Saying,  Unto  thee  will  I  give  the  land  of  Canaan, 

The  lot  of  your  inheritance  ; 

When  ye  were  but  few. 

Even  a  few,  and  strangers  in  it. 

And  when  they  went  from  nation  to  nation, 

And  from  one  kingdom  to  another  people ; 

He  suffered  no  man  to  do  them  wrong: 

Yea,  he  reproved  kings  for  their  sakes, 

Saying,  Touch  not  mine  anointed, 

And  do  my  prophets  no  harm. 

Sing  unto  the  Lord,  all  the  earth  ; 

Shew  forth  from  day  to  day  his  salvation. 

Declare  his  glory  among  the  heathen  ; 

His  marvellous  works  among  all  nations. 

For  great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be  praised  : 

He  also  is  to  be  feared  above  all  gods. 

For  all  the  gods  of  the  people  are  idols : 

But  the  Lord  made  the  heavens. 

Glory  and  honour  are  in  his  presence  ; 

Strength  and  gladness  are  in  his  place. 

Give  unto  the  Lord,  ye  kindreds  of  the  people. 

Give  unto  the  Lord  glory  and  strength. 

Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto  his  name : 

Bring  an  offering,  and  come  before  him  : 

Worship  the  Lord  in  the  beauty  of  holiness. 

Fear  before  him,  all  the  earth : 

The  world  also  shall  be  stable,  that  it  be  not  moved. 

Let  the  heavens  be  glad,  and  let  the  earth  rejoice  : 

And  let  men  say  among  the  nations.  The  Lord  reigneth. 

Let  the  sea  roar,  and  the  fulness  thereof: 

Let  the  fields  rejoice,  and  all  that  is  therein. 

Then  shall  the  trees  of  the  wood  sing  out  at  the  presence  of  the  Lord, 

Because  he  cometh  to  judge  the  earth. 

O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  for  he  is  good  ; 

For  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

And  say  ye,  Save  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation, 

And  gather  us  together, 


292  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  deliver  us  from  the  heathen, 

That  we  may  give  thanks  to  thy  holy  name,  and  glory  in  thy  praise. 

Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  for  ever  and  ever  ! 

And  all  the  people  said,  Amen,  and  praised  the  Lord. 

Oh  !  may  we  soon  again  renew  that  song, 

And  keep  in  tune  with  Heaven,  till  God  ere  long 

To  His  celestial  concert  us  unite, 

To  live  with  Him,  and  sing  in  endless  morn  of  light ! 


CHAPTER   CXX. 

JEHOVAH,    THE    ALL-SEEING    SOVEREIGN    AND    JUDGE. 

Searcher  of  hearts  !  to  Thee  are  known  the  inmost  secrets  of  my  breast ; 
At  home,  abroad,  in  crowds,  alone.  Thou  mark'st  my  rising  and  my  rest. 
My  thoughts  far  off,  through  every  maze,  source,  stream,  and  issue,  —  all 

my  ways . 
How  from  Thy  presence  shall  I  go,  or  whither  from  Thy  spirit  flee ; 
Since  all  above,  around,  below,  exist  in  Thine  immensity  ? 
If  up  to  heaven  I  take  my  way,  I  meet  Thee  in  eternal  day. 

OLORD,  thou  hast  searched  me,  and  known  me.  Thou 
knowest  my  downsitting  and  mine  uprising  ;  thou  under- 
standest  my  thought  afar  off.  Thou  compassest  my  path  and 
my  lying  down,  and  art  acquainted  with  all  my  ways.  For  there 
is  not  a  word  in  my  tongue,  but,  lo,  O  Lord,  thou  knowest  it 
altogether.  Thou  hast  beset  me  behind  and  before,  and  laid 
thine  hand  upon  me.  Such  knowledge  is  too  wonderful  for 
me  ;  it  is  high,  I  cannot  attain  unto  it.-  Whither  shall  I  go 
from  thy  spirit }  or  whither  shall  I  flee  from  thy  presence  .?  If 
I  ascend  up  into  heaven,  thou  art  there :  if  I  make  my  bed  in 
hell,  behold,  thou  art  there.  If  I  take  the  wings  of  the  morning, 
and  dwell  in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  sea  ;  even  there  shall  thy 
hand  lead  me,  and  thy  right  hand  shall  hold  me.  If  I  say,  Surely 
the  darkness  shall  cover  me  ;  even  the  night  shall  be  light  about 
me.  Yea,  the  darkness  hideth  not  from  thee ;  but  the  night 
shineth  as  the  day :  the  darkness  and  the  light  are  both  alike 
to  thee.  For  thou  hast  possessed  my  reins  :  thou  hast  covered 
me  in  my  mother's  womb.     I  will  praise  thee  ;  for  I  am  fearfully 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS,  293 

and  wonderfully  made  :  marvellous  are  thy  works  ;  and  that  my 
soul  knoweth  right  well.  My  substance  was  not  hid  from  thee, 
when  I  was  made  in  secret,  and  curiously  wrought  in  the  lowest 
parts  of  the  earth.  Thine  eyes  did  see  my  substance,  yet  being 
unperfect  ;  and  in  thy  book  all  my  members  were  written,  which 
in  continuance  were  fashioned,  when  as  yet  there  was  none  of 
them.  How  precious  also  are  thy  thoughts  unto  me,  O  God  ! 
how  great  is  the  sum  of  them  !  If  I  should  count  them,  they 
are  more  in  number  than  the  sand  :  when  I  awake,  I  am  still 
with  thee. 

Thou  art  my  all  —  to  thee  I  flee, 

Take  me,  oh,  take  me  to  Thy  keeping  ! 
Make  me  Thy  vine,  Thy  husbandry ; 

Be  Thine  the  seed-time.  Thine  the  reaping. 

O  !  there  is  nought  in  yon  bright  sky 

Worthy  this  worthless  heart  to  own  ; 
On  earth  there's  nought ;  friends,  creatures,  fly  ; 

I  pant,  my  God,  for  thee  alone. 

Surely  thou  wilt  slay  the  wicked,  O  God  :  depart  from  me 
therefore,  ye  bloody  men.  For  they  speak  against  thee  wickedly, 
and  thine  enemies  take  thy  name  in  vain.  Do  not  I  hate  them, 
O  Lord,  that  hate  thee  .-*  and  am  not  I  grieved  with  those  that 
rise  up  against  thee  }  I  hate  them  with  perfect  hatred  :  I  count 
them  mine  enemies.  Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart : 
try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts  :  and  see  if  there  be  any  wicked 
way  in  me,  and  lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting. 

O  Thou,  great  Governor  of  all  below  ! 

If  I  may  dare  a  lifted  eye  to  Thee, 
Thy  nod  can  make  the  tempest  cease  to  blow, 

Or  still  the  tumult  of  the  raging  sea : 
With  that  controlling  power  assist  even  me, 

Those  headlong  furious  passions  to  confine  ; 
For  all  unfit  I  feel  my  powers  to  be. 

To  rule  their  torrent  in  the  allowed  line  ; 
O,  aid  me  with  Thy  help,  Omnipotence  Divine  ! 


294  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CXXI. 

THE    PURPOSE. THE    PROHIBITION. THE    PROMISE. 

THE    PRAYER. 

Where  shall  we  go  to  seek  and  find 
A  habitation  for  our  God  — 
A  dwelling  for  the  eternal  Mind  — 
Amongst  the  sons  of  flesh  and  blood  ? 

The  God  of  Jacob  chose  the  hill 

Of  Zion  for  His  ancient  rest; 

And  Zion  is  His  dwelling  still, 

His  Church  is  with  His  presence  blest. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king  sat  in  his  house,  and  the 
Lord  had  given  him  rest  round  about  from  all  his  enemies  ; 
that  the  king  said  unto  Nathan  the  prophet.  See  now,  I  dwell  in 
a  house  of  cedar,  but  the  ark  of  God  dwelleth  within  curtains. 
And  Nathan  said  to  the  king.  Go,  do  all  that  is  in  thine  heart ; 
for  the  Lord  is  with  thee. 

And  it  came  to  pass  that  night,  that  the  word  of  the  Lord 
came  unto  Nathan,  saying,  Go  and  tell  my  servant  David,  Thus 
saith  the  Lord,  Shalt  thou  build  me  a  house  for  me  to  dwell  in  .-* 
Whereas  I  have  not  dwelt  in  any  house  since  the  time  that  I 
brought  up  the  children  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt,  even  to  this  day, 
but  have  walked  in  a  tent  and  in  a  tabernacle.  In  all  the  places 
wherein  I  have  walked  with  all  the  children  of  Israel  spake  I  a 
word  with  any  of  the  tribes  of  Israel,  whom  I  commanded  to 
feed  my  people  Israel,  saying.  Why  build  ye  not  me  a  house  of 
cedar  t  Now  therefore  so  shalt  thou  say  unto  my  servant  David, 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  I  took  thee  from  the  sheepcote, 
from  following  the  sheep,  to  be  ruler  over  my  people,  over  Israel : 
and  I  was  with  thee  whithersoever  thou  wentest,  and  have  cut 
off  all  thine  enemies  out  of  thy  sight,  and  have  made  thee  a 
great  name,  like  unto  the  name  of  the  great  men  that  are  in  the 
earth.  Moreover  I  will  appoint  a  place  for  my  people  Israel,  and 
will  plant  them,  that  they  may  dwell  in  a  place  of  their  own, 
and  move  no  more  ;  neither  shall  the  children  of  wickedness 
afflict  them  any  more,  as  beforetime,  and  as  since  the  time  that 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  295 

I  commanded  judges  to  be  over  my  people  Israel,  and  have 
caused  thee  to  rest  from  all  thine  enemies.  Also  the  Lord  tell- 
eth  thee  that  he  will  make  thee  a  house.  And  when  thy  days  be 
fulfilled,  and  thou  shalt  sleep  with  thy  fathers,  I  will  set  up  thy 
seed  after  thee,  which  shall  proceed  out  of  thy  bowels,  and  I  will 
establish  his  kingdom.  He  shall  build  a  house  for  my  name,  and 
I  will  stablish  the  throne  of  his  kingdom  for  ever.  I  will  be  his 
father,  and  he  shall  be  my  son.  If  he  commit  iniquity,  I  will 
chasten  him  with  the  rod  of  men,  and  with  the  stripes  of  the 
children  of  men  :  but  my  mercy  shall  not  depart  away  from  him, 
as  I  took  it  from  Saul,  whom  I  put  away  before  thee.  And  thine 
house  and  thy  kingdom  shall  be  established  for  ever  before  thee  : 
thy  throne  shall  be  established  for  ever.  According  to  all  these 
words,  and  according  to  all  this  vision,  so  did  Nathan  speak  unto 

David. 

How  shall  I  then  attempt  to  sing  of  Him  ! 
Who,  Light  Himself,  in  uncreated  light 
Invested  deep,  dwells  awfully  retired 
From  mortal  eye,  or  angel's  purer  ken  ; 
Whose  single  smile  has,  from  the  first  of  time, 
Filled,  overflowing,  all  the  lamps  of  heaven. 
That  beam  for  ever  through  the  boundless  sky  ; 
But,  should  He  hide  His  face,  the  astonished  sun 
And  all  the  extinguished  stars,  would  loosening  reel 
Wide  from  their  spheres,  and  Chaos  come  again. 

Then  went  king  David  in,  and  sat  before  the  Lord,  and  he 
said.  Who  am  I,  O  Lord  God .''  and  what  is  my  house,  that  thou 
hast  brought  me  hitherto .''  And  this  was  yet  a  small  thing  in 
thy  sight,  O  Lord  God  ;  but  thou  hast  spoken  also  of  thy  ser- 
vant's house  for  a  great  while  to  come.  And  is  this  the  manner 
of  man,  O  Lord  God  .-'  And  what  can  David  say  more  unto 
thee  .-•  for  thou.  Lord  God,  knowest  thy  servant.  For  thy  word's 
sake,  and  according  to  thine  own  heart,  hast  thou  done  all  these 
great  things,  to  make  thy  servant  know  them.  Wherefore  thou 
art  great,  O  Lord  God  :  for  there  is  none  like  thee,  neither  is 
there  any  God  besides  thee,  according  to  all  that  we  have  heard 
with  our  ears.  And  what  one  nation  in  the  earth  is  like  thy 
people,  even  like  Israel,  whom  God  went  to  redeem  for  a  people 
to  himself,  and  to  make  him  a  name,  and  to  do  for  you  great 
things  and  terrible,  for  thy  land,  before  thy  people,  which  thou 
redeemedst  to  thee  from  Egypt,  from  the  nations  and  their  gods  .-* 


296  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

For  thou  hast  confirmed  to  thyself  thy  people  Israel  to  be  a  peo- 
ple unto  thee  for  ever :  and  thou,  Lord,  art  become  their  God. 
And  now,  O  Lord  God,  the  word  that  thou  hast  spoken  concern- 
ing thy  servant,  and  concerning  his  house,  establish  it  for  ever, 
and  do  as  thou  hast  said.  And  let  thy  name  be  magnified  for 
ever,  saying.  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  the  God  over  Israel  :  and  let 
the  house  of  thy  servant  David  be  established  before  thee.  For 
thou,  O  Lord  of  hosts,  God  of  Israel,  hast  revealed  to  thy  servant, 
saying,  I  will  build  thee  a  house :  therefore  hath  thy  servant 
found  in  his  heart  to  pray  this  prayer  unto  thee.  And  now,  O 
Lord  God,  thou  art  that  God,  and  thy  words  be  true,  and  thou 
hast  promised  this  goodness  unto  thy  servant  :  therefore  now 
let  it  please  thee  to  bless  the  house  of  thy  servant,  that  it  may 
continue  for  ever  before  thee :  for  thou,  O  Lord  God,  hast 
spoken  it  :  and  with  thy  blessing  let  the  house  of  thy  servant  be 
blessed  for  ever. 

The  sun  shall  see  his  oflfspring  rise, 

And  spread  from  sea  to  sea ; 
Long  as  he  travels  round  the  skies, 

To  give  the  nations  day. 

Sure,  as  the  moon  that  rules  the  night, 

His  kingdom  shall  endure, 
Till  the  fixed  laws  of  shade  and  light 

Shall  be  observed  no  more. 


CHAPTER   CXXII. 

Nathan's  parable  and  reproof.  —  david's  bereavement. 

Short  is  the  course  of  every  lawless  pleasure  ; 
Grief,  like  a  shade,  on  all  its  footsteps  waits. 
Scarce  visible  in  joy's  meridian  height ; 
But,  downward  as  its  blaze  declining  speeds, 
The  dwarfish  shadow  to  a  giant  spreads  ! 

AND  the  Lord  sent  Nathan  unto  David,  And  he  came  unto 
him,  and  said  unto  him.  There  were  two  men  in  one  city  ; 
the  one  rich,  and  the  other  poor.  The  rich  man  had  exceeding 
many  flocks  and  herds :  but  the  poor  man  had  nothing,  save  one 


THE  BIBLE   AND    THE   POETS.  297 

little  ewe  lamb,  which  he  had  bought  and  nourished  up  :  and  it 
grew  up  together  with  him,  and  with  his  children  ;  it  did  eat  of 
his  own  meat,  and  drank  of  his  own  cup,  and  lay  in  his  bosom, 
and  was  unto  him  as  a  daughter.  And  there  came  a  traveller 
unto  the  rich  man,  and  he  spared  to  take  of  his  own  flock  and  of 
his  own  herd,  to  dress  for  the  wayfaring  man  that  was  come 
unto  him  ;  but  took  the  poor  man's  lamb,  and  dressed  it  for  the 
man  that  was  come  to  him.  And  David's  anger  was  greatly 
kindled  against  the  mm  ;  and  he  said  to  Nathan,  As  the  Lord 
liveth,  the  man  that  hath  done  this  thing  shall  surely  die  :  and 
he  shall  restore  the  lamb  fourfold,  because  he  did  this  thing,  and 
because  he  had  no  pity. 

The  great  King  of  kings 
Hath,  in  the  table  of  His  law,  commanded 
That  "  Thou  shalt  do  no  murder  !  "     Wilt  thou,  then, 
Spurn  at  His  edict,  and  fulfil  a  man's  ? 
Take  heed  !  for  He  holds  vengeance  in  His  hand, 
To  hurl  upon  their  heads  that  break  His  law. 

And  Nathan  said  to  David,  Thou  art  the  man.  Thus  saith 
the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  I  anointed  thee  king  over  Israel,  and  I 
delivered  thee  out  of  the  hand  of  Saul ;  and  I  gave  thee  thy 
master's  house,  and  thy  master's  wives  into  thy  bosom,  and  gave 
thee  the  house  of  Israel  and  of  Judah  ;  and  if  that  had  been  too 
little,  I  would  moreover  have  given  unto  thee  such  and  such 
things.  Wherefore  hast  thou  despised  the  commandment  of  the 
Lord,  to  do  evil  in  his  sight .''  thou  hast  killed  Uriah  the  Hittite 
with  the  sword,  and  hast  taken  his  wife  to  be  thy  wife,  and  hast 
slain  him  with  the  sword  of  the  children  of  Ammon.  Now 
therefore  the  sword  shall  never  depart  from  thine  house  ;  because 
thou  hast  despised  me,  and  hast  taken  the  wife  of  Uriah  the 
Hittite  to  be  thy  wife.  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will 
raise  up  evil  against  thee  out  of  thine  own  house,  and  I  will  take 
thy  wives  before  thine  eyes,  and  give  them  unto  thy  neighbour, 
and  he  shall  lie  with  thy  wives  in  the  sight  of  this  sun.  For 
thou  didst  it  secretly :  but  I  will  do  this  thing  before  all  Israel, 
and  before  the  sun.  And  David  said  unto  Nathan,  I  have  sinned 
against  the  Lord.  And  Nathan  said  unto  David,  The  Lord  also 
hath  put  away  thy  sin  ;  thou  shalt  not  die.  Howbeit,  because 
by  this  deed  thou  hast  given  great  occasion  to  the  enemies  of 


298  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

the  Lord  to  blaspheme,  the  child  also  that  is  born  unto  thee  shall 
surely  die. 

God  keeps  a  niche 
In  Heaven,  to  hold  our  idols  ;  and  albeit 
He  brake  them  to  our  faces,  and  denied 
That  our  close  kisses  should  impair  their  white, — 
I  know  we  shall  behold  them  raised,  complete. 
The  dust  swept  from  their  beauty,  —  glorified, 
New  Memnons  singing  in  the  great  God-light. 

And  Nathan  departed  unto  his  house.  And  the  Lord  struck 
the  child  that  Uriah's  wife  bare  unto  David,  and  it  was  very  sick. 
David  therefore  besought  God  for  the  child  ;  and  David  fasted, 
and  went  in,  and  lay  all  night  upon  the  earth.  And  the  elders 
of  his  house  arose,  and  went  to  him,  to  raise  him  up  from  the 
earth :  but  he  would  not,  neither  did  he  eat  bread  with  them. 
And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  seventh  day,  that  the  child  died. 
And  the  servants  of  David  feared  to  tell  him  that  the  child  was 
dead  :  for  they  said.  Behold,  while  the  child  was  yet  alive,  we 
spake  unto  him,  and  he  would  not  hearken  unto  our  voice :  how 
will  he  then  vex  himself,  if  we  tell  him  that  the  child  is  dead  1 
But  when  David  saw  that  his  servants  whispered,  David  per- 
ceived that  the  child  was  dead  :  therefore  David  said  unto  his 
servants.  Is  the  child  dead  .-•     And  they  said.  He  is  dead. 

Child,  by  God's  sweet  mercy  given  to  thy  mother  and  to  me, 
Entering  this  world  of  sorrows  by  His  grace,  so  fair  to  see ; 
Fair  as  some  sweet  flower  in  summer,  till  death's  hand  on  thee  was  laid, 
Scorched  the  beauty  from  my  flower,  made  the  tender  petals  fade. 
Yet  I  dare  not  weep  nor  murmur,  for  I  know  the  King  of  kings 
Leads  thee  to  His  marriage-chamber,  to  the  glorious  bridal  brings. 

Then  David  arose  from  the  earth,  and  washed,  and  anointed 
himself,  and  changed  his  apparel,  and  came  into  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  worshipped  :  then  he  came  to  his  own  house  ;  and 
when  he  required,  they  set  bread  before  him,  and  he  did  eat. 
Then  said  his  servants  unto  him.  What  thing  is  this  that  thou 
hast  done .''  thou  didst  fast  and  weep  for  the  child,  while  it  was 
alive  ;  but  when  the  child  was  dead,  thou  didst  rise  and  eat 
bread.  And  he  said,  While  the  child  was  yet  alive,  I  fasted  and 
wept :  for  I  said.  Who  can  tell  whether  God  will  be  gracious  to 
me,  that  the  child  may  live  ?     But  now  he  is  dead,  wherefore 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  299 

should  I  fast  ?  can  I  bring  him  back  again  ?     I  shall  go  to  him, 
but  he  shall  not  return  to  me. 

Ere  sin  could  blight  or  sorrow  fade, 

Death  came  with  friendly  care. 
The  opening  bud  to  Heaven  conveyed, 

And  bade  it  blossom  there. 


CHAPTER   CXXIII. 


PENITENTIAL    PLEADING. 


Have  mercy  on  me,  O  my  God  !  in  loving  kindness  hear  my  prayer  ; 
Withdraw  the  terror  of  Thy  rod  ;  Lord,  in  Thy  tender  mercy,  spare  ! 
Not  streaming  blood  nor  cleansing  fire  Thy  seeming  anger  can  appease ; 
Burnt  offerings  Thou  dost  not  require,  or  gladly  I  would  render  these. 
The  broken  heart  in  sacrifice,  alone,  will  Thine  acceptance  meet : 
My  heart,  O  God,  do  not  despise,  abased  and  contrite  at  Thy  feet. 

HAVE  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  according  to  thy  loving-kind- 
ness :  according  unto  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies 
blot  out  my  transgressions.  Wash  me  thoroughly  from  mine 
iniquity,  and  cleanse  me  from  my  sin.  For  I  acknowledge  my 
transgressions,  a  ad  my  sin  is  ever  before  me.  Against  thee, 
thee  only,  have  I  sinned  and  done  this  evil  in  thy  sight  :  that 
thou  mightest  be  justified  when  thou  speakest,  and  be  clear  when 
thou  judgest.  Behold,  I  was  shapen  in  iniquity  ;  and  in  sin  did 
my  mother  conceive  me.  Behold,  thou  desirest  truth  in  the 
inward  parts  :  and  in  the  hidden  part  thou  shalt  make  me  to 
know  wisdom.  Purge  me  with  hyssop,  and  I  shall  be  clean : 
wash  me,  and  I  shall  be  whiter  than  snow.  Make  me  to  hear 
joy  and  gladness  ;  that  the  bones  which  thou  hast  broken  may 
rejoice.  Hide  thy  face  from  my  sins,  and  blot  out  all  mine  ini-. 
quities.  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God  ;  and  renew  a  right 
spirit  within  me.  Cast  me  not  away  from  thy  presence  ;  and 
take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  me.  Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of 
thy  salvation  ;  and  uphold  me  with  thy  free  Spirit.  Then  will  I 
teach  transgressors  thy  ways  ;  and  sinners  shall  be  converted 
unto  thee     Deliver  me  from  blood-guiltiness,  O  God,  thou  God 


300  THE  BIBLE   AND    THE   POETS. 

of  my  salvation :  and  my  tongue  shall  sing  aloud  of  thy  right- 
eousness. O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips  ;  and  my  mouth  shall 
shew  forth  thy  praise.  For  thou  desirest  not  sacrifice ;  else 
would  I  ^ive  it :  thou  delightest  not  in  burnt  offering.  The 
sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit :  a  broken  and  a  contrite 
heart,  O  God,  thou  wilt  not  despise.  Do  good  in  thy  good 
pleasure  unto  Zion  :  build  thou  the  walls  of  Jerusalem.  Then 
shalt  thou  be  pleased  with  the  sacrifices  of  righteousness,  with 
burnt  offering  and  whole  burnt  offering :  then  shall  they  offer 
bullocks  upon  thine  altar. 

Creator!  let  Thy  Spirit  shine 

The  darkness  of  our  souls  within, 
And  lead  us  by  Thy  grace  divine 

From  the  forbidden  paths  of  sin  ; 
And  may  that  voice  which  bade  the  earth 

From  Chaos  and  the  realms  of  Night, 
From  doubt  and  darkness  call  us  forth 

To  God's  own  liberty  and  hght ! 

Thus,  made  partakers  of  Thy  love, 

The  baptism  of  the  Spirit  ours, 
Our  grateful  hearts  shall  rise  above, 

Renewed  in  purposes  and  powers  ; 
And  songs  of  joy  again  shall  ring 

Triumphant  through  the  arch  of  heaven, — 
The  glorious  song  which  angels  sing. 

Exulting  over  souls  forgiven  ! 


CHAPTER   CXXIV. 

ABSALOM    IN    EXILE. HIS    RESTORATION    AND     CONSPIRACY. 

And  how  felt  he,  the  wretched  man 

Reclining  there — while  memory  ran 

O'er  many  a  year  of  guilt  and  strife  ? 

Flew  o'er  the  dark  flood  of  his  life. 

Nor  found  one  sunny  resting  place, 

Nor  brought  him  back  one  branch  of  grace  !  — 

He  hung  his  head  —  each  nobler  aim 

And  hope  and  feeling,  which  had  slept 

From  boyhood's  hour,  that  instant  came 

Fresh  o'er  him,  and  he  wept  —  he  wept ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  301 

NOW  Joab  the  son  of  Zeruiah  perceived  that  the  king's  heart 
was  toward  Absalom.  And  the  king  said  unto  Joab, 
Behold  now,  I  have  done  this  thing  :  go  therefore,  bring  the 
young  man  Absalom  again.  And  Joab  fell  to  the  ground  on  his 
face,  and  bowed  himself,  and  thanked  the  king :  and  Joab  said. 
To-day  thy  servant  knoweth  that  I  have  found  grace  in  thy 
sight,  my  lord,  O  king,  in  that  the  king  hath  fufilled  the  request 
of  his  servant.  So  Joab  arose  and  went  to  Geshur,  and  brought 
Absalom  to  Jerusalem.  And  the  king  said,  Let  him  turn  to  his 
own  house,  and  let  him  not  see  my  face.  So  Absalom  returned 
to  his  own  house,  and  saw  not  the  king's  face.  But  in  all  Israel 
there  was  none  to  be  so  much  praised  as  Absalom  for  his  beauty : 
from  the  sole  of  his  foot  even  to  the  crown  of  his  head  there  was 
no  blemish  in  him. 

For  not  that  which  men  covet  most  is  best, 

Nor  that  thing  worst  which  men  do  most  refuse, 

But  fittest  is  that  each  contented  rest 

With  that  they  hold  ;  each  has  his  fortune  in  his  breast. 

So  Absalom  dwelt  two  full  years  in  Jerusalem,  and  saw  not 
the  king's  face.  Therefore  Absalom  sent  for  Joab,  to  have  sent 
him  to  the  king  ;  but  he  would  not  come  to  him  :  and  when  he 
sent  again  the  second  time,  he  would  not  come.  Therefore  he 
said  unto  his  servants.  See,  Joab's  field  is  near  mine,  and  he  hath 
barley  there  ;  go  and  set  it  on  fire.  And  Absalom's  servants  set 
the  field  on  fire.  Then  Joab  arose,  and  came  to  Absalom  unto 
his  house,  and  said  unto  him,  Wherefore  have  thy  servants  set 
my  field  on  fire  ?  And  Absalom  answered  Joab,  Behold,  I  sent 
unto  thee,  saying,  Come  hither,  that  I  may  send  thee  to  the  king, 
to  say,  Wherefore  am  I  come  from  Geshur  }  it  had  been  good 
for  me  to  have  been  there  still :  now  therefore  let  me  see  the 
king's  face  ;  and  if  there  be  any  iniquity  in  me,  let  him  kill  me. 
So  Joab  came  to  the  king,  and  told  him  :  and  when  he  had  called 
for  Absalom,  he  came  to  the  king,  and  bowed  himself  on  his  face 
to  the  ground  before  the  king  :  and  the  king  kissed  Absalom. 

And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that  Absalom  prepared  him 
chariots  and  horses,  and  fifty  men  to  run  before  him.  And 
Absalom  rose  up  early,  and  stood  beside  the  way  of  the  gate  : 
and  it  was  so,  that  when  any  man  that  had  a  controversy  came  to 
the  king  for  judgment,  then  Absalom  called  unto  him,  and  said. 
Of  what  city  art  thou  .-*     And  he  said.  Thy  servant  is  of  one  of 


302  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

the  tribes  of  Israel.  And  Absalom  said  unto  him,  See,  thy 
matters  are  good  and  right  ;  but  there  is  no  man  deputed  of  the 
king  to  hear  thee.  Absalom  said  moreover,  Oh  that  I  were 
made  judge  in  the  land,  that  every  man  which  hath  any  suit  or 
cause  might  come  unto  me,  and  I  would  do  him  justice !  And  it 
was  so,  that  when  any  man  came  nigh  to  him  to  do  him  obei- 
sance, he  put  forth  his  hand,  and  took  him,  and  kissed  him. 
And  on  this  manner  did  Absalom  to  all  Israel  that  came  to  the 
king  for  judgment :  so  Absalom  stole  the  hearts  of  the  men  of 

Israel. 

Gay,  volatile,  ingenious,  quick  to  learn, 

And  prompt  to  exhibit  all  that  he  possessed, 

Was  graceful,  when  it  pleased  him,  smooth  and  still 

As  the  mute  swan  that  floats  adown  the  stream, 

Or,  on  the  waters  of  the  unruffled  lake, 

Anchors  her  placid  beauty.     Not  a  leaf 

That  flutters  on  the  bough,  more  light  than  he  ; 

And  not  a  flower,  that  droops  in  the  green  shade, 

More  winningly  reserved  !    ' 

And  it  came  to  pass  after  forty  years,  that  Absalom  said  unto 
the  king,  I  pray  thee,  let  me  go  and  pay  my  vow,  which  I  have 
vowed  unto  the  Lord,  in  Hebron.  For  thy  servant  vowed  a  vow 
while  I  abode  at  Geshur  in  Syria,  saying,  If  the  Lord  shall  bring 
me  again  indeed  to  Jerusalem,  then  I  will  serve  the  Lord.  And 
the  king  said  unto  him.  Go  in  peace.  So  he  arose,  and  went  to 
Hebron.  But  Absalom  sent  spies  throughout  all  the  tribes  of 
Israel,  saying,  As  soon  as  ye  hear  the  sound  of  the  trumpet, 
then  ye  shall  say,  Absalom  reigneth  in  Hebron.  And  with 
Absalom  went  two  hundred  men  out  of  Jerusalem,  that  were 
called  ;  and  they  went  in  their  simplicity,  and  they  knew  not  any 
thing.  And  Absalom  sent  for  Ahithophel  the  Gilonite,  David's 
counsellor,  from  his  city,  even  from  Giloh,  while  he  offered  sacri- 
fices. And  the  conspiracy  was  strong  ;  for  the  people  increased 
continually  with  Absalom. 

Not  all  the  water  in  the  rough  rude  sea 

Can  wash  the  balm  from  an  anointed  king  ; 

The  breath  of  worldly  men  cannot  depose 

The  deputy  elected  by  the  Lord : 

For  every  man  that  Absalotn  hath  pressed 

To  lift  slirewd  steel  against  our  golden  crown, 

God  for  His  David  hath  in  heavenly  pay 

A  glorious  angel  :  then,  if  angels  fight, 

Weak  men  must  fall ;  for  Heaven  still  guards  the  right. 


A 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  303 


CHAPTER  CXXV. 

Absalom's  treason.  —  his  deatpi.  —  king  david's 
lamentation. 

A  SCEPTRE,  snatched  with  an  unruly  hand, 
Must  be  as  boisterously  maintained  as  gained  ; 
And  he,  that  stands  upon  a  slippery  place, 
Makes  nice  of  no  vile  hold  to  stay  him  up. 

ND  there  came  a  messenger  to  David,  saying,  The  hearts  of 
the  men  of  Israel  are  after  Absalom. 

Fortune's  worst  shafts  could  ne'er  have  reached  me  more, 

Nor  Envy's  poisoned  fangs.     By  both  assailed, 

In  innocence  of  soul  completely  mailed, 

I  scorned  the  hate  whose  power  to  wound  was  o'er  ; 

When  thou  —  whom  in  my  heart  of  hearts  I  wore, 

And  as  my  rock  of  refuge  often  sought  — 

Turned  on  myself  the  very  arms  I  wrought ; 

And  Heaven  beheld,  and  suffered  what  I  bore  ! 

O  holy  Faith  !  O  Love  !  how  all  thy  laws 

Are  mocked  and  scorned  !  —  I  throv/  my  shield  away, 

Conquered  by  fraud.  —  Go,  seek  thy  fear's  applause, 

Traitor  !  yet  still  half  mourned,  —  with  fond  delay. — 

The  hand,  not  blow,  is  of  my  tears  the  cause, 

And  more  thy  guilt  than  my  own  pain  I  weigh  ! 

And  David  numbered  the  people  that  were  with  him,  and  set 
captains  of  thousands  and  captains  of  hundreds  over  them.  And 
David  sent  forth  a  third  part  of  the  people  under  the  hand  of 
Joab,  and  a  third  part  under  the  hand  of  Abishai  the  son  of 
Zeruiah,  Joab's  brother,  and  a  third  part  under  the  hand  of  Ittai 
the  Gittite.  And  the  king  commanded  Joab  and  Abishai  and 
Ittai,  saying,  Deal  gently  for  my  sake  with  the  young  man,  even 
with  Absalom.  And  all  the  people  heard  when  the  king  gave  all 
the  captains  charge  concerning  Absalom. 

For,  as  by  Providence  divine  to  thee 

The  golden  sceptre,  the  supreme  command 

Of  that  adventure  is  consigned  ;  so  he 

As  sovereign  agent  of  thy  schemes,  must  stand 


304  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Assistant  to  the  task  :  the  first  and  grand 

Office  is  thine  ;  the  second  the  Most  High 

Concedes  to  him  ;  he  is  the  army's  hand, 

And  thou  the  head,  —  none  other  can  supply 

His  place,  not  e'en  thyself,  thy  state  does  this  deny. 

So  the  people  went  out  into  the  field  against  Israel  :  and  the 
battle  was  in  the  wood  of  Ephraim  ;  where  the  people  of  Israel 
were  slain  before  the  servants  of  David,  and  there  was  there  a 
great  slaughter  that  day  of  twenty  thousand  men.  For  the 
battle  was  there  scattered  over  the  face  of  all  the  country  :  and 
the  wood  devoured  more  people  that  day  than  the  sword  de- 
voured. 

And  Absalom  met  the  servants  of  David.  And  Absalom  rode 
upon  a  mule,  and  the  mule  went  under  the  thick  boughs  of  a 
great  oak,  and  his  head  caught  hold  of  the  oak,  and  he  was  taken 
up  between  the  heaven  and  the  earth  ;  and  the  mule  that  was 
under  him  went  away.  And  a  certain  man  saw  it,  and  told  Joab, 
and  said.  Behold,  I  saw  Absalom  hanged  in  an  oak.  And  Joab 
said  unto  the  man  that  told  him.  And,  behold,  thou  sawest  him, 
and  why  didst  thou  not  smite  him  there  to  the  ground  .-'  and  I 
would  have  given  thee  ten  shekels  of  silver,  and  a  girdle.  And 
the  man  said  unto  Joab,  Though  I  should  receive  a  thousand 
shekels  of  silver  in  mine  hand,  yet  would  I  not  put  forth  mine 
hand  against  the  king's  son :  for  in  our  hearing  the  king  charged 
thee  and  Abishai  and  Ittai,  saying,  Beware  that  none  touch  the 
young  man  Absalom.  Otherwise  I  should  have  wrought  false- 
hood against  mine  own  life  :  for  there  is  no  matter  hid  from  the 
king,  and  thou  thyself  wouldest  have  set  thyself  against  me. 
Then  said  Joab,  I  may  not  tarry  thus  with  thee.  And  he  took 
three  darts  in  his  hand,  and  thrust  them  through  the  heart  of 
Absalom,  while  he  was  yet  alive  in  the  midst  of  the  oak.  And 
ten  young  men  that  bare  Joab's  armour  compassed  about  and 
smote  Absalom,  and  slew  him.  And  Joab  blew  the  trumpet, 
and  the  people  returned  from  pursuing  after  Israel :  for  Joab  held 
back  the  people.  And  they  took  Absalom,  and  cast  him  into  a 
great  pit  in  the  wood,  and  laid  a  very  great  heap  of  stones  upon 
him,  and  all  Israel  fled  every  one  to  his  tent. 

Treason  doth  never  prosper  ;  what's  the  reason  ? 
For  if  it  prosper  none  dare  call  it  treason. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


0^3 


Then  said  Ahimaaz  the  son  of  Zadok,  Let  me  now  run,  and 
bear  the  king  tidings,  how  that  the  Lord  hath  avenged  him  of  his 
enemies.  And  Joab  said  unto  him,  Thou  shalt  not  bear  tidings 
this  day,  but  thou  shalt  bear  tidings  another  day  :  but  this  day 
thou  shalt  bear  no  tidings,  because  the  king's  son  is  dead.  Then 
said  Joab  to  Cushi,  Go  tell  the  king  what  thou  hast  seen.  And 
Cushi  bowed  himself  unto  Joab,  and  ran.  Then  said  Ahimaaz 
the  son  of  Zadok  yet  again  to  Joab,  But  howsoever,  let  me,  I 
pray  thee,  also  run  after  Cushi.  And  Joab  said.  Wherefore  wilt 
thou  run,  my  son,  seeing  that  thou  hast  no  tidings  ready  1  But 
howsoever,  said  he,  let  me  run.  And  he  said  unto  him.  Run. 
Then  Ahimaaz  ran  by  the  way  of  the  plain,  and  overran  Cushi. 
And  David  sat  between  the  two  gates  :  and  the  watchman 
went  up  to  the  roof  over  the  gate  unto  the  wall,  and  lifted  up  his 
eyes,  and  looked,  and  behold  a  man  running  alone.  And  the 
watchman  cried,  and  told  the  king.  And  the  king  said,  If  he 
be  alone,  there  is  tidings  in  his  mouth.  And  he  came  apace,  and 
drew  near.  And  the  watchman  saw  another  man  running  :  and 
the  watchman  called  unto  the  porter,  and  said,  Behold  another 
man  running  alone.  And  the  king  said.  He  also  bringeth  tidings. 
And  the  watchman  said,  Methinketh  the  running  of  the  foremost 
is  like  the  running  of  Ahimaaz  the  son  of  Zadok.  And  the  king 
said.  He  is  a  good  man,  and  cometh  with  good  tidings.  And 
Ahimaaz  called,  and  said  unto  the  king.  All  is  well.  And  he  fell 
down  to  the  earth  upon  his  face  before  the  king,  and  said.  Blessed 
be  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  hath  delivered  up  the  men  that  lifted 
up  their  hand  against  my  lord  the  king.  And  the  king  said.  Is 
the  young  man  Absalom  safe  .''  And  Ahimaaz  answered.  When 
Joab  sent  the  king's  servant,  and  me  thy  servant,  I  saw  a  great 
tumult,  but  I  knew  not  what  it  was.  And  the  king  said  unto  him. 
Turn  aside,  and  stand  here.  And  he  turned  aside,  and  stood  still. 
And,  behold,  Cushi  came  ;  and  Cushi  said.  Tidings,  my  lord  the 
king :  for  the  Lord  hath  avenged  thee  this  day  of  all  them  that 
rose  up  against  thee.  And  the  king  said  unto  Cushi,  Is  the 
young  man  Absalom  safe  }  And  Cushi  answered,  The  enemies 
of  my  lord  the  king,  and  all  that  rise  against  thee  to  do  thee  hurt, 
be  as  that  young  man  is.  And  the  king  was  much  moved,  and 
went  up  to  the  chamber  over  the  gate,  and  wept :  and  as  he  went, 
thus  he  said,  O  my  son  Absalom,  my  son,  my  son  Absalom  ! 
would  God  I  had  died  for  thee,  O  Absalom^  my  son,  my  son  ! 


306  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Alas  !  my  noble  boy  !  that  thou  shouldst  die  ! 

Thou,  who  wert  made  so  beautifully  fair  ! 
That  death  should  settle  on  thy  glorious  eye, 

And  leave  his  stillness  in  this  clustering  hair  ! 
How  could  he  mark  thee  for  the  silent  tomb  ! 
My  proud  boy,  Absalom  ! 

And  now,  farewell  !     'Tis  hard  to  give  thee  up. 
With  death  so  like  a  gentle  slumber  on  thee  ;  — 

And  thy  dark  sin  !  —  Oh  !  I  could  drink  the  cup, 
If  from  this  woe  its  bitterness  had  won  thee. 

May  God  have  called  thee,  like  a  wanderer,  home, 
My  lost  boy,  Absalom  ! 


CHAPTER   CXXVI. 

David's  longing  after  god. 

In  having  all  things  and  not  Thee,  what  have  I  ? 
Not  having  Thee,  what  have  my  labours  got  ? 
Let  me  enjoy  but  Thee,  what  further  crave  I  ? 
And  having  Thee  alone,  what  have  I  not  ? 
I  wish  not  sea  nor  land  ;  nor  would  I  be 
Possessed  of  heaven,  heaven  unpossessed  of  Thee. 

AS  the  hart  panteth  after  the  water  brooks,  so  panteth  my 
soul  after  thee,  O  God.  My  soul  thirsteth  for  God,  for 
the  living  God  :  when  shall  I  come  and  appear  before  God  .'* 
My  tears  have  been  my  meat  day  and  night,  while  they  contin- 
ually say  unto  me.  Where  is  thy  God  .■'  When  I  remember 
these  things,  I  pour  out  my  soul  in  me :  for  I  had  gone  with 
the  multitude,  I  went  with  them  to  the  house  of  God,  with  the 
voice  of  joy  and  praise,  with  a  multitude  that  kept  holyday. 
Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul  .-*  and  why  art  thou  dis- 
quieted in  me }  hope  thou  in  God  :  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him 
for  the  help  of  his  countenance.  O  my  God,  my  soul  is  cast 
down  within  me  :  therefore  will  I  remember  thee  from  the  land  of 
Jordan,  and  of  the  Hermonites,  from  the  hill  Mizar.  Deep  call- 
eth  unto  deep  at  the  noise  of  thy  water-spouts  :  all  thy  waves 
and  thy  billows  are  gone  over  me.  Yet  the  Lord  will  command 
his  loving-kindness  in  the  daytime,  and  in  the  night  his  song 
shall  be  with  me,  and  my  prayer  unto  the  God  of  my  life.     I 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  307 

will  say  unto  God  my  rock,  Why  hast  thou  forgotten  mc  ?  why 
go  I  mourning  because  of  the  oppression  of  the  enemy  ?  As 
with  a  sword  in  my  bones,  mine  enemies  reproach  me  ;  while 
they  say  daily  unto  me,  Where  is  thy  God?  Why  art  thou 
cast  down,  O  my  soul  ?  and  why  art  thou  disquieted  within  me  ? 
hope  thou  in  God  :  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him,  who  is  the  health 
of  my  countenance,  and  my  God. 

Lord  !  as  the  hart  embossed  with  heat 
Brays  after  the  cool  rivulet, 

So  sighs  my  soul  for  Thee. 
My  soul  thirsts  for  the  living  God:. 
When  shall  I  enter  His  abode, 

And  there  His  beauty  see  ? 
My  soul,  why  art  thou  so  depressed  ? 
Oh,  why  so  troubled  in  my  breast? 

Sunk  underneath  thy  load  ! 
With  constant  hope  on  God  await, 
For  I  His  name  shall  celebrate,. 

My  Saviour  and  my  God.. 


CHAPTER   CXXVII. 

David's  psalm  of  thanks  for  manifold  deliverances. 

Leave  God  to  order  all  thy  ways, 

And  hope  in  Him,  whate'er  betide  ; 
Thou'lt  find  Him,  in  the  evil  days, 

Thine  all-sufficient  strength  and  guide. 
Who  trusts  in  God's  unchanging  love, 
Builds  on  the  rock  that  naught  can  move  ! 

AND  David  spake  unto  the  Lord  the  words  of  this  song,  in 
the  day  that  the  Lord  had  delivered  him  out  of  the  hand 
of  all  his  enemies,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  Saul :  and  he  said, 

The  Lord  is  my  rock,  and  my  fortress,  and  my  deliverer ; 

The  God  of  my  rock  ;  in  him  will  I  trust : 

He  is  my  shield,  and  the  horn  of  my  salvation, 

My  high  tower,  and  my  refuge,  my  saviour  ; 

Thou  savest  me  from  violence. 

I  will  call  on  the  Lord,  who  is  worthy  to  be  praised  : 

So  shall  Ibe  saved  from  mine  enemies. 


308  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

When  the  waves  of  death  compassed  me, 

The  floods  of  ungodly  men  made  me  afraid  ; 

The  sorrows  of  hell  compassed  me  about ; 

The  snares  of  death  prevented  me. 

In  my  distress  I  called  upon  the  Lord,  and  cried  to  my  God  : 

And  he  did  hear  my  voice  out  of  his  temple,  and  my  cry  did  enter  into  his 

ears. 
Then  the  earth  shook  and  trembled  : 

The  foundations  of  heaven  moved  and  shook,  because  he  was  wroth. 
There  went  up  a  smoke  out  of  his  nostrils, 
And  fire  out  of  his  mouth  devoured  : 
Coals  were  kindled  by  it. 
He  bowed  the  heavens  also,  and  came  down ; 
And  darkness  was  under  his  feet. 
And  he  rode  upon  a  cherub,  and  did  fly  : 
And  he  was  seen  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind. 
And  he  made  darkness  pavilions  round  about  him. 
Dark  waters,  and  thick  clouds  of  the  skies. 
Through  the  brightness  before  him  were  coals  of  fire  kindled. 
The  Lord  thundered  from  heaven, 
And  the  Most  High  uttered  his  voice. 
And  he  sent  out  arrows,  and  scattered  them ; 
Lightning,  and  discomfited  them. 
And  the  channels  of  the  sea  appeared, 
The  foundations  of  the  world  were  discovered, 
At  the  rebuking  of  the  Lord, 
At  the  blast  of  the  breath  of  his  nostrils. 
He  sent  from  above,  he  took  me  ; 
He  drew  me  out  of  many  waters  : 
He  delivered  me  from  my  strong  enemy, 
And  from  them  that  hated  me  ; 
For  they  were  too  strong  for  me. 
They  prevented  me  in  the  day  of  my  calamity : 
But  the  Lord  was  my  stay. 
He  brought  me  forth  also  into  a  large  place : 
He  deUvered  me,  because  he  delighted  in  me. 


Thou  hast  also  given  me  the  necks  of  mine  enemies, 

That  I  might  destroy  them  that  hate  me. 

They  looked,  but  there  was  none  to  save  ; 

Even  unto  the  Lord,  but  he  answered  them  not. 

Then  did  I  beat  them  as  small  as  the  dust  of  the  earth : 

I  did  stamp  them  as  the  mire  of  the  street. 

And  did  spread  them  abroad. 

Thou  also  hast  delivered  me  from  the  strivings  of  my  people, 

Thou  hast  kept  me  to  be  head  of  the  heathen  : 

A  people  which  I  knew  not  shall  serve  me. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  309 

Strangers  shall  submit  themselves  unto  me 

As  soon  as  they  hear,  they  shall  be  obedient  unto  me. 

Strangers  shall  fade  away, 

And  they  shall  be  afraid  out  of  their  close  places. 

The  Lord  liveth  ;  and  blessed  be  my  rock  ; 

And  exalted  be  the  God  of  the  rock  of  my  salvation. 

It  is  God  that  avengeth  me, 

And  that  bringeth  down  the  people  under  me, 

And  that  bringeth  me  forth  from  mine  enemies: 

Thou  also  hast  lifted  me  up  on  high  above  them  that  rose  up  against  me : 

Thou  hast  delivered  me  from  the  violent  man. 

Therefore  I  will  give  thanks  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  among  the  heathen, 

And  I  will  sing  praises  unto  thy  name. 

He  is  the  tower  of  salvation  for  his  king: 

And  sheweth  mercy  to  his  anointed, 

Unto  David,  and  to  his  seed  for  evermore. 

Exalted  Power,  invisible,  supreme  ! 

Thou  sovereign,  sole,  unutterable  name  ! 

As  round  Thy  throne  Thy  flaming  seraphs  stand, 

And  touch  the  golden  lyre  with  trembling  hand ; 

Too  weak  Thy  pure  effulgence  to  behold,  — 

With  their  rich  plumes  their  dazzled  eyes  infold; 

Transported  with  the  ardours  of  Thy  praise, 

The  ■'  Holy,  holy,  holy  !  "  anthem  raise. 

To  them  responsive,  let  creation  sing 

Thee,  —  indivisible,  eternal  King! 


CHAPTER    CXXVIII. 

JEHOVAH,    THE    COMPASSIONATE    SHEPHERD    AND    MERCIFUL 

SOVEREIGN. 

The  God  of  love  my  shepherd  is. 

And  He  that  doth  me  feed  : 
While  He  is  mine,  and  I  am  His, 

What  can  I  want  or  need  .'' 
He  leads  me  to  the  tender  grass, 

Where  I  both  feed  and  rest ; 
Then  to  the  streams  that  gently  pass: 

In  both  I  have  the  best. 


3IO  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

THE  Lord  is  my  shepherd  ;  I  shall  not  want.  He  maketh 
me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures  :  he  leadeth  me  beside 
the  still  waters.  He  restoreth  my  soul :  he  leadeth  me  in  the 
paths  of  righteousness  for  his  name's  sake.  Yea,  though  I  walk 
through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil : 
for  thou  art  with  me  ;  thy  rod  and  thy  staff  they  comfort  me. 
Thou  preparest  a  table  before  me  in  the  presence  of  mine 
enemies  :  thou  anointest  my  head  with  oil  ;  my  cup  runneth 
over.  Surely  goodness  and  mercy  shall  follow  me  all  the  days 
of  my  life :  and  I  will  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  for  ever. 

When  all  Thy  mercies,  O  my  God,  my  rising  soul  surveys, 
Transported  with  the  view,  I'm  lost  in  wonder,  love,  and  praise. 
O  how  shall  words  with  equal  warmth  the  gratitude  declare. 
That  glows  within  my  ravished  heart  ?     But  Thou  canst  read  it  there! 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul :  and  all  that  is  within  me,  bless  his 
holy  name.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  his 
benefits  :  who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities  ;  who  healeth  all  thy 
diseases  ;  who  redeem eth  thy  life  from  destruction  ;  who  crown- 
eth  thee  with  loving-kindness  and  tender  mercies  ;  who  satisfieth 
thy  mouth  with  good  things ;  so  that  thy  youth  is  renewed  like 
the  eagle's.  The  Lord  executeth  righteousness  and  judgment 
for  all  that  are  oppressed.  He  made  known  his  ways  unto 
Moses,  his  acts  unto  the  children  of  Israel.  The  Lord  is  merci- 
ful and  gracious,  slow  to  anger,  and  plenteous  in  mercy.  He 
will  not  always  chide  :  neither  will  he  keejD  his  anger  for  ever. 
He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our  sins  ;  nor  rewarded  us 
according  to  our  iniquities.  For  as  the  heaven  is  high  above 
the  earth,  so  great  is  his  mercy  toward  them  that  fear  him.  As 
far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west,  so  far  hath  he  removed  our 
transgressions  from  us.  Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so 
the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  him.  For  he  knoweth  our 
frame  ;  he  remembereth  that  we  are  dust. 

Our  life  contains  a  thousand  springs, 

And  dies  if  one  be  gone  ; 
Strange  that  a  harp  of  thousand  strings 

Should  keep  in  tune  so  long  ! 
But  'tis  our  God  supports  our  frame  — 

The  God  who  made  us  first  ; 
Salvation  to  the  almighty  Name, 

That  reared  us  from  the  dust ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  311 

As  for  man,  his  days  are  as  grass  :  as  a  flower  of  the  field,  so 
he  flourisheth.  For  the  wind  passeth  over  it,  and  it  is  gone ; 
and  the  place  thereof  shall  know  it  no  more.  But  the  mercy  of 
the  Lord  is  from  everlasting  to  everlasting  upon  them  that  fear 
him,  and  his  righteousness  unto  children's  children  ;  to  such  as 
keep  his  covenant,  and  to  those  that  remember  his  command- 
ments to  do  them.  The  Lord  hath  prepared  his  throne  in  the 
heavens  ;  and  his  kingdom  ruleth  over  all.  Bless  the  Lord,  ye 
his  angels,  that  excel  in  strength,  that  do  his  commandments, 
hearkening  unto  the  voice  of  his  word.  Bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye 
his  hosts  ;  ye  ministers  of  his,  that  do  his  pleasure.  Bless  the 
Lord,  all  his  works  in  all  places  of  his  dominion :  bless  the  Lord, 
O  my  soul. 

Not  with  the  hope  of  gaining  aught,  not  seeking  a  reward  ; 
But  as  Thyself  hast  loved  me,  O  everlasting  Lord  ! 
E'en  so  I  love  Thee,  and  will  love,  and  in  Thy  praise  will  sing  — 
Solely  because  Thou  art  my  God,  and  my  eternal  King. 


CHAPTER    CXXIX. 

BROTHERLY    UNITY. THE    SLEEPLESS    SHEPHERD. THE 

ACCEPTED    WORSHIPPER. THE    KING   OF    GLORY. 

Oh  !  blest  abode,  where  love  is  ever  vernal. 
Where  tranquil  peace  and  concord  are  eternal, 

Where  none  usurp  the  highest  claim. 
But  each  with  pride  asserts  the  other's  fame  ; 
Oh  !  what  are  all  earth's  joys  compared  to  thee  — 

Fraternal  unanimity  ? 

Who  practice  good  are  in  themselves  rewarded, 
For  their  own  deeds  lie  in  their  hearts  recorded ; 

And  thus  fraternal  love,  when  bound 
By  virtue,  is  with  its  own  blisses  crowned,  * 

And  tastes  in  sweetness  that  itself  bestows, 

What  use,  what  power  from  concord  flows. 

BEHOLD,  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to 
dwell  together  in  unity !  It  is  like  the  precious  ointment 
upon  the  head,  that  ran  down  upon  the  beard,  even  Aaron's 
beard  :  that  went  down  to  the  skirts  of  his  garments  ;  as  the 


312  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

dew  of  Hermon,  and  as  the  dew  that  descended  upon  the 
mountains  of  Zion  ;  for  there  the  Lord  commanded  the  blessing, 
even  Hfe  for  evermore. 

Up  to  the  hills  I  Hft  mine  eyes, 

The  eternal  hills  beyond  the  skies ; 
Thence  all  her  help  my  soul  derives, 

There  my  Almighty  Refuge  lives. 

I  will  lift  up  mine  eyes  unto  the  hills,  from  whence  cometh  my 
help.  My  help  cometh  from  the  Lord,  which  made  heaven  and 
earth.  He  will  not  suffer  thy  foot  to  be  moved  :  he  that  keepeth 
thee  will  not  slumber.  Behold,  he  that  keepeth  Israel  shall 
neither  slumber  nor  sleep.  The  Lord  is  thy  keeper :  the  Lord 
is  thy  shade  upon  thy  right  hand.  The  sun  shall  not  smite 
thee  by  day,  nor  the  moon  by  night.  The  Lord  shall  preserve 
thee  from  all  evil :  he  shall  preserve  thy  soul.  The  Lord  shall 
preserve  thy  going  out  and  thy  coming  in  from  this  time  forth, 
and  even  for  evermore. 

Wait  silently  !  the  heart  prepared,  God's  fire  shall  touch  the  lips  ; 
Desire  and  praise  shall  upward  flame,  while  soft  contrition  weeps. 
Then  silently,  like  dew,  will  fall  Heaven's  grace  upon  thy  soul ; 
Refreshing  all  thy  weariness,  while  pressing  toward  the  goal. 

The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  fulness  thereof  ;  the  world, 
and  they  that  dwell  therein.  For  he  hath  founded  it  upon  the 
seas,  and  established  it  upon  the  floods.  Who  shall  ascend  into 
the  hill  of  the  Lord .''  or  who  shall  stand  in  his  holy  place  }  He 
that  hath  clean  hands,  and  a  pure  heart  ;  who  hath  not  lifted 
up  his  soul  unto  vanity,  nor  sworn  deceitfully.  He  shall  receive 
the  blessing  from  the  Lord,  and  righteousness  from  the  God  of 
his  salvation.  This  is  the  generation  of  them  that  seek  him, 
that  seek  thy  face,  O  Jacob.  Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates  ; 
and  be  ye  lifted  up,  ye  everlasting  doors  ;  and  the  King  of  glory 
shall  come  in.  Who  is  this  King  of  glory }  The  Lord  strong 
and  mighty,  the  Lord  mighty  in  battle.  Lift  up  your  heads, 
O  ye  gates  ;  even  lift  them  up,  ye  everlasting  doors  ;  and  the 
King  of  glory  shall  come  in.  Who  is  this  king  of  glory } 
The  Lord  of  hosts,  he  is  the  King  of  glory. 

Lo  !   His  triumphant  chariot  waits, 

And  angels  chant  the  solemn  lay  ; 
Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  heavenly  gates  ; 

Ye  everlasting  doors,  give  way  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  313 

Wlio  is  the  King  of  glory  ?  who  ? 

The  Lord,  of  glorious  power  possessed  ;  — 
The  King  of  saints  and  angels  too  ;  — 

God  over  all,  for  ever  blest  J 


CHAPTER   CXXX. 

THE    PSALMIST    IN    DANGER. HIS    PLACE    OF   SAFETY. 

Before  this  Shadow,  in  the  vales  of  earth, 
Fools  saw  another  glide,  which  seemed  of  more 
Intrinsic  worth.     Pleasure  her  name  :  good  name, 
Though  ill  applied.  .  .  . 

And  in  her  hand,  where'er  she  went,  she  held 
A  radiant  Cup  that  seemed  of  nectar  full  — 
And  by  her  side  danced  fair  delusive  Hope. 
The  fool  pursued  enamoured,  and  the  wise 
Experienced  man,  who  reasoned  much  and  thought, 
Was  sometimes  seen  laying  his  wisdom  down. 
And  vying  with  the  stripling  in  the  chase. 
Nor  wonder  thou  !  for  she  was  really  fair  ; 
Decked  to  the  very  taste  of  flesh  and  blood. 

TRULY  God  is  good  to  Israel,  even  to  such  as  are  of  a  clean 
heart.  But  as  for  me,  my  feet  were  almost  gone  ;  my 
steps  had  well  nigh  slipped.  For  I  was  envious  at  the  foolish, 
when  I  saw  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked.  For  there  are  no  bands 
in  their  death  :  but  their  strength  is  firm.  They  are  not  in 
trouble  as  other  men :  neither  are  they  plagued  like  other  men. 
Therefore  pride  compasseth  them  about  as  a  chain  ;  violence 
covereth  them  as  a  garment.  Their  eyes  stand  out  with  fat- 
ness :  they  have  more  than  heart  could  wish.  They  are  corrupt, 
and  speak  wickedly  concerning  oppression  :  they  speak  loftily. 
They  set  their  mouth  against  the  heavens,  and  their  tongue 
walketh  through  the  earth.  Therefore  his  people  return  hither : 
and  waters  of  a  full  cup  are  wrung  out  to  them.  And  they  say, 
How  doth  God  know  .■'  and  is  there  knowledge  in  the  Most 
High.!'  Behold,  these  are  the  ungodly,  who  prosper  in  the 
world  ;  they  increase  in  riches.  Verily  I  have  cleansed  my  heart 
in  vain,  and  washed  my  hands  in  innocency.  For  all  the  day 
long  have  I  been  plagued,  and  chastened  every  morning.     If  I 


314  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

say,  I  will  speak  thus  ;  behold,  I  should  offend  against  the  gener- 
ation of  thy  children.  When  I  thought  to  know  this,  it  was  too 
painful  for  me  ;  until  I  went  into  the  sanctuary  of  God  ;  then 
understood  I  their  end. 

Ye  sold  to  sense  !  ye  citizens  of  earth  ! 

Know  ye  how  wise  your  choice,  how  great  your  gain  ? 

Behold  the  picture  of  Earth's  happiest  man  : 

"  He  calls  his  wish,  it  comes  ;  he  sends  it  back, 

And  says  he  called  another :  that  arrives. 

Meets  the  same  welcome  ;  yet  he  still  calls  on  ; 

Till  One  calls  on  him,  who  varies  not  his  call, 

But  holds  him  fast,  in  chains  of  darkness  bound, 

Till  Nature  dies,  and  Judgment  sets  him  free  ; 

A  freedom  far  less  welcome  than  his  chains  !  " 

Surely  thou  didst  set  them  in  slippery  places  :  thou  castedst 
them  down  into  destruction.  How  are  they  brought  into 
desolation,  as  in  a  moment !  they  are  utterly  consumed  with 
terrors.  As  a  dream  when  one  awaketh  ;  so,  O  Lord,  when 
thou  awakest,  thou  shalt  despise  their  image.  Thus  my  heart 
was  grieved,  and  I  was  pricked  in  my  reins.  So  foolish  was  I, 
and  ignorant  :  I  was  as  a  beast  before  thee.  Nevertheless  I  am 
continually  with  thee  :  thou  hast  holden  me  by  my  right  hand. 
Thou  shalt  guide  me  with  thy  counsel,  and  afterward  receive  me 
to  glory.  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee .-'  and  there  is  none 
upon  earth  that  I  desire  besides  thee.  My  flesh  and  my  heart 
faileth  :  but  God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart,  and  my  portion 
for  ever.  For,  lo,  they  that  are  far  from  thee  shall  perish :  thou 
hast  destroyed  all  them  that  go  a  whoring  from  thee.  But  it  is 
good  for  me  to  draw  near  to  God  :  I  have  put  my  trust  in  the 
Lord  God,  that  I  may  declare  all  thy  works. 

My  God,  in  Thee  all  fulness  lies, 

All  want  in  me,  from  Thee  apart ; 
In  Thee  my  soul  hath  endless  joys, 

In  me  is  but  an  aching  heart ; 
Poor  as  the  poorest  here  I  pine, 
In  Thee  a  heavenly  kingdom's  mine. 

I  leave  to  Thee  whate'er  is  mine, 

And  in  Thy  will  I  calmly  rest ; 
I  know  that  richest  gifts  are  Thine, 

Thou  canst  and  Thou  wilt  make  me  blest, 
For  Thou  hast  promised,  and  our  Lord 
Will  never  break  His  promised  word. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  315 


CHAPTER    CXXXI. 

IMPERFECTIONS    ACKNOWLEDGED. MERCIES    IMPLORED. 

"  O  PITY,  great  Father  of  light,"  then  I  cried, 

"  Thy  creature,  who  fain  would  not  wander  from  Thee  ! 

Lo,  humbled  in  dust,  I  rehnquish  my  pride ; 

From  doubt  and  from  darkness  Thou  only  canst  free." 

And  darkness  and  doubt  are  now  flying  away  ; 

No  longer  I  rove  in  conjecture  forlorn  : 

So  breaks  on  the  traveller,  faint  and  astray, 

The  bright  and  the  balmy  effulgence  of  morn. 

I  SAID,  I  will  take  heed  to  my  ways,  that  I  sin  not  with  my 
tongue  :  I  will  keep  my  mouth  with  a  bridle,  while  the 
wicked  is  before  me.  I  was  dumb  with  silence,  I  held  my  peace, 
even  from  good  ;  and  my  sorrow  was  stirred.  My  heart  was 
hot  within  me  ;  while  I  was  musing  the  fire  burned  :  then  spake 
I  with  my  tongue,  Lord,  make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and  the 
measure  of  my  days,  what  it  is  ;  that  I  may  know  how  frail  I 
am.  Behold,  thou  hast  made  my  days  as  a  handbreadth  ;  and 
mine  age  is  as  nothing  before  thee :  verily  every  man  at  his  best 
state  is  altogether  vanity. 

All  men  think  all  men  mortal,  but  themselves  ; 
Themselves,  when  some  alarming  shock  of  fate 
Strikes  through  their  wounded  hearts  the  sudden  dread ; 
But  their  hearts  wounded,  like  the  wounded  air, 
Soon  close,  where  passed  the  shaft,  no  trace  is  found: 
As,  from  the  wing  no  scar  the  sky  retains  ; 
The  parted  wave  no  furrow  from  the  keel ; 
So  dies  in  human  hearts  the  thought  of  death : 
Even  with  the  tender  tear  which  nature  sheds 
O'er  those  we  love,  we  drop  into  the  grave. 

Surely  every  man  walketh  in  a  vain  shew  :  surely  they  are  dis- 
quieted in  vain  :  he  heapeth  up  riches,  and  knoweth  not  who 
shall  gather  them.  And  now,  Lord,  what  wait  I  for  ?  my  hope 
is  in  thee.  Deliver  me  from  all  my  transgressions  :  make  me 
not  the  reproach  of  the  foolish.  I  was  dumb,  I  opened  not  my 
mouth  ;  because  thou  didst  it.  Remove  thy  stroke  away  from 
me  :  I  am  consumed  by  the  blow  of  thine  hand.     When  thou 


3l6  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

with  rebukes  dost  correct  man  for  iniquity,  thou  makest  his 
beauty   to  consume   away  like    a  moth  :    surely   every  man    is 

vanity. 

Can  he  be  faire,  that  withers  at  a  blast  ? 

Or  he  be  strong,  that  ayery  breath  can  cast  ? 

Can  he  be  wise,  that  knowes  not  how  to  live  ? 

Or  he  be  rich,  that  nothing  hath  to  giue  ? 

Can  he  be  young,  that's  feeble,  weak,  and  wan  ? 

So  faire,  strong,  wise,  so  rich,  so  young  is  man  :  — 

So  young  is  man,  that,  broke  with  care  and  sorrow, 

He's  old  enough  to-day  to  die  to-morrow. 

Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord,  and  give  ear  unto  my  cry ;  hold  not 
thy  peace  at  my  tears  :  for  I  am  a  stranger  with  thee,  and  a 
sojourner,  as  all  my  fathers  were.  Oh  spare  me,  that  I  may 
recover  strength,  before  I  go  hence,  and  be  no  more. 


CHAPTER   CXXXII. 

CONFIDING    FAITH    AND    PRAYER. 

God  is  my  strong  salvation,  what  foe  have  I  to  fear? 
In  darkness  and  temptation,  my  light,  my  help  is  near; 
Though  hosts  encamp  around  me,  firm  to  the  fight  I  stand  ; 
What  terror  can  confound  me,  with  God  at  my  right  hand  ? 

THE  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  salvation  ;  whom  shall  I  fear } 
the  Lord  is  the  strength  of  my  life  ;  of  whom  shall  I  be 
afraid  ?  When  the  wicked,  even  mine  enemies  and  my  foes, 
came  upon  me  to  eat  up  my  flesh,  they  stumbled  and  fell. 
Though  a  host  should  encamp  against  me,  my  heart  shall  not 
fear :  though  war  should  rise  against  me,  in  this  will  I  be  confi- 
dent. One  thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I  seek 
after  ;  that  I  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of 
my  life,  to  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  inquire  in  his 
temple.  For  in  the  time  of  trouble  he  shall  hide  me  in  his  pavil- 
ion :  in  the  secret  of  his  tabernacle  shall  he  hide  me  ;  he  shall 
set  me  up  upon  a  rock.  And  now  shall  mine  head  be  lifted  up 
above  mine  enemies  round  about  me :  therefore  will  I  offer  in 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  317 

his  tabernacle  sacrifices  of   joy;    I  will  sing,  yea,  I  will    sing 
praises  unto  the  Lord. 

In  all  extremes,  Lord,  Thou  art  still 
The  mount  whereto  my  hopes  do  lice ; 
O  make  my  soul  detest  all  ill, 
Because  so  much  abhorred  by  Thee ; 
Lord,  let  Thy  gracious  trials  show 
That  I  am  just,  —  or  make  me  so. 

Fountain  of  light  and  living  breath. 
Whose  mercies  never  fail  nor  fade  ! 
Fill  me  with  life  that  hath  no  death, 
Fill  me  with  light  that  hath  no  shade; 
Appoint  the  remnant  of  my  days 
To  see  Thy  power,  and  sing  thy  praise. 

Hear,  O  Lord,  when  I  cry  with  my  voice  :  have  mercy  also 
upon  me,  and  answer  me.  When  thou  saidst.  Seek  ye  my  face  ; 
my  heart  said  unto  thee.  Thy  face.  Lord,  will  I  seek.  Hide  not 
thy  face  far  from  me  ;  put  not  thy  servant  away  in  anger :  thou 
hast  been  my  help  ;  leave  me  not,  neither  forsake  me,  O  God  of 
my  salvation.  When  my  father  and  my  mother  forsake  me, 
then  the  Lord  will  take  me  up.  Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord, 
and  lead  me  in  a  plain  path,  because  of  mine  enemies.  Deliver 
me  not  over  unto  the  will  of  mine  enemies  :  for  false  witnesses 
are  risen  up  against  me,  and  such  as  breathe  out  cruelty.  I  had 
fainted,  unless  I  had  believed  to  see  the  goodness  of  the  Lord  in 
the  land  of  the  living.  Wait  on  the  Lord  :  be  of  good  courage, 
and  he  shall  strengthen  thine  heart :  wait,  I  say,  on  the  Lord. 

A  Christian  soul  is  God's  beloved  house  ; 
And  prayer  the  incense  which  perfumes  the  soul : 
Let  armies,  then,  of  supplications  rise, 
Besiege  the  golden  gates  of  Heaven,  and  force, 
With  holy  violence,  a  blessing  down 
In  Hving  streams. 


3l8  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CXXXIII. 

THE    BLESSEDNESS    OF    THE    GOOD. THE    DANGER    OF   THE 

WICKED. 

The  great  Creator  to  revere  must  sure  become  the  creature  ; 
But  still  the  preaching  cant  forbear,  and  e'en  the  rigid  feature : 
Yet  ne'er  with  wits  profane  to  range,  be  complaisance  extended  ; 
An  Atheist  laugh's  a  poor  exchange  for  Deity  offended  ! 

BLESSED  is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in  the  counsel  of  the 
ungodly,  nor  standeth  in  the  way  of  sinners,  nor  sitteth  in 
the  seat  of  the  scornful.  But  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of  the 
Lord  ;  and  in  his  law  doth  he  meditate  day  and  night.  And  he 
shall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the  rivers  of  water,  that  bringeth 
forth  his  fruit  in  his  season  ;  his  leaf  also  shall  not  wither ;  and 
whatsoever  he  doeth  shall  prosper.  The  ungodly  are  not  so : 
but  are  like  the  chaff  which  the  wind  driveth  away.  Therefore 
the  ungodly  shall  not  stand  in  the  judgment,  nor  sinners  in  the 
congregation  of  the  righteous.  For  the  Lord  knoweth  the  way 
of  the  righteous  :  but  the  way  of  the  ungodly  shall  perish. 

Who  hath  not  walked  astray  in  wicked  men's  advice, 
Nor  stood  in  sinner's  way,  nor  in  their  companies 
That  scorners  are,  as  their  fit  mate, 
In  scoffing  chair  hath  ever  sate  ; 
But  in  Tiiy  laws  divine,  O  Lord,  sets  his  delight, 
And  in  those  laws  of  Thine  studies  all  day  and  night : 
Oh  how  that  man  thrice  blessed  is  ! 
And  sure  shall  gain  eternal  bhss. 

In  the  Lord  put  I  my  trust :  how  say  ye  to  my  soul,  Flee  as 
a  bird  to  your  mountain }  For  lo,  the  wicked  bend  their  bow, 
they  make  ready  their  arrow  upon  the  string,  that  they  may 
privily  shoot  at  the  upright  in  heart.  If  the  foundations  be 
destroyed,  what  can  the  righteous  do .''  The  Lord  is  in  his  holy 
temple,  the  Lord's  throne  is  in  heaven :  his  eyes  behold,  his 
eyelids  try,  the  children  of  men.  The  Lord  trieth  the  right- 
eous :  but  the  wicked  and  him  that  loveth  violence  his  soul 
hateth.  Upon  the  wicked  he  shall  reign  snares,  fire  and  brim- 
stone, and  a  horrible  tempest :  this  shall  be  the  portion  of  their 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  319 

cup.     For  the  righteous  Lord  loveth  righteousness  ;  his  coun- 
tenance doth  behold  the  upright. 

Yea,  shout  for  ever  more  !  protected  still  by  Thee, 
Let  them  that  do  Thy  grace  adore,  in  that  still  joyful  be  : 
For  God  doth  righteous  men  esteem,  and  them  for  ever  bless  ; 
His  favour  shall  encompass  them,  a  shield  in  their  distress. 

He  that  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of  the  Most  High  shall 
abide  under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty.  I  will  say  of  the  Lord, 
He  is  my  refuge  and  my  fortress  :  my  God  ;  in  him  will  I  trust. 
Surely  he  shall  deliver  thee  from  the  snare  of  the  fowler,  and 
from  the  noisome  pestilence.  He  shall  cover  thee  with  his 
feathers,  and  under  his  wings  shalt  thou  trust :  his  truth  shall 
be  thy  shield  and  buckler.  Thou  shalt  not  be  afraid  for  tbe 
terror  by  night ;  nor  for  the  arrow  that  flieth  by  day ;  nor  for 
the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness  ;  nor  for  the  destruction 
that  wasteth  at  noonday.  A  thousand  shall  fall  at  thy  side, 
and  ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand  ;  but  it  shall  not  come  nigh 
thee.  Only  with  thine  eyes  shalt  thou  behold  and  see  the  re- 
ward of  the  wicked.  Because  thou  hast  made  the  Lord,  which 
is  my  refuge,  even  the  Most  High,  thy  habitation  ;  there  shall 
no  evil  befall  thee,  neither  shall  any  plague  come  nigh  thy 
dwelling.  For  he  shall  give  his  angels  charge  over  thee,  to 
keep  thee  in  all  thy  ways.  They  shall  bear  thee  up  in  their 
hands,  lest  thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone.  Thou  shalt  tread 
upon  the  lion  and  adder :  the  young  lion  and  the  dragon  shalt 
thou  trample  under  feet.  Because  he  hath  set  his  love  upon  me, 
therefore  will  I  deliver  him  :  I  will  set  him  on  high,  because  he 
hath  known  my  name.  He  shall  call  upon  me,  and  I  will  an- 
swer him  :  I  will  be  with  him  in  trouble  ;  I  will  deliver  him,  and 
honour  him.  With  long  life  will  I  satisfy  him,  and  shew  him 
my  salvation. 

Call  Jehovah  thy  salvation,  rest  beneath  the  Almighty's  shade, 
In  His  secret  habitation  dwell,  nor  ever  be  dismayed  ; 
There  no  tumult  can  alarm  thee  ;  thou  shalt  dread  no  hidden  snare  ; 
Guile  nor  violence  can  harm  thee,  in  eternal  safeiruard  there. 


320  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CXXXIV. 

GOD    GLORIFIED    BY    HIS   WORKS. 

O  Lord,  how  good,  how  great  art  Thou, 

In  heaven  and  earth  the  same  ! 
There  angels  at  Thy  footstool  bow, 

Here  babes  Thy  grace  proclaim. 

When  glorious  in  the  nightly  sky 

Thy  moon  and  stars  I  see, 
O,  what  is  man  !   I  wondering  cry, 

To  be  so  loved  by  Thee  ! 

OLORD  our  Lord,  how  excellent  is  thy  name  in  all  the 
earth  !  who  hast  set  thy  glory  above  the  heavens.  Out  of 
the  mouth  of  babes  and  sucklings  hast  thou  ordained  strength 
because  of  thine  enemies,  that  thou  mightest  still  the  enemy  and 
the  avenger.  When  I  consider  thy  heavens,  the  work  of  thy 
fingers,  the  moon  and  the  stars,  which  thou  hast  ordained ;  what 
is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him  .''  and  the  son  of  man,  that 
thou  visitest  him  .-'  For  thou  hast  made  him  a  little  lower  than, 
the  angels,  and  hast  crowned  him  with  glory  and  honour.  Thou 
madest  him  to  have  dominion  over  the  works  of  thy  hands  ; 
thou  hast  put  all  things  under  his  feet :  all  sheep  and  oxen,  yea, 
and  the  beasts  of  the  field  ;  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  the  fish  of 
the  sea,  and  whatsoever  passeth  through  the  paths  of  the  seas. 
O  Lord  our  Lord,  how  excellent  is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth  ! 

Of  Thee,  O  God  !    this  voice  is  telling, 

Thou  who  art  Truth,  Life,  Hope,  and  Love ; 
On  whom  night  calls  from  her  dark  dwelling, 

To  whom  bright  morning  looks  above; 
Of  Thee  — proclaimed  by  every  sound, 

Whom  nature's  all-mysterious  round 
Declares,  yet  not  defines  Thy  light ; 

Of  Thee,  the  abyss  and  source,  whence  all 
Our  souls  proceed,  in  which  they  fall, 

Who  hast  but  one  name  —  Infinite. 

The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God  ;  and  the  firmament 
sheweth  his  handywork.     Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  32 1 

night  unto  night  sheweth  knowledge.  There  is  no  speech  nor 
language,  [where]  their  voice  is  not  heard.  Their  Hne  is  gone 
out  through  all  the  earth,  and  their  words  to  the  end  of  the 
world.  In  them  hath  he  set  a  tabernacle  for  the  sun,  which  is 
as  a  bridegroom  coming  out  of  his  chamber,  and  rejoiceth  as 
a  strong  man  to  run  a  race.  His  going  forth  is  from  the  end 
of  the  heaven,  and  his  circuit  unto  the  ends  of  it :  and  there  is 
nothing  hid  from  the  heat  thereof. 

How  perfect  is  Thy  word  !  and  all  Thy  judgments  just ! 
Forever  sure  Thy  promise,  Lord  ;  and  men  securely  trust. 

The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  converting  the  soul  :  the  tes- 
timony of  the  Lord  is  sure,  making  wise  the  simple.  The 
statutes  of  the  Lord  are  right,  rejoicing  the  heart :  the  com- 
mandment of  the  Lord  is  pure,  enlightening  the  eyes.  The  fear 
of  the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring  for  ever :  the  judgments  of  the 
Lord  are  true  and  righteous  altogether :  more  to  be  desired  are 
they  than  gold,  yea,  than  much  fine  gold  :  sweeter  also  than 
honey  and  the  honeycomb.  Moreover  by  them  is  thy  servant 
warned  :  and  in  keeping  of  them  there  is  great  reward.  Who 
can  understand  his  errors  1  cleanse  thou  me  from  secret  faults. 
Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presumptuous  sins  ;  let  them 
not  have  dominion  over  me  :  then  shall  I  be  upright,  and  I  shall  ■ 
be  innocent  from  the  great  transgression.  Let  the  words  of  my 
mouth,  and  the  meditation  of  my  heart,  be  acceptable  in  thy 
sight,  O  Lord,  my  strength,  and  my  redeemer. 

Father  of  light  and  life,  Thou  God  supreme  ! 
Oh,  teach  me  what  is  good,  —  teach  me  Thyself! 
Save  me  from  folly,  vanity,  and  vice, 
From  every  low  pursuit ;  and  feed  my  soul 
With  knowledge,  conscious  peace,  and  virtue  pure, 
Sacred,  substantial,  never-fading  bliss  ! 


322  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CXXXV. 

ADORING    PRAISE    SHOULD    BE    RENDERED    TO    JEHOVAH    FOR 
THE    MAJESTY    AND    GLORY    OF    HIS    KINGDOM. 

Arise,  my  soul !  on  wings  seraphic  rise, 

And  praise  the  almighty  Sovereign  of  the  skies  ; 

In  whom  alone  essential  glory  shines, 

Which  not  the  Heaven  of  Heavens,  nor  boundless  space  confines. 

THE  Lord  reigneth,  he  is  clothed  with  majesty  ;  the  Lord  is 
clothed  with  strength,  wherewith  he  hath  girded  himself : 
the  world  also  is  stablished,  that  it  cannot  be  moved.  Thy 
throne  is  established  of  old :  thou  art  from  everlasting.  The 
floods  have  lifted  up,  O  Lord,  the  floods  have  lifted  up  their 
voice ;  the  floods  lift  up  their  waves.  The  Lord  on  high  is 
mightier  than  the  noise  of  many  waters,  yea,  than  the  mighty 
waves  of  the  sea.  Thy  testimonies  are  very  sure :  holiness 
becometh  thine  house,  O  Lord,  for  ever. 

Jehovah  reigns  ;  He  dwells  in  light, 
Girded  with  majesty  and  might ; 
The  world,  created  by  His  hands, 
Still  on  its  firm  foundation  stands. 

But  ere  this  spacious  world  was  made, 
Or  had  its  first  foundation  laid, 
Thy  throne  eternal  ages  stood. 
Thyself  the  ever-living  God. 

The  Lord  reigneth  ;  let  the  earth  rejoice  ;  let  the  multitude 
of  isles  be  glad  thereof.  Clouds  and  darkness  are  round  about 
him:  righteousness  and  judgment  are  the  habitation  of  his 
throne.  A  fire  goeth  before  him,  and  burneth  up  his  enemies 
round  about.  His  hghtnings  enlightened  the  world :  the  earth 
saw,  and  trembled.  The  hills  melted  like  wax  at  the  presence 
of  the  Lord,  at  the  presence  of  the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth. 
The  heavens  declare  his  righteousness,  and  all  the  people  see  his 
glory.  Confounded  be  all  they  that  serve  graven  images,  that 
boast  themselves  of  idols :  worship  him,  all  ye  gods.  Zion 
heard,  and  was  glad ;    and   the   daughters   of    Judah   rejoiced 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  323 

because  of  thy  judgments,  O  Lord.  For  thou,  Lord,  art  high 
above  all  the  earth  :  thou  art  exalted  far  above  all  gods.  Ye 
that  love  the  Lord,  hate  evil :  he  preserveth  the  souls  of  his 
saints  ;  he  delivereth  them  out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked. 
Light  is  sown  for  the  righteous,  and  gladness  for  the  upright  in 
heart.  Rejoice  in  the  Lord,  ye  righteous  ;  and  give  thanks  at 
the  remembrance  of  his  holiness. 

AH  praise  and  thanks  to  God  most  high,  the  Father  of  all  Love  ! 
The  God  who  doeth  wondrously,  the  God  who,  from  above. 
My  soul  with  richest  solace  fills,  the  God  who  every  sorrow  stills  ; 
Give  to  our  God  the  glory  ! 

Oh  sing  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song ;  for  he  hath  done  marvel- 
lous things  :  his  right  hand,  and  his  holy  arm,  hath  gotten  him 
the  victory.  The  Lord  hath  made  known  his  salvation  :  his 
righteousness  hath  he  openly  shewed  in  the  sight  of  the  heathen. 
He  hath  remembered  his  mercy  and  his  truth  toward  the  house 
of  Israel :  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  have  seen  the  salvation  of  our 
God.  Make  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  Lord,  all  the  earth:  make 
a  loud  noise,  and  rejoice,  and  sing  praise.  Sing  unto  the  Lord 
with  the  harp  ;  with  the  harp,  and  the  voice  of  a  psalm.  With 
trumpets  and  sound  of  cornet  make  a  joyful  noise  before  the 
Lord,  the  King.  Let  the  sea  roar,  and  the  fulness  thereof  ;  the 
world,  and  they  that  dwell  therein.  Let  the  floods  clap  their 
hands  :  let  the  hills  be  joyful  together  before  the  Lord  ;  for  he 
cometh  to  judge  the  earth  :  with  righteousness  shall  he  judge 
the  world,  and  the  people  with  equity. 

O  corns  let  us  sing  to  the  Lord  a  new  song, 

And  praise  Him  to  whom  all  praises  belong ; 

While  we  enter  His  temple  with  gladness  and  joy. 

Let  a  psalm  of  thanksgiving  our  voices  employ: 

O  come,  to  His  name  let  us  joyfully  sing  ; 

For  the  Lord  is  a  great  and  omnipotent  King : 

By  His  word  were  the  Heavens,  and  the  host  of  them  made, 

And  of  all  the  round  world  the  foundation  He  laid. 


324  •  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CXXXVI. 

THE    DEATH    OF    DAVID. SOLOMON    ENTHRONED. HIS 

PRAYER    FOR    WISDOM. HIS    SAGACIOUS    DECISION. 

The  chamber  where  the  good  man  meets  his  fate 

Is  privileged  beyond  the  common  walk 

Of  virtuous  life,  quite  on  the  verge  of  Heaven. 

Fly,  ye  profane  !  if  not,  draw  near  with  awe, 

For  here  resistless  Demonstration  dwells. 

A  death-bed's  a  detector  of  the  heart ! 

Here  tired  Dissimulation  drops  her  mask  ; 

Here  real  and  apparent  are  the  same. 

You  see  the  man,  you  see  his  hold  on  Heaven : 

Heaven  waits  not  the  last  moment ;  owns  her  friends 

On  this  side  death,  and  points  them  out  to  men  ; 

A  lecture  silent,  but  of  sovereign  power  ! 

To  Vice  confusion  ;  and  to  Virtue  peace. 

NOW  the  days  of  David  drew  nigh  that  he  should  die  ;  and 
he  charged  Solomon  his  son,  saying,  I  go  the  way  of  all 
the  earth  :  be  thou  strong  therefore,  and  shew  thyself  a  man  ; 
and  keep  the  charge  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  walk  in  his  ways, 
to  keep  his  statutes,  and  his  commandments,  and  his  judgments, 
and  his  testimonies,  as  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  Moses,  that 
thou  mayest  prosper  in  all  that  thou  doest,  and  whithersoever  thou 
turnest  thyself :  that  the  Lord  may  continue  his  word  which  he 
spake  concerning  me,  saying,  If  thy  children  take  heed  to  their 
way,  to  walk  before  me  in  truth  with  all  their  heart  and  with  all 
their  soul,  there  shall  not  fail  thee,  said  he,  a  man  on  the  throne 
of  Israel.  So  David  slept  with  his  fathers,  and  was  buried  in 
the  city  of  David.  And  the  days  that  David  reigned  over  Israel 
were  forty  years  :  seven  years  reigned  he  in  Hebron,  and  thirty 
and  three  years  reigned  he  in  Jerusalem. 

Through  death  to  life  ;  and  through  this  vale  of  tears, 

And  through  this  thistle-field  of  life,  ascend 
To  the  great  supper  in  that  world,  whose  years 

Of  bliss  unfading,  cloudless,  know  no  end  ! 

Then  sat  Solomon  upon  the  throne  of  David  his  father  ;  and 
his  kingdom  was  established  greatly.     And  Solomon  loved  the 


THE   BIBLE  AXD    THE   POETS.  325 

Lord,  walking  in  the  statutes  of  David  Iiis  father  :  only  he  sacri- 
ficed and  burnt  incense  in  high  places. 

0  gracious  God,  omnipotent  and  wise, 
Unerring  Lord,  and  Ruler  of  the  skies  ! 
All-condescending,  to  my  heart 

One  beam  of  Thy  celestial  light  impart ; 

1  seek  not  sordid  wealth,  or  glittering  power  ; 
O  grant  me  wisdom  —  and  I  ask  no  more  ! 

In  Gibeon  the  Lord  appeared  to  Solomon  in  a  dream  by  night: 
and  God  said,  Ask  what  I  shall  give  thee.  And  Solomon  said, 
Thou  hast  shewed  unto  thy  servant  David  my  father  great  mercy, 
according  as  he  walked  before  thee  in  truth,  and  in  righteousness, 
and  in  uprightness  of  heart  with  thee  ;  and  thou  hast  kept  for 
him  this  great  kindness,  that  thou  hast  given  him  a  son  to  sit 
on  his  throne,  as  it  is  this  day.  And  now,  O  Lord  my  God,  thou 
hast  made  thy  servant  king  instead  of  David  my  father :  and  I 
am  but  a  little  child  :  I  know  not  how  to  go  out  or  come  in.  And 
thy  servant  is  in  the  midst  of  thy  people,  which  thou  hast  chosen, 
a  great  people,  that  cannot  be  numbered  nor  counted  for  multi- 
tude. Give  therefore  thy  servant  an  understanding  heart  to  judge 
thy  people,  that  I  may  discern  between  good  and  bad  :  for  who 
is  able  to  judge  this  thy  so  great  a  people  .''  And  the  speech 
pleased  the  Lord,  that  Solomon  had  asked  this  thing.  And  God 
said  unto  him.  Because  thou  hast  asked  this  thing,  and  hast  not 
asked  for  thyself  long  life  ;  neither  hast  asked  riches  for  thyself, 
nor  hast  asked  the  life  of  thine  enemies,  but  hast  asked  for  thy- 
self understanding  to  discern  judgment  ;  behold,  I  have  done 
according  to  thy  word :  lo,  I  have  given  thee  a  wise  and  an  under- 
standing heart  ;  so  that  there  was  none  like  thee  before  thee, 
neither  after  thee  shall  any  arise  like  unto  thee.  And  I  have 
also  given  thee  that  which  thou  hast  not  asked,  both  riches,  and 
honour:  so  that  there  shall  not  be  any  among  the  kings  like  unto 
thee  all  thy  days.  And  if  thou  wilt  walk  in  my  ways,  to  keep  my 
statutes  and  my  commandments,  as  thy  father  David  did  walk, 
then  I  will  lengthen  thy  days.  And  Solomon  awoke  ;  and,  be- 
hold, it  was  a  dream.  And  he  came  to  Jerusalem,  and  stood 
before  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  and  offered  up  burnt 
offerings,  and  offered  peace  offerings,  and  made  a  feast  to  all  his 
servants. 


S26  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

The  breath  no  sooner  left  his  father's  body, 
But  that  his  wildness,  mortified  in  him, 
Seemed  to  die  too  :  yea,  at  that  moment, 
Consideration  Hke  an  angel  came. 
And  whipped  the  offending  Adam  out  of  him. 

Then  came  there  two  women,  that  were  harlots,  unto  the  king, 
and  stood  before  him.  And  the  one  woman  said,  O  my  lord,  I 
and  this  woman  dwell  in  one  house  ;  and  I  was  delivered  of  a 
child  with  her  in  the  house.  And  it  came  to  pass  the  third  day- 
after  that  I  was  delivered,  that  this  woman  was  delivered  also  : 
and  we  were  together  ;  there  was  no  stranger  with  us  in  the 
house,  save  we  two  in  the  house.  And  this  woman's  child  died 
in  the  night ;  because  she  overlaid  it.  And  she  arose  at  midnight, 
and  took  my  son  from  beside  me,  while  thine  handmaid  slept,  and 
laid  it  in  her  bosom,  and  laid  her  dead  child  in  my  bosom.  And 
when  I  rose  in  the  morning  to  give  my  child  suck,  behold,  it  was 
dead  :  but  when  I  had  considered  it  in  the  morning,  behold,  it 
was  not  my  son,  which  I  did  bear.  And  the  other  woman  said, 
Nay  ;  but  the  living  is  my  son,  and  the  dead  is  thy  son.  And 
this  said.  No  ;  but  the  dead  is  thy  son,  and  the  living  is  my  son. 
Thus  they  spake  before  the  king. 

He,  who  the  sword  of  Heaven  will  bear, 
Should  be  as  holy  as  severe  ; 
Pattern  in  himself  to  know, 
Grace  to  stand,  and  virtue  go  ; 
More  nor  less  to  others  paying, 
Than  by  self  offences  weighing. 
Shame  to  him,  whose  cruel  striking 
Kills  for  faults  of  his  own  liking  ! 

Then  said  the  king.  The  one  saith,  This  is  my  son  that  liveth, 
and  thy  son  is  the  dead  :  and  the  other  saith.  Nay  ;  but  thy  son 
is  the  dead,  and  my  son  is  the  living.  And  the  king  said.  Bring 
me  a  sword.  And  they  brought  a  sword  before  the  king.  And 
the  king  said.  Divide  the  living  child  in  two,  and  give  half  to  the 
one,  and  half  to  the  other.  Then  spake  the  woman  whose  the 
living  child  was  unto  the  king,  for  her  bowels  yearned  upon  her 
son,  and  she  said,  O  my  lord,  give  her  the  living  child,  and  in  no 
wise  slay  it.  But  the  other  said.  Let  it  be  neither  mine  nor  thine, 
but  divide  it.  Then  the  king  answered  and  said.  Give  her  the 
living  child,  and  in  no  wise  slay  it  :  she  is  the  mother  thereof. 
And  all  Israel  heard  of  the  judgment  which  the  king  had  judged  ; 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  327 

and  they  feared  the  king  :  for  they  saw  that  the  wisdom  of  God 
was  in  him  to  do  judgment. 

You  bring  a  judgment  deeper  than  the  sea  : 
And  as  in  deepest  seas  we  safest  be, 
So  in  your  judgment's  depths  we  may  endure 
All  empire's  sudden  storms,  and  sleep  secure. 


CHAPTER   CXXXVII. 

KING   SOLOMON. THE    MESSIAH. 

I'll  speak  the  honours  of  my  King,  His  form  divinely  fair: 
None  of  the  sons  of  mortal  race,  may  with  the  Lord  compare. 

WHY  do  the  heathen  rage,  and  the  people  imagine  a  vain 
thing  ?  The  kings  of  the  earth  set  themselves,  and  the 
rulers  take  counsel  together,  against  the  Lord,  and  against  his 
Anointed,  saying.  Let  us  break  their  bands  asunder,  and  cast 
away  their  cords  from  us.  He  that  sitteth  in  the  heavens  shall 
laugh :  the  Lord  shall  have  them  in  derision.  Then  shall  he 
speak  unto  them  in  his  wrath,  and  vex  them  in  his  sore  dis- 
pleasure. Yet  have  I  set  my  King  upon  my  holy  hill  of  Zion, 
I  will  declare  the  decree :  the  Lord  hath  said  unto  me.  Thou  art 
my  Son  ;  this  day  have  I  begotten  thee.  Ask  of  me,  and  I 
shall  give  thee  the  heathen  for  thine  inheritance,  and  the  utter- 
most parts  of  the  earth  for  thy  possession.  Thou  shalt  break 
them  with  a  rod  of  iron  :  thou  shalt  dash  them  in  pieces  like  a 
potter's  vessel.  Be  wise  now  therefore,  O  ye  kings :  be  in- 
structed, ye  judges  of  the  earth.  Serve  the  Lord  with  lear,  and 
rejoice  with  trembling.  Kiss  the  Son,  lest  he  be  angry,  and  ye 
perish  from  the  way,  when  his  wrath  is  kindled  but  a  little. 
Blessed  are  all  they  that  put  their  trust  in  him. 

Gird  on  thy  sword,  victorious  Prince  ;  ride  with  majestic  sway  ; 
Thy  terror  shall  strike  through  Thy  foes,  and  make  the  world  obey. 

The  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  at  my  right  hand,  until 
I  make  thine  enemies  thy  footstool.  The  Lord  shall  send  the 
rod  of  thy  strength  out  of  Zion  :  rule  thou  in  the  midst  of  thine 
enemies.     Thy  people  shall  be  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power, 


328  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

in  the  beauties  of  holiness  from  the  womb  of  the  morning :  thou 
hast  the  dew  of  thy  youth.  The  Lord  hath  sworn,  and  will  not 
repent,  Thou  art  a  priest  for  ever  after  the  order  of  Melchizedek. 
The  Lord  at  thy  right  hand  shall  strike  through  kings  in  the 
day  of  his  wrath.  He  shall  judge  among  the  heathen,  he  shall 
fill  the  places  with  the  dead  bodies  ;  he  shall  wound  the  heads 
over  many  countries.  He  shall  drink  of  the  brook  in  the  way : 
therefore  shall  he  lift  up  the  head. 

Great  God,  whose  universal  sway 
The  known  and  unknown  worlds  obey, 
Now  give  the  Kingdom  to  Thy  Son  — 
Extend  His  power,  exalt  His  throne  ! 

Thy  sceptre  well  becomes  His  hands  — 
All  heaven  submits  to  His  commands  ; 
His  justice  shall  avenge  the  poor, 
And  pride  and  rage  prevail  no  more. 

Give  the  king  thy  judgments,  O  God,  and  thy  righteousness 
unto  the  king's  son.  He  shall  judge  thy  people  with  righteous- 
ness, and  thy  poor  with  judgment.  The  mountains  shall  bring 
peace  to  the  people,  and  the  little  hills,  by  righteousness.  He 
shall  judge  the  poor  of  the  people,  he  shall  save  the  children  of 
the  needy,  and  shall  break  in  pieces  the  oppressor.  They  shall 
fear  thee  as  long  as  the  sun  and  moon  endure,  throughout  all 
generations.  He  shall  come  down  like  rain  upon  the  mown 
grass  :  as  showers  that  water  the  earth.  In  his  days  shall  the 
righteous  flourish  ;  and  abundance  of  peace  so  long  as  the  moon 
endureth.  He  shall  have  dominion  also  from  sea  to  sea,  and 
from  the  river  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  They  that  dwell  in 
the  wilderness  shall  bow  before  him  ;  and  his  enemies  shall  lick 
the  dust.  The  kings  of  Tarshish  and  of  the  isles  shall  bring 
presents :  the  kings  of  Sheba  and  Seba  shall  offer  gifts.  Yea, 
all  kings  shall  fall  down  before  him  :  all  nations  shall  serve  him. 
For  he  shall  deliver  the  needy  when  he  crieth  ;  the  poor  also, 
and  him  that  hath  no  helper.  He  shall  spare  the  poor  and 
needy,  and  shall  save  the  souls  of  the  needy.  He  shall  redeem 
their  soul  from  deceit  and  violence  :  and  precious  shall  their 
blood  be  in  his  sight.  And  he  shall  live,  and  to  him  shall  be 
given  of  the  gold  of  Sheba :  prayer  also  shall  be  made  for  him 
continually  ;  and  daily  shall  he  be  praised.  There  shall  be  a 
handful  of  corn  in  the  earth  upon  the  top  of  the  mountains  ; 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  329 

the  fruit  thereof  shall  shake  like  Lebanon  :  and  they  of  the  city- 
shall  flourish  like  grass  of  the  earth.  His  name  shall  endure 
for  ever :  his  name  shall  be  continued  as  long  as  the  sun  :  and 
men  shall  be  blessed  in  him  :  all  nations  shall  call  him  blessed. 
Blessed  be  the  Lord  God,  the  God  of  Israel,  who  only  doeth 
wondrous  things.  And  blessed  be  his  glorious  name  for  ever : 
and  let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with  his  glory.  Amen,  and 
Amen. 

For  Him  shall  prayer  unceasing,  and  daily  vows  ascend  ; 
His  Kingdom  still  increasing,  a  Kingdom  without  end: 
The  mountain-dews  shall  nourish  a  seed  in  weakness  sown, 
Whose  fruit  shall  spread  and  flourish,  and  shake  like  Lebanon. 

O'er  every  foe  victorious.  He  on  His  throne  shall  rest. 
From  age  to  age  more  glorious,  all-blessing  and  all-blest : 
The  tide  of  time  shall  never  His  covenant  remove  ; 
His  name  shall  stand  for  ever,  that  name  to  us  is  —  Love. 


CHAPTER   CXXXVin. 

THE    TEMPLE    BUILT    BY    SOLOMON. 

When  we  mean  to  build, 
We  first  survey  the  plot,  then  draw  the  model, 
And,  when  we  see  the  figure  of  the  house, 
Then  must  we  rate  the  cost  of  the  erection  ; 
Which  if  we  find  outweighs  ability. 
What  do  we  then,  but  draw  anew  the  model 
In  few  offices,  or,  at  least,  desist 
To  build  at  all  t 

Much  more,  in  this  great  work,  should  we  survey 
The  plot  of  situation,  and  the  model ; 
Consent  upon  a  sure  foundation  ; 
Question  surveyors,  know  our  own  estate, 
How  able  such  a  work  to  undergo, 
To  weigh  against  his  opposite  ;  or  else, 
We  fortify  in  paper,  and  in  figures. 
Using  the  names  of  men,  instead  of  men. 

AND  Hiram  king  of  Tyre  sent  his  servants  unto  Solomon  ; 
for  he  had  heard  that  they  had  anointed  him  king  in  the 
room  of  his  father :  for  Hiram  was  ever  a  lover  of  David.     And 


330  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Solomon  sent  to  Hiram,  saying,  Thou  knowest  hovv?  that  David 
my  father  could  not  build  a  house  unto  the  name  of  the  Lord  his 
God,  for  the  wars  which  were  about  him  on  every  side,  until  the 
Lord  put  them  under  the  soles  of  his  feet.  But  now  the  Lord 
my  God  hath  given  me  rest  on  every  side,  so  that  there  is  neither 
adversary  nor  evil  occurrent.  And,  behold,  I  purpose  to  build  a 
house  unto  the  name  of  the  Lord  my  God,  as  the  Lord  spake  unto 
David  my  father,  saying.  Thy  son,  whom  I  will  set  upon  thy 
throne  in  thy  room,  he  shall  build  a  house  unto  my  name.  Now 
therefore  command  thou  that  they  hew  me  cedar  trees  out  of 
Lebanon  ;  and  my  servants  shall  be  with  thy  servants  :  and  unto 
thee  will  I  give  hire  for  thy  servants  according  to  all  that  thou 
shalt  appoint :  for  thou  knowest  that  there  is  not  among  us  any 
that  can  skill  to  hew  timber  like  unto  the  Sidonians. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Hiram  heard  the  words  of  Solomon, 
that  he  rejoiced  greatly,  and  said.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  this  day, 
which  hath  given  unto  David  a  wise  son  over  this  great  people. 
And  Hiram  sent  to  Solomon,  saying,  I  have  considered  the 
things  which  thou  sentest  to  me  for  :  and  I  will  do  all  thy  desire 
concerning  timber  of  cedar,  and  concerning  timber  of  fir. 

And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  four  hundred  and  eightieth  year 
after  the  children  of  Israel  were  come  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
in  the  fourth  year  of  Solomon's  reign  over  Israel,  in  the  month 
Zif,  which  is  the  second  month,  that  he  began  to  build  the  house 
of  the  Lord.  And  the  house  which  king  Solomon  built  for  the 
Lord,  the  length  thereof  was  threescore  cubits,  and  the  breadth 
thereof  twenty  cubits,  and  the  height  thereof  thirty  cubits.  And 
the  porch  before  the  temple  of  the  house,  twenty  cubits  was  the 
length  thereof,  according  to  the  breadth  of  the  house  ;  and  ten 
cubits  was  the  breadth  thereof  before  the  house.  And  the 
house,  when  it  was  in  building,  was  built  of  stone  made  ready 
before  it  was  brought  thiiher:  so  that  there  was  neither  hammer 
nor  axe  nor  any  tool  of  iron  heard  in  the  house,  while  it  was  in 
building.  So  Solomon  built  the  house,  and  finished  it.  And 
he  built  the  walls  of  the  house  within  with  boards  of  cedar,  both 
the  floor  of  the  house,  and  the  walls  of  the  ceiling  :  and  he 
covered  them  on  the  inside  with  wood,  and  covered  the  floor  of 
the  house  with  planks  of  fir.  And  the  oracle  he  prepared  in  the 
house  within,  to  set  there  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord. 
And  the  oracle  in  the  forepart  was  twenty  cubits  in  length,  and 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  33 1 

twenty  cubits  in  breadth,  and  twenty  cubits  in  the  height  thereof  : 
and  he  overlaid  it  with  pure  gold ;  and  so  covered  the  altar  which 
was  of  cedar.  So  Solomon  overlaid  the  house  within  with  pure 
gold  :  and  he  made  a  partition  by  the  chains  of  gold  before  the 
oracle  ;  and  he  overlaid  it  with  gold.  And  the  whole  house  he 
overlaid  with  gold,  until  he  had  finished  all  the  house  :  also  the 
whole  altar  that  was  by  the  oracle  he  overlaid  with  gold.  In 
the  fourth  year  was  the  foundation  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  laid, 
in  the  month  Zif :  and  in  the  eleventh  year,  in  the  month  Bui, 
which  is  the  eighth  month,  was  the  house  finished  throughout 
all  the  parts  thereof,  and  according  to  all  the  fashion  of  it.  So 
was  he  seven  years  in  building  it. 

The  Lord  of  glory  reigns,  He  reigns  on  high, 
His  robes  of  state  are  strength  and  majesty  ; 
This  wide  creation  rose  at  His  command, 
Built  by  His  word  and  'stablished  by  His  hand; 
Long  stood  His  throne  ere  He  began  creation, 
And  His  own  Godhead  is  the  firm  foundation. 

Then  Solomon  assembled  the  elders  of  Israel,  and  all  the  heads 
of  the  tribes,  the  chief  of  the  fathers  of  the  children  of  Israel, 
unto  king  Solomon  in  Jerusalem,  that  they  might  bring  up  the 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  'out  of  the  city  of  David,  which 
is  Zion.  And  all  the  men  of  Israel  assembled  themselves  unto 
king  Solomon  at  the  feast  in  the  month  Ethanim,  which  is 
the  seventh  month.  And  all  the  elders  of  Israel  came,  and  the 
priests  took  up  the  ark.  And  they  brought  up  the  ark  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  all  the  holy 
vessels  that  were  in  the  tabernacle,  even  those  did  the  priests 
and  the  Levites  bring  up.  And  king  Solomon,  and  all  the 
congregation  of  Israel,  that  were  assembled  unto  him,  were  with 
him  before  the  ark,  sacrificing  sheep  and  oxen,  that  could  not  be 
told  nor  numbered  for  multitude.  And  the  priests  brought  in  the 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  unto  his  place,  into  the  oracle  of 
the  house,  to  the  most  holy  place,  even  under  the  wings  of  the 
cherubim.  For  the  cherubim  spread  forth  their  two  wings  over 
the  place  of  the  ark,  and  the  cherubim  covered  the  ark  and 
the  staves  thereof  above.  There  was  nothing  in  the  ark  save  the 
two  tables  of  stone,  which  Moses  put  there  at  Horeb,  when  the 
Lord  made  a  covenant  with  the  children  of  Israel,  when  they 
came  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt.     And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the 


332  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

priests  were  come  out  of  the  holy  place,  that  the  cloud  filled  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  so  that  the  priests  could  not  stand  to  minister 
because  of  the  cloud  :  for  the  glory  of  the  Lord  had  filled  the 
house  of  the  Lord. 

How  shall  I  sing  that  Majesty  which  angels  do  admire  ? 
Let  dust  in  dust  and  silence  lie  ;  sing,  sing,  ye  heavenly  choir  ! 
Thousands  of  thousands  stand  around  Thy  throne,  O  God  most  high  ; 
Ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand  sound  Thy  praise  ;  but  who  am  I  ? 


CHAPTER   CXXXIX. 

THE    MYSTIC    LOVERS    BEGUN. 

I  AM  the  rose  of  Sharon,  and  the  lily  of  the  valleys.  As  the 
lily  among  thorns,  so  is  my  love  among  the  daughters.  As 
the  apple  tree  among  the  trees  of  the  wood,  so  is  my  beloved 
among  the  sons.  I  sat  down  under  his  shadow  with  great 
delight,  and  his  fruit  was  sweet  to  my  taste.  He  brought  me  to 
the  banqueting  house,  and  his  banner  over  me  was  love.  Stay 
me  with  flagons,  comfort  me  with  apples  :  for  I  am  sick  of  love. 
His  left  hand  is  under  my  head,  and  his  right  hand  doth  embrace 
me.  —  I  charge  you,  O  ye  daughters  of  Jerusalem,  by  the  roes, 
and  by  the  hinds  of  the  field,  that  ye  stir  not  up,  nor  awake  my 
love,  till  she  please. 

Speak  low  to  me,  my  Saviour,  low  and  sweet 
From  out  the  hallelujahs,  sweet  and  low, 
Lest  I  should  fear  and  fall,  and  miss  Thee  so 
Who  art  not  missed  by  any  that  entreat. 
Speak  to  me  as  to  Mary  at  Thy  feet ! 
And  if  no  precious  gems  my  hands  bestow. 
Let  my  tears  drop  like  amber,  while  I  go 
In  reach  of  Thy  divinest  voice  complete 
In  humanest  affection  —  thus,  in  sooth 
To  lose  the  sense  of  losing. 

The  voice  of  my  beloved  !  behold,  he  cometh  leaping  upon  the 
mountains,  skipping  upon  the  hills.  My  beloved  is  like  a  roe  or 
a  young  hart :  behold,  he  standeth  behind  our  wall,  he  looketh 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  333 

forth  at  the  windows,  shewing  himself  through  the  lattice.  My 
beloved  spake,  and  said  unto  me,  Rise  up,  my  love,  my  fair  one, 
and  come  away.  For,  lo,  the  winter  is  past,  the  rain  is  over  and 
gone  ;  the  flowers  appear  on  the  earth  ;  the  time  of  the  singing 
of  birds  is  come,  and  the  voice  of  the  turtle  is  heard  in  our  land  ; 
the  fig  tree  putteth  forth  her  green  figs,  and  the  vines  with  the 
tender  grape  give  a  good  smell.  Arise,  my  love,  my  fair  one, 
and  come  away. 

O  my  dove,  that  art  in  the  clefts  of  the  rock,  in  the  secret 
places  of  the  stairs,  let  me  see  thy  countenance,  let  me  hear  thy 
voice ;  for  sweet  is  thy  voice,  and  thy  countenance  is  comely. 
Take  us  the  foxes,  the  little  foxes,  that  spoil  the  vines  :  for  our 
vines  have  tender  grapes. 

Long  did  I  toil,  and  knew  not  earthly  rest ; 
Far  did  I  rove,  and  knew  no  certain  home ; 
At  last  I  sought  them  in  His  sheUering  breast, 
Who  opes  His  arms,  and  bids  the  weary  come. 
With  Him  I  found  a  home,  a  rest  divine; 
And  I  since  then  am  His,  and  He  is  mine. 

Yes,  He  is  mine  !  and  naught  of  earthly  things  ; 
Not  all  the  charms  of  pleasure,  wealth,  or  power. 
The  fame  of  heroes,  or  the  pomp  of  kings, 
Could  tempt  me  to  forego  His  love  an  hour. 
Go,  worthless  world,  I  cry,  with  all  that's  thine  ! 
Go  !   I  my  Saviour's  am,  and  He  is  mine. 

My  beloved  is  mine,  and  I  am  his  :  he  feedeth  among  the  lilies. 
Until  the  day  break,  and  the  shadows  flee  away,  turn,  my  beloved, 
and  be  thou  like  a  roe  or  a  young  hart  upon  the  mountains  of 

Bether. 

O  Night  !  how  beautiful  thy  golden  dress, 

On  which  so  many  stars  like  gems  are  strewed, 
So  mild  and  modest  in  thy  loveliness, 

So  bright,  so  glorious  in  thy  solitude  ! 
The  soul  soars  upward  on  its  holy  wings, 

Through  the  vast  ocean-paths  of  light  sublime. 
Visits  a  thousand  yet  unravelled  things  ; 

And,  if  its  memories  look  to  earthly  time 
And  earthly  interests,  'tis  as  in  a  dream  — 
For  earth  and  earthly  things  but  shadows  seem  ; 

While  heaven  is  substance  and  eternity. 

By  night  on  my  bed  I  sought  him  whom  my  soul  loveth :  I 
sought  him,  but  I  found  him  not.     I  will  rise  now,  and  go  about 


334  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

the  city  in  the  streets,  and  in  the  broad  ways  I  will  seek  him 
whom  my  soul  loveth  :  I  sought  him,  but  I  found  him  not.  The 
watchmen  that  go  about  the  city  found  me  :  to  whom  I  said.  Saw 
ye  him  whom  my  soul  loveth  ?  It  was  but  a  little  that  I  passed 
from  them,  but  I  found  him  whom  my  soul  loveth  :  I  held  him, 
and  would  not  let  him  go,  until  I  had  brought  him  into  my 
mother's  house,  and  into  the  chamber  of  her  that  conceived  me. 

Oft  when  we  seem  to  tread  alone 
Some  barren  waste,  with  thorns  o'ergrown, 
Thy  voice  of  love  in  gentlest  tone, 
Whispers,  Still  cling  to  Me  ! 

Though  faith  and  hope  may  oft  be  tried, 
We  ask  not,  need  not  aught  beside,  — 
So  safe,  so  calm,  so  satisfied, 

The  soul  that  cling;s  to  Thee  ! 


CHAPTER   CXL. 

THE    MYSTIC    LOVERS    ENDED. 

And  what  if  all  animated  nature 

Be  but  organic  harps  diversely  framed. 

That  tremble  into  thought,  as  o'er  them  sweeps 

Plastic^and  vast,  one  intellectual  breeze. 

At  once  the  Soul  of  each,  and  God  of  All  ? 

COME  with  me  from  Lebanon,  my  spouse,  with  me  from 
Lebanon  :  look  from  the  top  of  Amana,  from  the  top  of 
Shenir  and  Hermon,  from  the  lions' dens,  from  the  mountains' 
of  the  leopards.  Thou  hast  ravished  my  heart,  my  sister,  my 
spouse  ;  thou  hast  ravished  my  heart  with  one  of  thine  eyes, 
with  one  chain  of  thy  neck.  How  fair  is  thy  love,  my  sister,  my 
spouse  !  how  much  better  is  thy  love  than  wine  !  and  the  smell 
of  thine  ointments' than  all  spices  !  Thy  lips,  O  my  spouse,  drop 
as  the  honeycomb :  honey  and  milk  are  under  thy  tongue ;  and 
the  smell  of  thy  garments  is  like  the  smell  of  Lebanon.  A 
garden  inclosed  is  my  sister,  my  spouse  ;  a  spring  shut  up,  a 
fountain  sealed.  Thy  plants  are  an  orchard  of  pomegranates, 
with  pleasant  fruits  ;  camphire,  with  spikenard,  spikenard  and 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  335 

saffron  ;  calamus  and  cinnamon,  with  all  trees  of  frankincense  ; 
myrrh  and  aloes,  with  all  the  chief  spices  :  a  fountain  of  gardens, 
a  well  of  living  waters,  and  streams  from  Lebanon.  Awake,  O 
north  wind  ;  and  come,  thou  south  ;  blow  upon  my  garden,  that 
the  spices  thereof  may  flow  out.  Let  my  beloved  come  into  his 
garden,  and  eat  his  pleasant  fruits. 

When  youthful  spring  around  us  breathes, 

Thy  Spirit  warms  her  fragrant  sigh, 
And  every  flower  the  summer  wreathes 

Is  born  beneath  Thy  kindling  eye  : 
Where'er  we  turn,  Thy  glories  shine, 
And  all  things  fair  and  bright  are  Thine. 

I  am  come  into  my  garden,  my  sister,  my  spouse  :  I  have 
gathered  my  myrrh  with  my  spice  ;  I  have  eaten  my  honeycomb 
with  my  honey  ;  I  have  drunk  my  wine  with  my  milk :  eat,  O 
friends  ;  drink,  yea,  drink  abundantly,  O  beloved. 

I  sleep,  but  my  heart  waketh  :  it  is  the  voice  of  my  beloved 
that  knocketh,  saying.  Open  to  me,  my  sister,  my  love,  my  dove, 
my  undefiled  :  for  my  head  is  filled  with  dew,  and  my  locks  with 
the  drops  of  the  night.  I  have  put  off  my  coat :  how  shall  I  put 
it  on  .''  I  have  washed  my  feet ;  how  shall  I  defile  them  .-'  My 
beloved  put  in  his  hand  by  the  hole  of  the  door,  and  my  bowels 
were  moved  for  him.  I  rose  up  to  open  to  my  beloved  ;  and  my 
hands  dropped  with  myrrh,  and  my  fingers  with  sweet  smelling 
myrrh,  upon  the  handles  of  the  lock.  I  opened  to  my  beloved  ; 
but  my  beloved  had  withdrawn  himself,  and  was  gone  :  my  soul 
failed  when  he  spake  :  I  sought  him,  but  I  could  not  find  him  ; 
I  called  him,  but  he  gave  me  no  answer.  The  watchmen  that 
went  about  the  city  found  me,  they  smote  me,  they  wounded 
me  ;  the  keepers  of  the  walls  took  away  my  vail  from,  me.  I 
charge  you,  O  daughters  of  Jerusalem,  if  ye  find  my  beloved, 
that  ye  tell  him,  that  I  am  sick  of  love. 

If  thou  know  not,  O  thou  fairest  among  women, 
If  thou  see  not  where  the  signs  of  Him  abide, 

Lift  thine  eyes  up  to  the  light  that  stars  grow  dim  in. 
To  the  morning  whence  He  comes  to  take  thy  side. 

None  but  He  can  bear  the  light  that  love  wraps  Him  in, 
When  He  comes  on  earth  to  take  Himself  a  bride. 

Whither  is  thy  beloved  gone,  O  thou  fairest  among  women  ">. 
whither  is  thy  beloved  turned  aside  "i  that  we  may  seek  him  with 


336  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

thee.  My  beloved  is  gone  down  into  his  garden,  to  the  beds  of 
spices,  to  feed  in  the  gardens,  and  to  gather  Hhes.  I  am  my 
beloved's,  and  my  beloved  is  mine  :  he  feedeth  among  the  lilies. 

Who  is  she  that  looketh  forth  as  the  morning,  fair  as  the 
moon,  clear  as  the  sun,  and  terrible  as  an  army  with  banners } 
I  went  down  into  the  garden  of  nuts  to  see  the  fruits  of  the 
valley,  and  to  see  whether  the  vine  flourished,  and  the  pome- 
granates budded.  Or  ever  I  was  aware,  my  soul  made  me  like 
the  chariots  of  Amminadib.  Return,  return,  O  Shulamite ; 
return,  return,  that  we  may  look  upon  thee.  What  will  ye  see 
in  the  Shulamite  .-*     As  it  were  the  company  of  two  armies. 

There  are  who  sigh  that  no  fond  heart  is  theirs, 
None  loves  them  best.     O  vain  and  selfish  sigh  ! 
Out  of  the  bosom  of  His  love  He  spares  — 
The  Father  spares  the  Son,  for  thee  to  die  : 
For  thee  He  died  —  for  thee  He  lives  again  ; 
O'er  thee  He  watches  in  His  boundless  reign. 
Thou  art  as  much  His  care  as  if  beside 
Nor  man  nor  angel  lived  in  heaven  or  earth : 
Thus  sunbeams  pour  alike  their  glorious  tide 
To  light  up  worlds,  or  wake  an  insect's  mirth  ; 
They  shine,  and  shine  with  unexhausted  store — • 
Thou  art  thy  Saviour's  darling  —  seek  no  more. 


CHAPTER   CXLI. 

SEASONABLE    WORDS    FITLY    SPOKEN. 

Who  learns  and  learns,  but  acts  not  what  he  knows, 
Is  one  who  ploughs  and  ploughs,  but  never  sows. 


O  Wisdom  !  if  thy  soft  control 
Can  soothe  the  sickness  of  the  soul. 
Can  bid  the  warring  passions  cease, 
And  breathe  the  calm  of  tender  peace  ; 
Wisdom  !  I  bless  thy  gentle  -sway, 
And  ever,  ever  will  obey. 


MY  son,  forget  not  my  law  ;   but  let  thine  heart  keep  my 
commandments  :  for  length  of  days,  and  long  life,  and 
peace,  shall  they  add  to  thee.     Let  not  mercy  and  truth  forsake 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  337 

thee  :  bind  them  about  thy  neck  ;  write  them  upon  the  table  of 
thine  heart  :  so  shalt  thou  find  favour  and  good  understanding 
in  the  sight  of  God  and  man.  Trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  thine 
heart  ;  and  lean  not  unto  thine  own  understanding.  In  all  thy 
ways  acknowledge  him,  and  he  shall  direct  thy  paths.  Be  not 
wise  in  thine  own  eyes  :  fear  the  Lord,  and  depart  from  evil.  It 
shall  be  health  to  thy  navel,  and  marrow  to  thy  bones.  Honour 
the  Lord  with  thy  substance,  and  with  the  first-fruits  of  all  thine 
increase :  so  shall  thy  barns  be  filled  with  plenty,  and  thy  presses 
shall  burst  out  with  new  wine.  My  son,  despise  not  the  chas- 
tening of  the  Lord  ;  neither  be  weary  of  his  correction  :  for 
whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  correcteth  ;  even  as  a  father  the  son 
in  whom  he  delighteth. 

For  in  the  fire  when  ore  is  tryed, 
And  by  that  torment  purified, 

Doe  we  deplore  the  losse  .'' 
And  when  Thou  shalt  my  soule  refine, 
That  it  thereby  may  purer  shine. 

Shall  I  grieve  for  the  drosse  ? 

Happy  is  the  man  that  findeth  wisdom,  and  the  man  that 
getteth  understanding :  for  the  merchandise  of  it  is  better  than 
the  merchandise  of  silver,  and  the  gain  thereof  than  fine  gold. 
She  is  more  precious  than  rubies  :  and  all  the  things  thou  canst 
desire  are  not  to  be  compared  unto  her.  Length  of  days  is  in 
her  right  hand  ;  and  in  her  left  hand  riches  and  honour.  Her 
ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness,  and  all  her  paths  are  peace. 
She  is  a  tree  of  life  to  them  that  lay  hold  upon  her  :  and  happy 
is  every  one  that  retaineth  her.  The  Lord  by  wisdom  hath 
founded  the  earth  ;  by  understanding  hath  he  established  the 
heavens.  By  his  knowledge  the  depths  are  broken  up,  and  the 
clouds  drop  down  the  dew. 

O  happy  is  the  man  who  hears  instruction's  warning  voice, 

And  who  celestial  Wisdom  makes  his  early  only  choice  ; 

For  she  has  treasures  greater  far  than  East  or  West  unfold, 

And  her  reward  is  more  secure  than  is  the  gain  of  gold. 

In  her  right  hand  she  holds  to  view  a  length  of  happy  years  ; 

And  in  her  left  the  prize  of  fame  and  honour  bright  appears. 

She  guides  the  young  with  innocence,  in  Pleasure's  path  to  tread; 

A  crown  of  glory  she  bestows  upon  the  hoary  head. 

According  as  her  labours  rise,  so  her  rewards  increase  ; 

Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness,  and  all  her  paths  are  peace. 


338  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

My  son,  let  not  them  depart  from  thine  eyes  :  keep  sound  wis- 
dom and  discretion :  so  shall  they  be  life  unto  thy  soul,  and 
grace  to  thy  neck.  Then  shalt  thou  walk  in  thy  way  safely, 
and  thy  foot  shall  not  stumble.  When  thou  liest  down,  thou 
shalt  not  be  afraid  :  yea,  thou  shalt  lie  down,  and  thy  sleep  shall 
be  sweet.  Be  not  afraid  of  sudden  fear,  neither  of  the  desola- 
tion of  the  wicked,  when  it  cometh.  For  the  Lord  shall  be  thy 
confidence,  and  shall  keep  thy  foot  from  being  taken. 

There  is  a  calm  the  poor  in  spirit  know, 
That  softens  sorrow  and  that  sweetens  woe  ; 
There  is  a  peace  that  dwells  within  the  breast, 
When  all  without  is  stormy  and  distrest ; 
There  is  a  light  that  gilds  the  darkest  hour. 
When  dangers  thicken,  and  when  tempests  lower: 
That  calm  to  faith  and  hope  and  love  is  given. 
That  light  shines  down  to  man  direct  from  heaven. 

Withhold  not  good  from  them  to  whom  it  is  due,  when  it  is  in 
the  power  of  thine  hand  to  do  it.  Say  not  unto  thy  neighbour, 
Go,  and  come  again,  and  to-morrow  I  will  give  ;  when  thou  hast 
it  by  thee.  Devise  not  evil  against  thy  neighbour,  seeing  he 
dwelleth  securely  by  thee.  Strive  not  with  a  man  without  cause, 
if  he  have  done  thee  no  harm.  Envy  thou  not  the  oppressor, 
and  choose  none  of  his  ways.  For  the  froward  is  abomination 
to  the  Lord  :  but  his  secret  is  with  the  righteous.  The  curse  of 
the  Lord  is  in  the  house  of  the  wicked :  but  he  blesseth  the 
habitation  of  the  just.  Surely  he  scorneth  the  scorners  :  but  he 
giveth  grace  unto  the  lowly.  The  wise  shall  inherit  glory :  but 
shame  shall  be  the  promotion  of  fools. 

O  there  are  gardens  of  the  immortal  kind, 

That  crown  the  heavenly  Eden's  rising  hills 

With  beauty  and  with  sweets  ;  no  lurking  mischief 

Dwells  in  the  fruit,  nor  serpent  twines  the  boughs  ; 

The  branches  bend  laden  with  life  and  bliss 

Ripe  for  the  taste,  but  'tis  a  steep  ascent ;  — 

Hold  fast  the  golden  chain  let  down  from  Heaven, 

'Twill  help  your  feet  and  wings  ;  I  feel  its  force 

Draw  upwards  ;  fastened  to  the  pearly  gate. 

It  guides  the  way  unerring  :  happy  clue 

Through  this  dark  wild  !     'Twas  Wisdom's  noblest  work, 

All  joined  by  Power  Divine,  and  every  Hnk  is  love. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  339 


CHAPTER   CXLII. 

THE    EXCELLENCE    AND    AUTHORITY    OF    DIVINE    WISDOM. 

Ere  God  had  built  the  mountains,  or  raised  the  fruitful  hills  ; 
Before  He  filled  the  fountains  that  feed  the  running  rills  ; 
In  ME,  from  everlasting,  the  wonderful  I  AM, 
Found  pleasures  never  wasting,  and  Wisdom  is  my  name. 

DOTH  not  wisdom  cry  ?  and  understanding  put  forth  her 
voice  ?  She  standeth  in  the  top  of  high  places,  by  the 
way  in  the  places  of  the  paths.  She  crieth  at  the  gates,  at 
the  entry  of  the  city,  at  the  coming  in  at  the  doors  :  unto  you, 
O  men,  I  call  ;  and  my  voice  is  to  the  sons  of  man.  O  ye  simple, 
understand  wisdom  :  and,  ye  fools,  be  ye  of  an  understanding 
heart.  Hear ;  for  I  will  speak  of  excellent  things  ;  and  the 
opening  of  my  lips  shall  be  right  things.  For  my  mouth  shall 
speak  truth  ;  and  wickedness  is  an  abomination  to  my  lips.  All 
the  words  of  my  mouth  are  in  righteousness  ;  there  is  nothing 
froward  or  perverse  in  them.  They  are  all  plain  to  him  that 
understandeth,  and  right  to  them  that  find  knowledge.  Receive 
my  instruction,  and  not  silver  ;  and  knowledge  rather  than  choice 
gold.  For  wisdom  is  better  than  rubies  ;  and  all  the  things  that 
may  be  desired  are  not  to  be  compared  to  it. 

Come,  while  the  blossoms  of  thy  years  are  brightest, 

Thou  youthful  wanderer  in  a  flowery  maze  ; 
Come,  while  the  restless  heart  is  bounding  lightest. 

And  joy's  pure  sunbeam  trembles  in  thy  ways  ; 
Come,  while  sweet  thoughts,  like  summer  buds  unfolding,    - 

Waken  rich  feelings  in  the  careless  breast  — 
While  yet  thy  hand  the  ephemeral  wreath  is  holding, 

Come,  and  secure  interminable  rest ! 

Come,  while  the  morning  of  thy  life  is  glowing ; 

Ere  the  dim  phantoms  thou  art  chasing  die  ; 
Ere  the  gay  spell  which  earth  is  round  thee  throwing. 

Fade  like  the  crimson  from  a  sunset  sky  I 
Life  hath  but  shadows,  save  a  promise  given 

That  lights  the  future  with  a  fadeless  ray  ; 
Come,  touch  the  sceptre  —  win  a  hope  in  heaven  — 

Come,  turn  thy  spirit  from  the  world  away. 


340  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

I  wisdom  dwell  with  prudence,  and  find  out  knowledge  of  witty 
inventions.  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  to  hate  evil :  pride,  and 
arrogancy,  and  the  evil  way,  and  the  froward  mouth,  do  I  hate. 
Counsel  is  mine,  and  sound  wisdom  :  I  am  understanding  ;  I 
have  strength.  By  me  kings  reign,  and  princes  decree  justice. 
By  me  princes  rule,  and  nobles,  even  all  the  judges  of  the  earth. 
I  love  them  that  love  me  ;  and  those  that  seek  me  early  shall 
find  me.  Riches  and  honour  are  with  me;  yea,  durable  riches 
and  righteousness.  My  fruit  is  better  than  gold,  yea,  than  fine 
gold,  and  my  revenue  than  choice  silver.  I  lead  in  the  way  of 
righteousness,  in  the  midst  of  the  paths  of  judgment :  that  I 
may  cause  those  that  love  me  to  inherit  substance  ;  and  I  will 
fill  their  treasures.  The  Lord  possessed  me  in  the  beginning 
of  his  way,  before  his  works  of  old.  I  was  set  up  from  ever- 
lasting, from  the  beginning,  or  ever  the  earth  was.  When  there 
were  no  depths,  I  was  brought  forth  ;  when  there  were  no  foun- 
tains abounding  with  water.  Before  the  mountains  were  settled, 
before  the  hills  was  I  brought  forth :  while  as  yet  he  had  not 
made  the  earth,  nor  the  fields,  nor  the  highest  part  of  the  dust 
of  the  world.  When  he  prepared  the  heavens,  I  was  there : 
when  he  set  a  compass  upon  the  face  of  the  de])th  :  when  he 
established  the  clouds  above :  when  he  strengthened  the  foun- 
tains of  the  deep :  when  he  gave  to  the  sea  his  decree,  that  the 
waters  should  not  pass  his  commandment :  when  he  appointed 
the  foundations  of  the  earth  :  then  I  was  by  him,  as  one  brought 
up  with  him  :  and  I  was  daily  his  delight,  rejoicing  always  before 
him  ;  rejoicing  in  the  habitable  part  of  his  earth  ;  and  my  de- 
lights were  with  the  sons  of  men. 

Clear  Spring  of  Life  !  flow  on  and  roll 
With  growing  swell  from  pole  to  pole, 
Till  flowers  and  fruits  of  Paradise 
Round  all  thy  winding  current  rise  ! 
Still  near  thy  stream  may  I  be  found, 
Long  as  I  tread  this  earthly  ground  ! 
Cheer  with  thy  wave  death's  gloomy  shade, 
Then  through  the  fields  of  Canaan  spread. 

Now  therefore  hearken  unto  me,  O  ye  children :  for  blessed 
are  they  that  keep  my  ways.  Hear  instruction,  and  be  wise, 
and  refuse  it  not.  Blessed  is  the  man  that  heareth  me,  watch- 
ing daily  at  my  gates,  waiting  at  the  posts  of  my  doors.     For 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  341 

whoso  iindeth  me  fincleth  life,  and  shall  obtain  favour  of  the 
Lord.  But  he  that  sinneth  against  me  wrongeth  his  own  soul : 
all  they  that  hate  me  love  death. 

Happy  the  feet  that  shining  Truth  has  led 
With  her  own  hand  to  tread  the  path  she  please, 
To  see  her  native  lustre  round  her  spread, 
Without  a  vail,  without  a  shade, 
All  beauty  and  all  light,  as  in  herself  she  is  ! 

'Tvvas  this  Almighty  Word  that  all  things  made, 

He  grasps  whole  Nature  in  His  single  hand  ; 

All  the  eternal  truths  in  Him  are  laid. 

The  ground  of  all  things  and  their  head, 

The  circle  where  they  move,  the  centre  where  they  stand. 


CHAPTER   CXLIII. 

PROVERBS    SHOWING    THE    BLESSEDNESS    OF    PIETY,    AND 
CONTRASTING    THE    RIGHTEOUS    WITH    THE    WICKED. 

And  look  at  last  up  to  that  Sovereign  Light, 

From  whose  pure  beams  all  perfect  beauty  springs, 

That  kindleth  love  in  every  goodly  sprite, 
Even  the  love  of  God,  which  loathing  brings 
Of  this  vile  world  and  these  gay-seeming  things  ; 

With  whose  sweet  pleasures  so  possessed. 

Thy  straying  thoughts  henceforth  for  ever  rest. 

IN  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  strong  confidence :  and  his  children 
shall  have  a  place  of  refuge. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  a  fountain  of  life,  to  depart  from  the 
snares  of  death. 

Commit  thy  works  unto  the  Lord,  and  thy  thoughts  shall  be 
established. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom  :  and  the 
knowledge  of   the  Holy  is  understanding. 

By  humility  and  the  fear  of  the  Lord  are  riches,  and  honour,^ 
and  life. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  prolongeth  days :  but  the  years  of  the 
wicked  shall  be  shortened. 


342  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Happy  is  the  man  that  feareth  always  :  but  he  that  hardeneth 
his  heart  shall  fall  into  mischief. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  instruction  of  wisdom ;  and 
before  honour  is  humility. 

He  that  covereth  his  sins  shall  not  prosper :  but  whoso  con- 
fesseth  and  forsaketh  them  shall  have  mercy. 

But  as  there  lives  a  true  God  in  the  heaven, 
So  is  there  true  rehgion  here  on  earth  : 
By  nature  ?     No,  by  grace  ;  not  got,  but  given  ; 
Inspired,  not  taught ;  from  God  a  second  birth ; 
God  dwelleth  near  about  us,  even  within, 
Working  the  goodness,  censuring  the  sin. 

A  false  balance  is  an  abomination  to  the  Lord :  but  a  just 
weight  is  his  delight. 

Better  is  the  poor  that  walketh  in  his  uprightness,  than  he 
that  is  perverse  in  his  ways,  though  he  be  rich. 

Divers  weights  are  an  abomination  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  a 
false  balance  is  not  good. 

The  just  man  walketh  in  his  integrity:  his  children  are 
blessed  after  him. 

Bread  of  deceit  is  sweet  to  a  man  ;  but  afterwards  his  mouth 
shall  be  filled  with  gravel. 

By  the  blessing  of  the  upright  the  city  is  exalted  :  but  it 
is  overthrown  by  the  mouth  of   the  wicked. 

The  integrity  of  the  upright  shall  guide  them  :  but  the  per- 
verseness  of  transgressors  shall  destroy  them. 

He  that  walketh  uprightly  walketh  surely :  but  he  that  per- 
verteth  his  ways  shall  be  known. 

The  wicked  worketh  a  deceitful  work :  but  to  him  that  sow- 
eth  righteousness  shall  be  a  sure  reward. 

The  web  of  life  is  of  a  mingled 

Yarn,  good  and  ill  together :  our  virtues 

Would  be  proud,  if  our  faults  whipt  them  not ;  and 

Our  crimes  would  despair,  if  they  were  not 

Cherished  by  our  virtues. 

The  wicked  flee  when  no  man  pursueth  :  but  the  righteous 
are  bold  as  a  lion. 

The  righteous  considereth  the  cause  of  the  poor :  but  the 
wicked  regardeth  not  to  know  it. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  343 

A  righteous  man   regardeth  the  life  of    his  beast :   but  the 
tender  mercies  of  the  wicked  are  cruel. 

Though  hand  join  in  hand,  the  wicked  shall  not  be  unpun- 
ished :  but  the  seed  of  the  righteous  shall  be  delivered. 

Treasures  of  wickedness  profit    nothing  :    but  righteousness 
delivereth  from  death. 

When  the  righteous  are  in  authority,  the  people  rejoice :  but 
when  the  wicked  beareth  rule,  the  people  mourn. 

The  righteousness   of    the  perfect  shall  direct  his  way :   but 
the  wicked  shall  fall  by  his  own  wickedness. 

A  good  man  obtaineth  favour  of  the  Lord :   but  a  man  of 
wicked  devices  will  he  condemn. 

The  wicked  is  driven  away  in  his  wickedness :  but  the  right- 
eous hath  hope  in  his  death. 

The  memory  of    the  just  is  blessed:    but  the  name  of  the 
wicked  shall  rot. 

Heaven  me  much  usage  send, 
Not  to  pick  bad  from  bad,  but  by  bad  mend  ! 


CHAPTER   CXLIV. 

PROVERBS  INCULCATING  PRUDENCE. 

Envy  not  greatness  ;  for  thou  mak'st  thereby 
Thyself  the  worse  ;  and  so  the  distance  greater. 
Be  not  thine  own  worm  :  yet  such  jealousy 
As  hurts  not  others,  but  may  make  thee  better, 
Is  a  good  spur. 

HE  that  is  slow  to  anger  is  better  than  the  mighty  ;  and  he 
that  ruleth  his  spirit  than  he  that  taketh  a  city. 

He  that  hath  no  rule  over  his  own  spirit  is  like  a  city  that  is 
broken  down,  and  without  walls. 

How  much  better  is  it  to  get  wisdom  than  gold !  and  to  get 
understanding  rather  to  be  chosen  than  silver  ! 

The  heart  of  the  righteous  studieth  to  answer  :  but  the  mouth 
of  the  wicked  poureth  out  evil  things. 

Good  understanding  giveth  favour  :  but  the  way  of  transgress- 
ors is  hard. 


344  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Seest  thou  a  man  that  is  hasty  in  his  words  ?  there  is  more 
hope  of  a  fool  than  of  him. 

He  that  trusteth  in  his  own  heart  is  a  fool :  but  whoso  walketh 
wisely,  he  shall  be  delivered. 

Be  not  thou  one  of  them  that  strike  hands,  or  of  them  that  are 
sureties  for  debts. 

A  man  void  of  understanding  striketh  hands,  and  becometh 
surety  in  the  presence  of  his  friend. 

He  that  is  surety  for  a  stranger  shall  smart  for  it :  and  he  that 
hateth  suretyship  is  sure. 

Go  not  forth  hastily  to  strive,  lest  thou  know  not  what  to  do  in 
the  end  thereof,  when  thy  neighbour  hath  put  thee  to  shame. 

If  thou  be  wise,  thou  shalt  be  wise  for  thyself  :  but  if  thou 
scornest,  thou  alone  shalt  bear  it. 

A  wise  man  feareth,  and  departeth  from  evil  :  but  the  fool 
rageth,  and  is  confident. 

A  prudent  man  foreseeth  the  evil,  and  hideth  himself  :  but  the 
simple  pass  on,  and  are  punished. 

Buy  the  truth,  and  sell  it  not  ;  also  wisdom,  and  instruction, 
and  understanding. 

How  happy  is  he  born  and  taught 
That  serveth  not  another's  will, 
Whose  armour  is  his  honest  thought, 
And  simple  truth  his  utmost  skill ! 

A  word  fitly  spoken  is  like  apples  of  gold  in  pictures  of  silver. 

A  soft  answer  turneth  away  wrath  :  but  grievous  words  stir  up 
anger. 

There  is  gold,  and  a  multitude  of  rubies  :  but  the  lips  of  knowl- 
edge are  a  precious  jewel. 

Whoso  keepeth  his  mouth  and  his  tongue,  keepeth  his  soul 
from  troubles. 

In  the  multitude  of  words  there  wanteth  not  sin  :  but  he  that 
refraineth  his  lips  is  wise. 

He  that  hath  knowledge  spareth  his  words  :  and  a  man  of  un- 
derstanding is  of  an  excellent  spirit. 

A  man  hath  joy  by  the  answer  of  his  mouth  :  and  a  word  spoken 
in  due  season,  how  good  is  it ! 

In  all  labour  there  is  profit  :  but  the  talk  of  the  lips  tendeth 
only  to  penury. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  345 

The  words  of  a  talebearer  are  as  wounds,  and  they  go  down 
into  the  innermost  parts  of  the  belly. 

The  lips  of  the  righteous  feed  many  :  but  fools  die  for  want  of 
wisdom. 

A  fool's  wrath  is  presently  known  :  but  a  prudent  man  covereth 
shame. 

Even  a  fool,  when  he  holdeth  his  peace,  is  counted  wise :  and 
he  that  shutteth  his  lips  is  esteemed  a  man  of  understanding. 

Good  name,  in  man,  and  woman, 

Is  the  immediate  jewel  of  their  souls  : 

Who  steals  my  purse,  steals  trash  ;    'tis  something,  nothing  ; 

'Twas  mine,  'tis  his,  and  has  been  slave  to  thousands  ; 

But  he,  that  filches  from  me  my  good  name, 

Robs  me  of  that,  which  not  enriches  him, 

And  makes  me  poor  indeed. 

A  good  name  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than  great  riches,  and 
loving  favour  rather  than  silver  and  gold. 

A  man  that  beareth  false  witness  against  his  neighbour  is  a 
maul,  and  a  sword,  and  a  sharp  arrow. 

Let  another  man  praise  thee,  and  not  thine  own  mouth  ;  a 
stranger,  and  not  thine  own  lips. 

Debate  thy  cause  with  thy  neighbour  himself  ;  and  discover 
not  a  secret  to  another :  lest  he  that  heareth  it  put  thee  to  shame, 
and  thine  infamy  turn  not  away. 

A  righteous  man  hateth  lying:  but  a  wicked  man  is  loathsome, 
and  cometh  to  shame. 

Deep  in  the  gulph  of  Vice  and  Woe 

Leaps  man  at  once  with  headlong  throw  ? 
In  some  gay  hour  Vice  steals  into  the  breast ; 
Perchance  she  wears  some  softer  Virtue's  vest. 
By  unperceived  degrees  she  tempts  to  stray. 
Till  far  from  Virtue's  path  she  leads  the  feet  away. 

But  soon  to  tempt  the  pleasures  cease  ; 

Yet  shame  forbids  return  to  peace, 

And  stern  necessity  will  force 

Still  to  urge  on  the  desperate  course. 
The  drear  black  paths  of  Vice  the  wretch  must  try, 
Where  Conscience  flashes  horror  on  each  eye, 
Where  Hate — where  Murder  scowl —  where  starts  Affright  ! 
Ah  !  close  the  scene,  — ah  !  close  —  for  dreadful  is  the  sight. 


346  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CXLV. 

PROVERBS    CONCERNING    DILIGENCE    AND    SLOTH,    WEALTH. 
POVERTY,    AND    LIBERALITY. 

What  is  a  man, 
If  his  chief  good,  and  market  of  his  time. 
Be  but  to  sleep,  and  feed  ?  a  beast,  no  more. 
Sure,  He,  that  made  us  with  such  large  discourse, 
Looking  before  and  after,  gave  us  not 
That  capability  and  godlike  reason, 
To  fust  in  us  unused. 

HE  becometh  poor  that  dealeth  with  a  slack  hand  :  but  the 
hand  of  the  dihgent  maketh  rich. 

Seest  thou  a  man  dihgent  in  his  business  .-•  he  shall  stand 
before  kings  ;  he  shall  not  stand  before  mean  men. 

Wealth  gotten  by  vanity  shall  be  diminished  :  but  he  that 
gathereth  by  labour  shall  increase. 

The  hand  of  the  diligent  shall  bear  rule :  but  the  slothful  shall 
be  under  tribute. 

The  soul  of  the  sluggard  desireth,  and  hath  nothing  :  but  the 
soul  of  the  diligent  shall  be  made  fat. 

A  slothful  man  hideth  his  hand  in  his  bosom,  and  will  not  so 
much  as  bring  it  to  his  mouth  again. 

He  also  that  is  slothful  in  his  work  is  brother  to  him  that  is  a 
great  waster. 

The  sluggard  will  not  plough  by  reason  of  the  cold  ;  therefore 
shall  he  beg  in  harvest,  and  have  nothing. 

The  way  of  the  slothful  man  is  as  a  hedge  of  thorns  :  but  the 
way  of  the  righteous  is  made  plain. 

The  slothful  man  saith.  There  is  a  lion  without,  I  shall  be  slain 
in  the  streets. 

Slothfulness  casteth  into  a  deep  sleep  ;  and  an  idle  soul  shall 
suffer  hunger. 

Buried  in  sloth,  and  lost  in  ease,  I  lay  ; 
The  night  I  revelled,  and  I  slept  the  day  : 
New  heaps  of  fuel  damped  my  kindling  fires, 
And  daily  change  extinguished  young  desires. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  347 

By  its  own  foice  destroyed,  fruition  ceased  ; 
And  always  wearied,  I  was  never  pleased. 
No  longer  now  does  my  neglected  mind 
Its  wonted  stores  and  old  ideas  find. 
Fixed  judgment  there  no  longer  does  ^bide, 
To  take  the  true,  or  set  the  false  aside. 
No  longer  does  swift  memory  trace  the  cells 
Where  springing  wit  or  young  invention  dwells. 
Frequent  debauch  to  habitude  prevails  ; 
Patience  of  toil,  and  love  of  virtue  fails. 

As  the  door  turneth  upon  his  hinges,  so  doth  the  slothful  upon 
his  bed. 

I  went  by  the  field  of  the  slothful,  and  by  the  vineyard  of  the 
man  void  of  understanding  ;  and,  lo,  it  was  all  grown  over  with 
thorns,  and  nettles  had  covered  the  face  thereof,  and  the  stone 
wall  thereof  was  broken  down.  Then  I  saw,  and  considered  it 
well  :  I  looked  upon  it,  and  received  instruction.  Yet  a  little 
sleep,  a  little  slumber,  a  little  folding  of  the  hands  to  sleep  :  so 
shall  thy  poverty  come  as  one  that  travelleth  ;  and  thy  want  as 
an  armed  man. 

'Tis  the  voice  of  the  sluggard  ;  I  heard  him  complain, 
"  You  have  waked  me  too  soon,  I  must  slumber  again." 
As  the  door  on  its  hinges,  so  he  on  his  bed. 
Turns  his  sides,  and  his  shoulders,  and  his  heavy  head. 

The  rich  and  poor  meet  together  :  the  Lord  is  the  maker  of 
them  all. 

An  inheritance  may  be  gotten  hastily  at  the  beginning ;  but 
the  end  thereof  shall  not  be  blessed. 

He  that  hasteth  to  be  rich  hath  an  evil  eye,  and  considereth 
not  that  poverty  shall  come  upon  him. 

Wealth  maketh  many  friends  ;  but  the  poor  is  separated  from 
his  neighbour. 

The  poor  is  hated  even  of  his  own  neighbour  :  but  the  rich 
hath  many  friends. 

Whoso  mocketh  the  poor  reproacheth  his  Maker :  and  he  that 
is  glad  at  calamities  shall  not  be  unpunished. 

The  rich  ruleth  over  the  poor,  and  the  borrower  is  servant  to 
the  lender. 

The  rich  man  is  wise  in  his  own  conceit  ;  but  the  poor  that 
hath  understanding:  searcheth  him  out. 


348  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

A  poor  man  that  oppresseth  the  poor  is  Hke  a  sweeping  rain 
which  leaveth  no  food. 

He  that  by  usury  and  unjust  gain  increaseth  his  substance,  he 
shall  gather  it  for  him  that  will  pity  the  poor. 

Ah,  five-and-twenty  years  ago,  had  I  but  planted  seeds  of  trees, 

How  now  I  should  enjoy  their  shade,  and  see  their  fruit  swing  in  the  breeze  ! 

There  is  that  scattereth,  and  yet  increaseth  ;  and  there  is  that 
withholdeth  more  than  is  meet,  but  it  tendeth  to  poverty. 

There  is  that  maketh  himself  rich,  yet  hath  nothing  :  there  is 
that  maketh  himself  poor,  yet  hath  great  riches. 

He  that  hath  pity  upon  the  poor  lendeth  unto  the  Lord  ;  and 
that  which  he  hath  given  will  he  pay  him  again. 

He  that  giveth  unto  the  poor  shall  not  lack  :  but  he  that 
hideth  his  eyes  shall  have  many  a  curse. 

The  liberal  soul  shall  be  made  fat :  and  he  that  waterelh  shall 
be  watered  also  himself. 

Neither  a  borrower,  nor  a  lender  be  ; 
For  loan  oft  loses  both  itself  and  friend. 
And  borrowing  dulls  the  edge  of  husbandry. 
This  above  all,  —  to  thine  own  self  be  true  ; 
And  it  must  follow,  as  the  night  the  day. 
Thou  canst  not  then  be  false  to  any  man. 


CHAPTER   CXLVI. 

PROVERBS    ABOUT    PARENTS,    CHILDREN,    AND    COMPANIONS. 

We  ask  how  Wisdom  can  thus  play  in  children's  guise  ? 
Why,  Wisdom  is  a  child,  so's  every  man  that's  wise. 

A  WISE  son  maketh  a  glad  father  :  but  a  foolish  son  is  the 
heaviness  of  his  mother. 
Hearken  unto  thy  father  that  begat  thee,  and  despise  not  thy 
mother  when  she  is  old. 

A  fool  despiseth  his  father's  instruction  :  but  he  that  regard- 
eth  reproof  is  prudent. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  349 

A  foolish  son  is  a  grief  to  his  father,  and  bitterness  to  her 
that  bare  him.- 

A  wise  son  maketh  a  glad  father :  but  a  foolish  man  despiseth 
his  mother. 

Whoso  curseth  his  father  or  his  mother,  his  lamp  shall  be  put 
out  in  obscure  darkness. 

The  glory  of  young  men  is  their  strength  :  and  the  beauty  of 
old  men  is  the  gray  head. 

The  hoary  head  is  a  crown  of  glory,  if  it  be  found  in  the  way 
of  righteousness. 

Children's  children  are  the  crown  of  old  men  ;  and  the  glory 
of  children  are  their  fathers. 

Now,  as  fond  fathers, 
Having  bound  up  the  threatening  twigs  of  birch 
Only  to  stick  in  their  children's  sight, 
For  terror,  not  to  use  ;  in  time  the  rod 
Becomes  more  mocked  than  feared :  so  our  decrees, 
Dead  to  infliction,  to  themselves  are  dead. 
And  liberty  plucks  justice  by  the  nose  ; 
The  baby  beats  the  nurse,  and  quite  athwart 
Goes  all  decorum. 

Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go  :  and  when  he  is  old, 
he  will  not  depart  from  it. 

Foolishness  is  bound  in  the  heart  of  a  child  ;  but  the  rod  of 
correction  shall  drive  it  far  from  him. 

The  rod  and  reproof  give  wisdom  :  but  a  child  left  to  himself 
bringeth  his  mother  to  shame. 

Correct  thy  son,  and  he  shall  give  thee  rest ;  yea,  he  shall  give 
delight  unto  thy  soul. 

Withhold  not  correction  from  the  child  :  for  if  thou  beatest 
him  with  the  rod,  he  shall  not  die. 

Thou  shalt  beat  him  with  the  rod,  and  shalt  deliver  his  soul 
from  hell. 

He  that  spareth  his  rod  hateth  his  son  :  but  he  that  loveth 
him  chasteneth  him  betimes. 

Chasten  thy  son  while  there  is  hope,  and  let  not  thy  soul 
spare  for  his  crying. 

The  treasures  of  the  deep  are  not  so  precious, 
As  are  the  concealed  comforts  of  a  man 
Locked  up  in  woman's  love.     I  scent  the  air 
Of  blessings  when  I  come  but  near  the  house. 


350  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

What  a  delicious  breath  marriage  sends  forth  ! 
The  violet  bed's  not  sweeter.     Honest  wedlock 
Is  like  a  banqueting-house  built  in  a  garden, 
On  which  the  spring's  chaste  flowers  take  delight 
To  cast  their  modest  odours. 

Whoso  findeth  a  wife  findeth  a  good  thing,  and  obtaineth 
favour  of  the  Lord. 

A  virtuous  woman  is  a  crown  to  her  husband  :  but  she  that 
maketh  ashamed  is  as  rottenness  in  his  bones. 

As  a  jewel  of  gold  in  a  swine's  snout,  so  is  a  fair  woman  which 
is  without  discretion. 

It  is  better  to  dwell  in  a  corner  of  the  housetop,  than  with  a 
brawling  woman  in  a  wide  house. 

It  is  better  to  dwell  in  the  wilderness,  than  with  a  contentious 
and  an  angry  woman. 

He  that  tilleth  his  land  shall  have  plenty  of  bread  :  but  he 
that  followeth  after  vain  persons  shall  have  poverty  enough. 

The  heart  knoweth  his  own  bitterness  ;  and  a  stranger  doth 
not  intermeddle  with  his  joy. 

He  that  walketh  with  wise  men  shall  be  wise  :  but  a  companion 
of  fools  shall  be  destroyed. 

Withdraw  thy  foot  from  thy  neighbour's  house  ;  lest  he  be 
weary  of  thee,  and  so  hate  thee. 

Thine  own  friend,  and  thy  father's  friend,  forsake  not ;  neither 
go  into  thy  brother's  house  in  the  day  of  thy  calamity  :  for  better 
is  a  neighbour  that  is  near  than  a  brother  far  off. 

A  man  that  hath  friends  must  shew  himself  friendly ;  and 
there  is  a  friend  that  sticketh  closer  than  a  brother. 

One  there  is  above  all  others  —  O  how  He  loves  ! 
His  is  love  beyond  a  brother's  —  O  how  He  loves  ! 

Early  friends  may  fail  or  leave  us, 

One  day  soothe,  the  next  day  grieve  us, 

But  this  Friend  will  ne'er  deceive  us  — 
O  how  He  loves ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  35 1 


CHAPTER   CXLVII. 

PROVERBS    RELATING    TO    PRIDE,    PLEASURES,    AND    DIVINE 
PROVIDENCE. 

O  WHY  should  the  spirit  of  mortal  be  proud  ! 
Like  a  fast  flitting  meteor,  a  fast  flying  cloud, 
A  flash  of  the  lightning,  a  break  of  the  wave  — 
He  passes  from  life  to  his  rest  in  the  grave. 

The  leaves  of  the  oak  and  the  willows  shall  fade, 
Be  scattered  around,  and  together  be  laid  ; 
And  the  young  and  the  old,  and  the  low  and  the  high, 
Shall  moulder  to  dust,  and  together  shall  lie. 

A  HIGH  look,  and  a  proud  heart,  and  the  ploughing  of  the 
wicked,  is  sin. 

Pride  goeth  before  destruction,  and  a  haughty  spirit  before  a 
fall. 

Before  destruction  the  heart  of  man  is  haughty ;  and  before 
honour  is  humility. 

Only  by  pride  cometh  contention  :  but  with  the  well-advised 
is  wisdom. 

He  that  refuseth  instruction  despiseth  his  own  soul :  but  he 
that  heareth  reproof  getteth  understanding. 

Better  it  is  to  be  of  an  humble  spirit  with  the  lowly,  than  to 
divide  the  spoil  with  the  proud. 

When  pride  cometh,  then  cometh  shame  :  but  with  the  lowly 
is  wisdom. 

Poverty  and  shame  shall  be  to  him  that  refuseth  instruction : 
but  he  that  regardeth  reproof  shall  be  honoured. 

A  man's  pride  shall  bring  him  low :  but  honour  shall  uphold 
the  humble  in  spirit. 

Seest  thou  a  man  wise  in  his  own  conceit .''  there  is  more  hope 
of  a  fool  than  of  him. 

He,  that  being  often  reproved  hardeneth  his  neck,  shall  sud- 
denly be  destroyed,  and  that  without  remedy. 

Bewitching  syren  !  golden  rottenness  ! 
Thou  hast  with  cunning  artifice  displayed 


352  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

The  enamelled  outside,  and  the  honeyed  verge 
Of  the  fair  cup,  where  deadly  poison  lurks 
Within,  a  thousand  sorrows  dance  around, 
And,  like  a  shell,  pain  circles  thee  without. 

He  that  loveth  pleasure  shall  be  a  poor  man  :  he  that  loveth 
wine  and  oil  shall  not  be  rich. 

Be  not  among  winebibbers  ;  among  riotous  eaters  of  flesh  :  for 
the  drunkard  and  the  glutton  shall  come  to  poverty :  and  drowsi- 
ness shall  clothe  a  man  with  rags. 

Wine  is  a  mocker,  strong  drink  is  raging :  and  whosoever  is 
deceived  thereby  is  not  wise. 

Who  hath  woe  .''  who  hath  sorrow .''  who  hath  contentions  .'' 
who  hath  babbling }  who  hath  wounds  without  cause  .■'  who  hath 
redness  of  eyes  .-•  They  that  tarry  long  at  the  wine  ;  they  that  go 
to  seek  mixed  wine. 

Look  not  thou  upon  the  wine  when  it  is  red,  when  it  giveth 
his  colour  in  the  cup,  when  it  moveth  itself  aright.  At  the  last  it 
biteth  like  a  serpent,  and  stingeth  like  an  adder. 

Our  pleasures,  posting  guests,  make  but  small  stay, 
And  never  once  look  back  when  they  are  gone  : 
Where  griefs  bide  long,  and  leave  such  scores  to  pay, 
As  make  us  bankrupt  ere  we  think  thereon  ! 

There  is  no  wisdom  nor  understanding  nor  counsel  against  the 
Lord. 

There  is  a  way  that  seemeth  right  unto  a  man  ;  but  the  end 
thereof  are  the  ways  of  death. 

A  man's  heart  deviseth  his  way  :  but  the  Lord  directeth  his 
steps. 

When  a  man's  ways  please  the  Lord,  he  maketh  even  his  ene- 
mies to  be  at  peace  with  him. 

The  eyes  of  the  Lord  preserve  knowledge  ;  and  he  overthrow- 
eth  the  words  of  the  transgressor. 

The  blessing  of  the  Lord,  it  maketh  rich,  and  he  addeth  no 
sorrow  with  it. 

The  lot  is  cast  into  the  lap  ;  but  the  whole  disposing  thereof 
is  of  the  Lord. 

Two  things  have  I  required  of  thee  ;  deny  me  them  not  before 
I  die  :  Remove  far  from  me  vanity  and  lies  ;  give  me  neither 
poverty  nor  riches  ;  feed  me  with  food  convenient  for  me  :  lest  I 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  353 

be  full,  and  deny  thee,  and  say,  Who  is  the  Lord  ?  or  lest  I  be 
poor,  and  steal,  and  take  the  name  of  my  God  in  vain. 

And  if  some  things  I  do  not  ask 

In  my  cup  of  blessing  be, 
I  would  have  my  spirit  filled  the  more 

With  grateful  love  to  Thee  — 
And  careful,  less  to  serve  Thee  much, 

Than  to  please  Thee  perfectly. 


CHAPTER  CXLVIII. 

A    VIRTUOUS    WOMAN    DESCRIBED. 

She  is  a  woman  :  one  in  whom 
The  spring-time  of  her  childish  years 
Hath  never  lost  its  fresli  perfume, 
Though  knowing  well  that  life  hath  room 
For  many  blights  and  many  tears. 

Blessing  she  is  :  God  made  her  so. 
And  deeds  of  week-day  holiness 
Fall  from  her  noiseless  as  the  snow, 
Nor  hath  she  ever  chanced  to  know 
That  aught  were  easier  than  to  bless. 

WHO  can  find  a  virtuous  woman  ? 
For  her  price  is  far  above  rubies. 
The  heart  of  her  husband  doth  safely  trust  in  her. 
So  that  he  shall  have  no  need  of  spoil. 
She  will  do  him  good  and  not  evil  all  the  days  of  her  life. 
She  seeketh  wool,  and  flax. 
And  worketh  willingly  with  her  hands. 
She  is  like  the  merchants'  ships  ; 
She  bringeth  her  food  from  afar. 
She  riseth  also  while  it  is  yet  night, 
And  giveth  meat  to  her  household. 
And  a  portion  to  her  maidens. 
She  considereth  a  field,  and  buyeth  it : 
With  the  fruit  of  her  hands  she  planteth  a  vineyard. 
She  girdeth  her  loins  with  strength. 
And  strengtheneth  her  arms. 
She  perceiveth  that  her  merchandise  is  good  : 
Her  candle  goeth  not  but  by  night. 
23 


354  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

She  layeth  her  hands  to  the  spindle, 

And  her  hands  hold  the  distafif. 

She  stretcheth  out  her  hand  to  the  poor  ; 

Yea,  she  reacheth  forth  her  hands  to  the  needy. 

She  is  not  afraid  of  the  snow  for  her  household : 

For  all  her  household  are  clothed  with  scarlet. 

She  maketh  herself  coverings  of  tapestry  ; 

Her  clothing  is  silk  and  purple. 

Her  husband  is  known  in  the  gates, 

When  he  sitteth  among  the  elders  of  the  land. 

She  maketh  fine  linen,  and  selleth  it  ; 

And  delivereth  girdles  unto  the  merchant. 

Strength  and  honour  are  her  clothing  ; 

And  she  shall  rejoice  in  time  to  come. 

She  openeth  her  mouth  with  wisdom  ; 

And  in  her  tongue  is  the  law  of  kindness. 

She  looketh  well  to  the  ways  of  her  household, 

And  eateth  not  the  bread  of  idleness. 

Her  children  arise  up,  and  call  her  blessed  ; 

Her  husband  also,  and  he  praiseth  her. 

Many  daughters  have  done  virtuously. 

But  thou  excellest  them  all. 

Favour  is  deceitful,  and  beauty  is  vain  : 

But  a  woman  that  feareth  the  Lord,  she  shall  be  praised. 

Give  her  of  the  fruit  of  her  hands  ; 

And  let  her  own  works  praise  her  in  the  gates. 

Who  finds  a  woman  good  and  wise, 
A  gem  more  worth  than  pearls  hath  got ; 
Her  husband's  heart  on  her  relies  ; 
To  live  by  spoil  he  needeth  not.  ■ 
His  comfort  all  his  life  is  she  ; 
No  wrong  she  willingly  will  do  ; 
For  wool  and  flax  her  searches  be, 
And  cheerful  hands  she  puts  thereto. 

She  speaks  discreetly  when  she  talks  ; 
The  law  of  grace  her  tongue  hath  learned  ; 
She  heeds  the  way  her  household  takes, 
And  feedeth  not  on  bread  unearned. 
Her  children  rise  and  bless  her  call : 
Her  husband  thus  applaudeth  her, 
"  Oh,  thou  hast  far  surpassed  them  all, 
Though  many  daughters  thriving  are  !  " 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  355 


CHAPTER   CXLIX. 

THE    ROYAL    VOLUPTUARY. HIS    CONFESSION. 

I  STROVE  to  number  o'er  what  days  remembrance  can  discover, 
Which  all  the  life  of  earth  displays  would  lure  me  to  live  over. 
There  rose  no  day,  there  rolled  no  hour  of  pleasure  unimbittered  ; 
And  not  a  trapping  decked  my  power,  that  galled  not  v/hile  it  glittered. 

THE  words  of  the  Preacher,  the  son  of  David,  king  in 
Jerusalem.  Vanity  of  vanities,  saith  the  Preacher,  vanity 
of  vanities  ;  all  is  vanity.  What  profit  hath  a  man  of  all  his 
labour  which  he  taketh  under  the  sun  .''  One  generation  passeth 
away,  and  another  generation  cometh  :  but  the  earth  abideth  for 
ever.  The  sun  also  ariseth,  and  the  sun  goeth  down,  and  hasteth 
to  his  place  where  he  arose.  The  wind  goeth  toward  the  south, 
and  turneth  about  unto  the  north  ;  it  whirleth  about  continually, 
and  the  wind  returneth  again  according  to  his  circuits.  All  the 
rivers  run  into  the  sea ;  yet  the  sea  is  not  full :  unto  the  place 
from  whence  the  rivers  come,  thither  they  return  again. 

And  I  shall  sleep,  and  on  thy  side 
As  ages  after  ages  glide. 
Children  their  early  sports  shall  try, 
And  pass  to  hoary  age  and  die : 
But  thou,  unchanged  from  year  to  year, 
Gayly  shalt  play  and  glitter  here  ; 
And,  singing  down  thy  narrow  glen, 
Shalt  mock  the  fading  race  of  men. 

All  things  are  full  of  labour  ;  man  cannot  utter  it :  the  eye  is 
not  satisfied  with  seeing,  nor  the  ear  filled  with  hearing.  The 
thing  that  hath  been,  it  is  that  which  shall  be ;  and  that  which 
is  done  is  that  which  shall  be  done  :  and  there  is  no  new  thing 
under  the  sun. 

The  flower  that  smiles  to-day,  to-morrow  dies  ; 
All  that  we  wish  to  stay,  tempts  and  then  flies  : 
What  is  this  world  ;  delight .'' 
Lightning  that  mocks  the  night,  brief  even  as  bright. 

I  communed  with  mine  own  heart,  saying,  Lo,  I  am  come  to 
great  estate,  and  have  gotten  more  wisdom  than  all  they  that 


3S^  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

have  been  before  me  in  Jerusalem  :  yea,  my  heart  had  great 
experience  of  wisdom  and  knowledge.  And  I  gave  my  heart  to 
know  wisdom,  and  to  know  madness  and  folly :  I  perceived  that 
this  also  is  vexation  of  spirit.  For  in  much  wisdom  is  much 
grief :  and  he  that  increaseth  knowledge  increaseth  sorrow. 

Much  Learning  shows  how  little  mortals  know ; 

Much  Wealth,  how  little  worldlings  can  enjoy; 

At  best  it  babies  us  with  endless  toys. 

And  keeps  us  children  till  we  drop  to  dust 

As  monkies  at  a  mirror  stand  amazed, 

They  fail  to  drink  what  they  so  plainly  see : 

Thus  men  in  shining  riches  see  the  face 

Of  happiness,  nor  know  it  is  a  shade  ; 

But  gaze,  and  touch,  and  peep,  and  peep  again, 

And  wish,  and  wonder  it  is  absent  still. 

How  few  can  rescue  opulence  from  want ! 

Who  lives  to  Nature,  rarely  can  be  poor; 

Who  lives  to  Fancy,  never  can  be  rich. 

I  said  in  mine  heart.  Go  to  now,  I  will  prove  thee  with  mirth  ; 
therefore  enjoy  pleasure  :  and,  behold,  this  also  is  vanity.  I  said 
of  laughter,  It  is  mad  :  and  of  mirth.  What  doeth  it }  I  sought 
in  mine  heart  to  give  myself  unto  wine,  yet  acquainting  mine 
heart  with  wisdom  ;  and  to  lay  hold  on  folly,  till  I  might  see 
what  was  that  good  for  the  sons  of  men,  which  they  should  do 
under  the  heaven  all  the  days  of  their  life.  I  made  me  great 
works  ;  I  builded  me  houses  ;  I  planted  me  vineyards  :  I  made 
me  gardens  and  orchards,  and  I  planted  trees  in  them  of  all 
kind  of  fruits :  I  made  me  pools  of  water,  to  water  therewith 
the  wood  that  bringeth  forth  trees :  I  got  me  servants  and 
maidens,  and  had  servants  born  in  my  house  ;  also  I  had  great 
possessions  of  great  and  small  cattle  above  all  that  were  in 
Jerusalem  before  me :  I  gathered  me  also  silver  and  gold,  and 
the  peculiar  treasure  of  kings  and  of  the  provinces :  I  gat  me 
men-singers  and  women-singers,  and  the  delights  of  the  sons  of 
men,  as  musical  instruments,  and  that  of  all  sorts.  So  I  was 
great,  and  increased  more  than  all  that  were  before  me  in  Jeru- 
salem :  also  my  wisdom  remained  with  me.  And  whatsoever 
mine  eyes  desired  I  kept  not  from  them,  I  withheld  not  my  heart 
from  any  joy  ;  for  my  heart  rejoiced  in  all  my  labour  :  and  this 
was  my  portion  of  all  my  labour.  Then  I  looked  on  all  the 
works  that  my  hands  had  wrought,  and  on  the  labour  that  I  had 


THE   BIBLE   AND    THE   POETS.  35/ 

laboured  to  do  :  and,  behold,  all  was  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit, 
and  there  was  no  profit  under  the  sun. 

Pleasures  are  fled,  and  fewer  we  enjoy ; 
Pleasure,  like  quicksilver,  is  bright  and  coy: 
We  strive  to  grasp  it  with  our  utmost  skill ; 
Still  it  eludes  us,  and  it  glitters  still  ; 
If  seized  at  last,  compute  your  mighty  gains  ; 
What  is  it  but  rank  poison  in  your  veins  ? 

And  I  turned  myself  to  behold  wisdom,  and  madness,  and 
folly  :  for  what  can  the  man  do  that  cometh  after  the  king  ?  even 
that  which  hath  been  already  done.  Then  I  saw  that  wisdom 
excelleth  folly,  as  far  as  light  excelleth  darkness.  The  wise 
man's  eyes  are  in  his  head  ;  but  the  fool  walketh  in  darkness  : 
and  I  myself  perceived  also  that  one  event  happeneth  to  them  all. 
Then  said  I  in  my  heart.  As  it  happeneth  to  the  fool,  so  it  hap- 
peneth even  to  me  ;  and  why  was  I  then  more  wise  1  Then  I 
said  in  my  heart,  that  this  also  is  vanity.  For  there  is  no  remem- 
brance of  the  wise  more  than  of  the  fool  for  ever  ;  seeing:  that 
which  now  is  in  the  days  to  come  shall  all  be  forgotten.  And 
how  dieth  the  wise  man  ">  as  the  fool.  Therefore  I  hated  life ; 
because  the  work  that  is  wrought  under  the  sun  is  grievous  unto 
me :  for  all  is  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit. 

I  have  ventured, 
Like  little  wanton  boys  that  swim  on  bladders, 
This  many  summers  in  a  sea  of  glory, 
But  far  beyond  my  depth  :  my  high  blown  pride 
At  length  broke  under  me  ;  and  now  has  left  me. 
Weary,  and  old  with  service,  to  the  mercy 
Of  a  rude  stream,  that  must  for  ever  hide  me. 
Vain  pomp  and  glory  of  the  world,  I  hate  ye : 
I  feel  my  heart  new  opened.  , 

Yea,  I  hated  all  my  labour  which  I  had  taken  under  the  sun : 
because  I  should  leave  it  unto  the  man  that  shall  be  after  me. 
And  who  knoweth  whether  he  shall  be  a  wise  man  or  a  fool  .-* 
yet  shall  he  have  rule  over  all  my  labour  wherein  I  have  laboured, 
and  wherein  I  have  shewed  myself  wise  under  the  sun.  This  is 
also  vanity.  Therefore  I  went  about  to  cause  my  heart  to 
despair  of  all  the  labour  which  I  took  under  the  sun.  For  there 
is  a  man  whose  labour  is  in  wisdom,  and  in  knowledge,  and  in 
equity ;  yet  to  a  man  that  hath  not  laboured  therein  shall  he 


358  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

leave  it  for  his  portion.  This  also  is  vanity  and  a  great  evil. 
For  what  hath  man  of  all  his  labour,  and  of  the  vexation  of  his 
heart,  wherein  he  hath  laboured  under  the  sun  }  For  all  his  days 
are  sorrows,  and  his  travail  grief ;  yea,  his  heart  taketh  not  rest 
in  the  night.     This  is  also  vanity. 

Fond  man,  he  cried,  thy  fruitless  search  forbear ; 
Nor  vainly  hope,  within  this  narrow  sphere, 

A  certain  happiness  to  find, 
Unbounded  as  thy  wish,  eternal  as  thy  mind  : 
In  God,  in  perfect  good  alone, 
The  anxious  soul  can  find  repose  ; 
Nor  to  a  bliss  beneath  the  throne. 
One  hour  of  full  enjoyment  owes  : 
He,  only  He,  can  fill  each  wide  desire, 
Who  to  each  wish  its  being  gave  ; 
Not  all  the  charms  which  mortal  wishes  fire, 
Not  all  which  angels  in  the  skies  admire. 
But  God's  eternal  smile  can  bid  it  cease  to  crave. 


CHAPTER   CL. 

KING   SOLOMON    PREACHING. 

Action  still  must  wait  on  thought ; 
Life's  a  voyage  rough  though  short ; 

We  must  dare  the  sorrow-wave, 

Many  a  sin-storm  we  must  brave, 
Ere  we  reach  our  destined  port. 

Sitting  listening  on  the  shore 
To  the  ocean's  restless  roar. 

Never  launching  on  the  main, 

Can  the  merchant  hope  to  gain 
Wealth  to  swell  his  treasure-store  ? 

CAST  thy  bread  upon  the  waters  :  for  thou  shalt  find  it  after 
many  days.  Give  a  portion  to  seven,  and  also  to  eight ; 
for  thou  knowest  not  what  evil  shall  be  upon  the  earth.  If  the 
clouds  be  full  of  rain,  they  empty  themselves  upon  the  earth  :■ 
and  if  the  tree  fall  toward  the  south,  or  toward  the  north,  in  the 
place  where  the  tree  falleth,  there  it  shall  be.    He  that  observeth 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  359 

the  wind  shall  not  sow  ;  and  he  that  regardeth  the  clouds  shall 

not  reap. 

The  chiefest  action  for  a  man  of  spirit, 

Is  never  to  be  out  of  action  ;  we  should  think 

The  soul  was  never  put  into  the  body, 

Which  has  so  many  rare  and  curious  pieces 

Of  mathematical  motion,  to  stand  still. 

Virtue  is  ever  sowing  of  her  seeds, 

In  the  trenches  for  the  soldier  ;  in  the  wakeful  study 

For  the  scholar  ;  in  the  furrows  of  the  sea 

For  men  of  that  profession  ;  of  all  which 

Arise  and  spring  up  honour. 

In  the  morning  sow  thy  seed,  and  in  the  evening  withhold  not 
thine  hand  :  for  thou  knowest  not  whether  shall  prosper,  either 
this  or  that,  or  whether  they  both  shall  be  alike  good.  Truly  the 
light  is  sweet,  and  a  pleasant  thing  it  is  for  the  eyes  to  behold 
the  sun  :  but  if  a  man  live  many  years,  and  rejoice  in  them  all ; 
yet  let  him  remember  the  days  of  darkness  ;  for  they  shall  be 
many.     All  that  cometh  is  vanity. 

I  saw  the  little  boy,  in  thought  how  oft  that  he 
Did  wishe  of  God,  to  scape  the  rod,  a  tall  young  man  to  be, 
The  young  man  eake  that  feles  his  bones  with  paines  opprest 
How  he  would  be  a  riche  olde  man,  to  live  and  lye  at  rest ; 
The  riche  olde  man  that  sees  his  end  draw  on  so  sore. 
How  he  would  be  a  boy  againe  to  live  so  much  the  more. 

Rejoice,  O  young  man,  in  thy  youth  ;  and  let  thy  heart  cheer 
thee  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  and  walk  in  the  ways  of  thine 
heart,  and  in  the  sight  of  thine  eyes  :  but  know  thou,  that  for 
all  these  things  God  will  bring  thee  into  judgment.  Therefore 
remove  sorrow  from  thy  heart,  and  put  away  evil  from  thy  flesh  : 
for  childhood  and  youth  are  vanity. 

Ah  when  did  Wisdom  covet  length  of  days. 

Or  seek  its  bliss  in  pleasure,  wealth,  or  praise  ? 

No  :  Wisdom  views  with  an  indifferent  eye 

All  finite  joys,  all  blessings  born  to  die  : 

The  soul  on  earth  is  an  immortal  guest, 

Condemned  to  starve  at  an  unreal  feast : 

A  spark,  which  upward  tends  by  Nature's  force  ; 

A  stream,  diverted  from  its  parent  source  ; 

A  drop,  dissevered  from  the  boundless  sea  ; 

A  moment,  parted  from  eternity  ; 

A  pilgrim,  panting  for  the  rest  to  come  ; 

An  exile,  anxious  for  his  native  home. 


36o  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  while  the 
evil  days  come  not,  nor  the  years  draw  nigh,  when  thou  shalt  say, 
I  have  no  pleasure  in  them  ;  while  the  sun,  or  the  light,  or  the 
moon,  or  the  stars,  be  not  darkened,  nor  the  clouds  return  after 
the  rain :  in  the  day  when  the  keepers  of  the  house  shall  tremble, 
and  the  strong  men  shall  bow  themselves,  and  the  grinders  cease 
because  they  are  few,  and  those  that  look  out  of  the  windows  be 
darkened,  and  the  doors  shall  be  shut  in  the  streets,  when  the 
sound  of  the  grinding  is  low,  and  he  shall  rise  up  at  the  voice  of 
the  bird,  and  all  the  daughters  of  music  shall  be  brought  low  ; 
also  when  they  shall  be  afraid  of  that  which  is  high,  and  fears 
shall  be  in  the  way,  and  the  almond  tree  shall  flourish,  and  the 
grasshopper  shall  be  a  burden,  and  desire  shall  fail :  because  man 
goeth  to  his  long  home,  and  the  mourners  go  about  the  streets  : 
or  ever  the  silver  cord  be  loosed,  or  the  golden  bowl  be  broken, 
or  the  pitcher  be  broken  at  the  fountain,  or  the  wheel  broken  at 
the  cistern.  Then  shall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was  : 
and  the  spirit  shall  return  unto  God  who  gave  it. 

The  verdant  rising  of  the  flowery  hill, 
The  vale  enamelled,  and  the  crystal  rill, 
The  ocean  rolling,  and  thfe  shelly  shore. 
Beautiful  objects,  shall  delight  no  more, 
When  the  laxed  sinews  of  the  weakened  eye 
In  watery  damps  or  dim  suffusion  lie. 
Day  follows  night ;  the  clouds  return  again 
After  the  falling  of  the  latter  rain, 
But  to  the  aged  blind  shall  ne'er  return 
Grateful  vicissitude  ;  he  still  must  mourn 
The  sun,  and  moon,  and  every  starry  light 
Eclipsed  to  him,  and  lost  in  everlasting  night. 

Vanity  of  vanities,  saith  the  Preacher  ;  all  is  vanity.  And 
moreover,  because  the  Preacher  was  wise,  he  still  taught  the 
people  knowledge  ;  yea,  he  gave  good  heed,  and  sought  out,  and 
set  in  order  many  proverbs.  The  Preacher  sought  to  find  out 
acceptable  words  :  and  that  which  was  written  was  upright,  even 
words  of  truth.  The  words  of  the  wise  are  as  goads,  and  as  nails 
fastened  by  the  masters  of  assemblies,  which  are  given  from  one 
shepherd.  And  further,  by  these,  my  son,  be  admonished :  of 
making  many  books  there  is  no  end  ;  and  much  study  is  a  weari- 
ness of  the  flesh. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  361 

Let  us  hear  the  conchision  of  the  whole  matter  :  Fear  God, 
and  keep  his  ccmmandments  :  for  this  is  the  whole  duty  of  man. 
For  God  shall  bring  every  work  into  judgment,  with  every  secret 
thing,  whether  it  be  good,  or  whether  it  be  evil. 

Hearken,  hearken  ! 

God  speaketh  in  thy  soul, 

Saying,  O  thou  that  movest 
With  feeble  steps  across  this  earth  of  mine, 
To  break  beside  the  fount  thy  golden  bowl 

And  spill  its  purple  wine, — 
Look  up  to  heaven  and  see  how  like  a  scroll 
My  riglit  hand  hath  thine  immortality 
In  an  eternal  grasping  !  thou,  that  lovest 
The  songful  birds  and  grasses  underfoot. 
And  also  what  change  mars  and  tombs  pollute  — 
/am  the  end  of  love  !  —  give  love  to  Me ! 
O  thou  that  sinnest,  grace  doth  more  abound 
Than  all  thy  sin  !  sit  still  beneath  my  rood, 
And  count  the  droppings  of  my  victim-blood, 

And  seek  no  other  sound  ! 


PERIOD    VI. 

FROM  THE  DIVISION   OF   THE   KINGDOM   UNTIL  THE 
CLOSE   OF   THE   OLD   TESTAMENT   PROPHECIES. 

B.C.    975-400. 


CHAPTER   CLI. 

THE    KINGDOM    DIVIDED    BETWEEN    REHOBOAM     AND 
JEROBOAM. 

AND  Rehoboam  went  to  Shechem  :  for  all  Israel  were  come 
to  Shechem  to  make  him  king.  And  it  came  to  pass, 
when  Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat,  who  was  yet  in  Egypt,  heard 
of  it,  (for  he  was  fled  from  the  presence  of  king  Solomon,  and 
Jeroboam  dwelt  in  Egypt,)  that  they  sent  and  called  him. 
And  Jeroboam  and  all  the  congregation  of  Israel  came,  and 
spake  unto  Rehoboam,  saying.  Thy  father  made  our  yoke  griev- 
ous :  now  therefore  make  thou  the  grievous  service  of  thy  father, 
and  his  heavy  yoke  which  he  put  upon  us,  lighter,  and  we  will 
serve  thee.  And  he  said  unto  them.  Depart  yet  for  three  days, 
then  come  again  to  me.     And  the  people  departed. 

For  the  mutable,  rank-scented  many,  let  them 

Regard  me  as  I  do  not  flatter,  and 

Therein  behold  themselves.     I  say  again, 

In  soothing  them  we  nourish  'gainst  our  senate 

The  cockle  of  rebellion,  insolence,  sedition, 

Which  we  ourselves  have  ploughed  for,  sowed,  and  scattered, 

By  mingling  them  with  us,  the  honoured  number. 

And  king  Rehoboam  consulted  with  the  old  men,  that  stood 
before  Solomon  his  father  while  he  yet  lived,  and  said,  How  do 
ye  advise  that  I  may  answer  this  people .-'  And  they  spake  unto 
him,  saying,  If  thou  wilt  be  a  servant  unto  this  people  this  day, 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  363 

and  wilt  serve  them,  and  answer  them,  and  speak  good  words 
to  them,  then  they  will  be  thy  servants  for  ever.  But  he  for- 
sook the  counsel  of  the  old  men,  which  they  had  given  him,  and 
consulted  with  the  young  men  that  were  grown  up  with  him, 
and  which  stood  before  him  :  and  he  said  unto  them,  What 
counsel  give  ye  that  we  may  answer  this  people,  who  have 
spoken  to  me  saying,  Make  the  yoke  which  thy  father  did  put 
upon  us  lighter  ?  And  the  young  men  that  were  grown  up  with 
him  spake  unto  him,  saying.  Thus  shalt  thou  speak  unto  this 
people  that  spake  unto  thee,  saying,  Thy  father  made  our  yoke 
heavy,  but  make  thou  it  lighter  unto  us  ;  thus  shalt  thou  say 
unto  them,  My  little  finger  shall  be  thicker  than  my  father's 
loins.  And  now  whereas  my  father  did  lade  you  with  a  heavy 
yoke,  I  will  add  to  your  yoke  :  my  father  hath  chastised  you 
with  whips,  but  I  will  chastise  you  with  scorpions. 

At  some  time  when  his  soaring  insolence 

Shall  teach  the  people,  (which  time  shall  not  want, 

If  he  be  put  upon't ;  and  that's  as  easy, 

As  to  set  dogs  on  sheep)  will  be  his  fire 

To  kindle  their  dry  stubble  ;  and  their  blaze 

Shall  darken  him  for  ever. 

So  Jeroboam  and  all  the  people  came  to  Rehoboam  ihe  third 
day,  as  the  king  had  appointed,  saying.  Come  to  me  agaiA  the 
third  day.  And  the  king  answered  the  people  roughly,  and  for- 
sook the  old  men's  counsel  that  they  gave  him  ;  and  spake  to 
them  after  the  counsel  of  the  young  men.  Wherefore  the  king 
hearkened  not  unto  the  people  ;  for  the  cause  was  from  the 
Lord,  that  he  might  perform  his  saying,  which  the  Lord  spake 
by  Ahijah  the  Shilonite  unto  Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat. 

So  when  all  Israel  saw  that  the  king  hearkened  not  unto  them, 
the  people  answered  the  king,  saying,  What  portion  have  we  in 
David  .-*  neither  have  we  inheritance  in  the  son  of  Jesse  :  to  your 
tents,  O  Israel :  now  see  to  thine  own  house,  David.  So  Israel 
departed  unto  their  tents.  But  as  for  the  children  of  Israel  which 
dwelt  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  Rehoboam  reigned  over  them.  And 
it  came  to  pass,  when  all  Israel  heard  that  Jeroboam  was  come 
again,  that  they  sent  and  called  him  unto  the  congregation,  and 
made  him  king  over  all  Israel :  there  was  none  that  followed  the 
house  of  David,  but  the  tribe  of  Judah  only. 


364  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Take  heed  how  you  impawn  our  person, 

How  you  awake  our  sleeping  sword  of  war  : 

We  charge  you  in  the  name  of  God,  take  heed  ; 

For  never  two  such  Kingdoms  did  contend. 

Without  much  fall  of  blood  ;  whose  guiltless  drops 

Are  every  one  a  woe,  a  sore  complaint, 

'Gainst  him,  whose  wrongs  give  edge  unto  their  swords 

That  make  such  waste  in  brief  mortality. 

Then  Jeroboam  built  Shechem  in  mount  Ephraim,  and  dwelt 
therein  ;  and  went  out  from  thence,  and  built  Penuel.  And 
Jeroboam  said  in  his  heart,  Now  shall  the  kingdom  return  to 
the  house  of  David :  if  this  people  go  up  to  do  sacrifice  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord  at  Jerusalem,  then  shall  the  heart  of  this 
people  turn  again  unto  their  lord,  even  unto  Rehoboam  king 
of  Judah,  and  they  shall  kill  me,  and  go  again  to  Rehoboam 
king  of  Judah.  Whereupon  the  king  took  counsel,  and  made 
two  calves  of  gold,  and  said  unto  them.  It  is  too  much  for  you 
to  go  up  to  Jerusalem  :  behold  thy  gods,  O  Israel,  which  brought 
thee  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt.  And  he  set  the  one  in  Beth-el, 
and  the  other  put  he  in  Dan,  And  this  thing  became  a  sin  : 
for  the  people  went  to  worship  before  the  one,  even  unto  Dan. 

And  Rehoboam  the  son  of  Solomon  reigned  in  Judah.  Reho- 
boam was  forty  and  one  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign,  and 
he  reigned  seventeen  years  in  Jerusalem,  the  city  which  the 
Lord  did  choose  out  of  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  to  put  his  name 
there.  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Rehoboam,  and  all  that  he 
did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the 
kings  of  Judah  }  And  there  was  war  between  Rehoboam  and 
Jeroboam  all  their  days.  And  Rehoboam  slept  with  his  fathers, 
and  was  buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  David.  And  his 
mother's  name  was  Naamah  an  Ammonitess.  And  Abijam  his 
son  reigned  in  his  stead.  And  the  days  which  Jeroboam  reigned 
were  two  and  twenty  years  :  and  he  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
Nadab  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

The  glories  of  our  birth  and  state. 

Are  shadows,  not  substantial  things  ; 
There  is  no  armour  against  fate  : 
Death  lays  his  icy  hands  on  kings  ; 
Sceptre  and  crown 
Must  tumble  down, 
And  in  the  dust  be  equal  made 
With  the  poor  crooked  scythe  and  spade. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  365 

Some  men  with  swords  may  reap  the  field, 
And  plant  fresh  laurels  where  they  kill; 
But  their  strong  nerves  at  last  must  yield, 
They  tame  but  one  another  still ; 
Early  or  late, 
They  stoop  to  fate, 
And  must  give  up  their  murmuring  breath  ; 
When  they,  pale  captives,  creep  to  death. 

The  garlands  wither  on  your  brow. 

Then  boast  no  more  your  mighty  deeds ; 
Upon  death's  purple  altar,  now. 
See  where  the  victor  victim  bleeds  : 
All  heads  must  come 
To  the  cold  tomb  : 
Only  the  actions  of  the  just 
Smell  sweet  and  blossom  in  the  dust. 


CHAPTER   CLII. 

AHAB    AND    JEHOSHAPHAT. ELIJAH. THE    CONTEST    AT 

CARMEL. RAIN. 

AND  in  the  thirty  and  eighth  year  of  Asa  king  of  Judah 
began  Ahab  the  son  of  Omri  to  reign  over  Israel :  and 
Ahab  the  son  of  Omri  reigned  over  Israel  in  Samaria  twenty 
and  two  years.  And  Ahab  the  son  of  Omri  did  evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord  above  all  that  were  before  him.  And  it  came  to 
pass,  as  if  it  had  been  a  light  thing  for  him  to  walk  in  the  sins 
of  Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat,  that  he  took  to  wife  Jezebel  the 
daughter  of  Ethbaal  king  of  the  Zidonians,  and  went  and  served 
Baal,  and  worshipped  him.  And  he  reared  up  an  altar  for  Baal 
in  the  house  of  Baal,  which  he  had  built  in  Samaria.  And  Ahab 
made  a  grove;  and  Ahab  did  more  to  provoke  the. Lord  God 
of  Israel  to  anger  than  all  the  kings  of  Israel  that  were  before 
him. 

And  Elijah  the  Tishbite,  who  was  of  the  inhabitants  of  Gilead, 
said  unto  Ahab,  As  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  liveth,  before  whom 
I  stand,  there  shall  not  be  dew  nor  rain  these  years,  but  accord- 


S66  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

ing  to  my  word.  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  him, 
saying,  Get  thee  hence,  and  turn  thee  eastward,  and  hide  thyself 
by  the  brook  Cherith,  that  is  before  Jordan. 

And  Jehoshaphat  the  son  of  Asa  began  to  reign  over  Judah 
in  the  fourth  year  of  Ahab  king  of  Israel.  Jehoshaphat  was 
thirty  and  five  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign  ;  and  he  reigned 
twenty  and  five  years  in  Jerusalem.  And  he  walked  in  all  the 
ways  of  Asa  his  father ;  he  turned  not  aside  from  it,  doing  that 
which  was  right  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord :  nevertheless  the  high 
places  were  not  taken  away ;  for  the  people  offered  and  burnt 
incense  yet  in  the  high  places.  And  Jehoshaphat  made  peace 
with  the  king  of  Israel. 

And  it  came  to  pass  after  many  days,  that  the  word  of  the 
Lord  came  to  Elijah  in  the  third  year,  saying,  Go,  shew  thyself 
unto  Ahab  ;  and  I  will  send  rain  upon  the  earth. 

There  is  a  nobler  strife  tlian  clashing  spears, 

A  nobler  peril  than  the  battle-field  ; 

'Tis  when,  with  trust  in  God  worn  as  a  shield, 

'Midst  universal  hisses,  scoffs,  and  sneers, 

The  man  of  truth  with  brow  serene  appears, 

And  stands  forth  singly  for  the  right,  appealed 

To  the  Eternal  Umpire  ;  nor  will  yield 

One  backward  step,  from  policy  or  fears. 

The  savage,  bandit,  nay,  the  brute,  is  steeled 

'Gainst  bristling  danger  —  e'en  the  worm  uprears 

Beneath  the  foot  his  tiny  sting,  to  crave 

A  venomed  vengeance  ;  but  immortal  years 

Are  full  of  glory  for  the  Christ-hke  brave, 

Who  dare  to  suffer  wrong,  that  they  from  wrong  may  save. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Ahab  saw  Elijah,  that  Ahab  said 
unto  him,  Art  thou  he  that  troubleth  Israel .?  And  he  answered, 
I  have  not  troubled  Israel  ;  but  thou,  and  thy  father's  house,  in 
that  ye  have  forsaken  the  commandments  of  the  Lord,  and  thou 
hast  followed  Baalim.  Now  therefore  send,  and  gather  to  me  all 
Israel  unto  mount  Carmel,  and  the  prophets  of  Baal  four  hundred 
and  fifty,  and  the  prophets  of  the  groves  four  hundred,  which 
eat  at  Jezebel's  table.  So  Ahab  sent  unto  all  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  gathered  the  prophets  together  unto  mount  Carmel. 
And  Elijah  came  unto  all  the  people,  and  said.  How  long  halt 
ye  between  two  opinions  .■'  if  the  Lord  be  God,  follow  him  :  but 
if  Baal,  then  follow  him.     And  the  people  answered  him  not  a 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  367 

word.  Then  said  Elijah  unto  the  people,  I,  even  I  only,  remain 
a  prophet  of  the  Lord  ;  but  Baal's  prophets  are  four  hundred  and 
fifty  men.  Let  them  therefore  give  us  two  bullocks  ;  and  let 
them  choose  one  bullock  for  themselves,  and  cut  it  in  pieces, 
and  lay  it  on  wood,  and  put  no  fire  under  :  and  I  will  dress  the 
other  bullock,  and  lay  it  on  wood,  and  put  no  fire  under :  and 
call  ye  on  the  name  of  your  gods,  and  I  will  call  on  the  name  of 
the  Lord  :  and  the  God  that  answereth  by  fire,  let  him  be  God. 
And  all  the  people  answered  and  said.  It  is  well  spoken.  And 
Elijah  said  unto  the  prophets  of  Baal,  Choose  you  one  bullock 
for  yourselves,  and  dress  it  first ;  for  ye  are  many  ;  and  call  on 
the  name  of  your  gods,  but  put  no  fire  under.  And  they  took 
the  bullock  which  was  given  them,  and  they  dressed  it,  and  called 
on  the  name  of  Baal  from  morning  even  until  noon,  saying,  O 
Baal,  hear  us.  But  there  was  no  voice,  nor  any  that  answered. 
And  they  leaped  upon  the  altar  which  was  made.  And  it  came 
to  pass  at  noon,  that  Elijah  mocked  them,  and  said.  Cry  aloud  : 
for  he  is  a  god  ;  either  he  is  talking,  or  he  is  pursuing,  or  he  is 
in  a  journey,  or  peradventure  he  sleepeth,  and  must  be  awaked. 
And  they  cried  aloud,  and  cut  themselves  after  their  manner 
with  knives  and  lancets,  till  the  blood  gushed  out  upon  them. 
And  it  came  to  pass,  when  midday  was  past,  and  they  prophesied 
until  the  time  of  the  offering  of  the  evening  sacrifice,  that  there 
was  neither  voice,  nor  any  to  answer,  nor  any  that  regarded. 

I  can  call  spirits  from  the  vasty  deep. — 

Why,  so  can  I,  or  so  can  any  man  ; 

But  will  they  come,  when  you  do  call  them  ? 

And  Elijah  said  unto  all  the  people.  Come  near  unto  me. 
And  all  the  people  came  near  unto  him.  And  he  repaired  the 
altar  of  the  Lord  that  was  broken  down.  And  Elijah  took 
twelve  stones,  according  to  the  number  of  the  tribes  of  the  sons 
of  Jacob,  unto  whom  the  word  of  the  Lord  came,  saying,  Israel 
shall  be  thy  name  :  and  with  the  stones  he  built  an  altar  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord :  and  he  made  a  trench  about  the  altar,  as 
great  as  would  contain  two  measures  of  seed.  And  he  put  the 
wood  in  order,  and  cut  the  bullock  in  pieces,  and  laid  him  on  the 
wood,  and  said.  Fill  four  barrels  with  water,  and  pour  it  on 
the  burnt  sacrifice,  and  on  the  wood.  And  he  said.  Do  it  the 
second  time.     And  they  did  it  the  second  time.     And  he  said, 


368  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Do  it  the  third  time.  And  they  did  it  the  third  time.  And  the 
water  ran  round  about  the  altar  ;  and  he  filled  the  trench  also 
with  water.  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  time  of  the  offering  of 
the  evening  sacrifice,  that  Elijah  the  prophet  came  near,  and 
said.  Lord  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  of  Israel,  let  it  be  known 
this  day  that  thou  art  God  in  Israel,  and  that  I  am  thy  servant, 
and  that  I  have  done  all  these  things  at  thy  word.  Hear  me,  O 
Lord,  hear  me,  that  this  people  may  know  that  thou  art  the 
Lord  God,  and  that  thou  hast  turned  their  heart  back  again. 
Then  the  fire  of  the  Lord  fell,  and  consumed  the  burnt  sacrifice, 
and  the  wood,  and  the  stones,  and  the  dust,  and  licked  up  the 
water  that  was  in  the  trench.  And  when  all  the  people  saw  it, 
they  fell  on  their  faces  :  and  they  said,  The  Lord,  he  is  the  God  ; 
the  Lord,  he  is  the  God.  And  Elijah  said  unto  them,  Take  the 
prophets  of  Baal ;  let  not  one  of  them  escape.  And  they  took 
them :  and  Elijah  brought  them  down  to  the  brook  Kishon,  and 
slew  Ihem  there. 

Come,  let  us  to  the  Lord  our  God  with  contrite  hearts  return  ; 
Our  God  is  gracious,  nor  will  leave  the  desolate  to  mourn. 
His  voice  commands  the  tempest  forth,  and  stills  the  stormy  wave  ; 
And  though  His  arm  be  strong  to  smite,  'tis  also  strong  to  save. 

And  Elijah  said  unto  Ahab,  Get  thee  up,  eat  and  drink ;  for 
there  is  a  sound  of  abundance  of  rain.  So  Ahab  went  up  to  eat 
and  to  drink.  And  Elijah  went  up  to  the  top  of  Carmel ;  and 
he  cast  himself  down  upon  the  earth,  and  put  his  face  between 
his  knees,  and  said  to  his  servant.  Go  up  now,  look  toward  the 
sea.  And  he  went  up,  and  looked,  and  said,  There  is  nothing. 
And  he  said.  Go  again  seven  times.  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the 
seventh  time,  that  he  said.  Behold,  there  ariseth  a  little  cloud 
out  of  the  sea,  like  a  man's  hand.  And  he  said.  Go  up,  say  unto 
Ahab,  Prepare  thy  chariot,  and  get  thee  down,  that  the  rain  stop 
thee  not.  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  mean  while,  that  the 
heaven  was  black  with  clouds  and  wind,  and  there  was  a  great 
rain.  And  Ahab  rode,  and  went  to  Jezreel.  And  the  hand  of 
the  Lord  was  on  Elijah  ;  and  he  girded  up  his  loins,  and  ran 
before  Ahab  to  the  entrance  of  Jezreel. 

The  chariot !  the  chariot !  its  wheels  roll  on  fire, 

As  the  Lord  cometh  down  in  the  pomp  of  His  ire  ; 

Self-moving  it  drives  on  its  pathway  of  cloud, 

And  the  heavens  with  the  burden  of  Godhead  are  bowed  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  369 


CHAPTER  CLIII. 

Elijah's  chariot.  —  elisha's  mantle.  —  prophetic 

TOKENS. 

Father,  I  would  not  dare  to  choose 
A  longer  life,  — an  earlier  death  ; 
I  know  not  what  my  soul  might  lose 
By  shortened,  or  protracted  breath. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  Lord  would  take  up  EHjah 
into  heaven  by  a  whirlwind,  that  Elijah  went  with  Elisha 
from  Gilgal.  And  Elijah  said  unto  Elisha,  Tarry  here,  I  pray 
thee  ;  for  the  Lord  hath  sent  me  to  Beth-el.  And  Elisha  said 
unto  him,  As  the  Lord  liveth,  and  as  thy  soul  liveth,  I  will  not 
leave  thee.  So  they  went  down  to  Beth-el.  And  the  sons  of 
the  prophets  that  were  at  Beth-el  came  forth  to  Elisha,  and  said 
unto  him,  Knowest  thou  that  the  Lord  will  takeaway  thy  master 
from  thy  head  to-day  .''  And  he  said.  Yea,  I  know  it  ;  hold  ye 
your  peace.  And  Elijah  said  unto  him,  Elisha,  tarry  here,  I 
pray  thee ;  for  the  Lord  hath  sent  me  to  Jericho.  And  he 
said,  As  the  Lord  liveth,  and  as  thy  soul  liveth,  I  will  not  leave 
thee.  So  they  came  to  Jericho.  And  the  sons  of  the  prophets 
that  were  at  Jericho  came  to  Elisha,  and  said  unto  him,  Knowest 
thou  that  the  Lord  will  take  away  thy  master  from  thy  head  to- 
day .''  And  he  answered.  Yea,  I  know  it  ;  hold  ye  your  peace. 
And  Elijah  said  unto  him.  Tarry,  I  pray  thee,  here  ;  for  the  Lord 
hath  sent  me  to  Jordan.  And  he  said.  As  the  Lord  liveth,  and  as 
thy  soul  liveth,  I  will  not  leave  thee.  And  they  two  went  on.  And 
fifty  men  of  the  sons  of  the  prophets  went,  and  stood  to  view  afar 
off :  and  they  two  stood  by  Jordan.  And  Elijah  took  his  mantle, 
and  wrapped  it  together,  and  smote  the  waters,  and  they  were  di- 
vided hither  and  thither,  so  that  they  two  went  over  on  dry  ground. 
And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  were  gone  over,  that  Elijah 
said  unto  Elisha,  Ask  what  I  shall  do  for  thee,  before  I  be  taken 
away  from  thee.  And  Elisha  said,  I  pray  thee,  let  a  double  por- 
tion of  thy  spirit  be  upon  me.  And  he  said.  Thou  hast  asked  a 
hard  thing  :  nevertheless,  if  thou  see  me  when  I  am  taken  from 
thee,  it  shall  be  so  unto  thee  ;  but  if  not,  it  shall  not  be  so.  And 
it  came  to  pass,  as  they  still  went  on,  and  talked,  that,  behold, 

24 


370  THE   BIBLE   AND    THE   POETS. 

there  appeared  a  chariot  of  fire,  and  horses  of  fire,  and  parted  them 
both  asunder ;  and  Ehjah  went  up  by  a  whirlwind  into  heaven. 

I'm  going,  —  I'm  going ;  but  what  do  I  see  ! 

'Tis  Jesus  in  glory  appears  unto  me. 

I'm  going,  —  I'm  going,  —  I'm  going,  —  I'm  gone  !  — 

Oh  glory!  oh  glory  !  — 'tis  done,  — it  is  done. — 

And  Elisha  saw  it,  and  he  cried,  My  father,  my  father,  the 
chariot  of  Israel,  and  the  horsemen  thereof  !  And  he  saw  him 
no  more  :  and  he  took  hold  of  his  own  clothes,  and  rent  them  in 
two  pieces.  He  took  up  also  the  mantle  of  Elijah  that  fell  from 
him,  and  went  back,  and  stood  by  the  bank  of  Jordan  ;  and  he 
took  the  mantle  of  Elijah  that  fell  from  him,  and  smote  the 
waters,  and  said,  Where  is  the  Lord  God  of  Elijah  .''  And  when 
he  also  had  smitten  the  waters,  they  parted  hither  and  thither  : 
and  Elisha  went  over.  And  when  the  sons  of  the  prophets  which 
were  to  view  at  Jericho  saw  him,  they  said.  The  spirit  of  Elijah 
doth  rest  on  Elisha.  And  they  came  to  meet  him,  and  bowed 
themselves  to  the  ground  before  him.  And  they  said  unto  him, 
Behold  now,  there  be  with  thy  servants  fifty  strong  men  ;  let 
them  go,  we  pray  thee,  and  seek  thy  master  :  lest  peradventure 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  hath  taken  him  up,  and  cast  him  upon 
some  mountain,  or  into  some  valley.  And  he  said.  Ye  shall  not 
send.  And  when  they  urged  him  till  he  was  ashamed,  he  said, 
Send.  They  sent  therefore  fifty  men  ;  and  they  sought  three 
days,  but  found  him  not.  And  when  they  came  again  to  him,  for 
he  tarried  at  Jericho,  he  said  unto  them,  Did  I  not  say  unto  you. 
Go  not  .'* 

And  the  men  of  the  city  said  unto  Elisha,  Behold,  I  pray 
thee,  the  situation  of  this  city  is  pleasant,  as  my  lord  seeth  :  but 
the  water  is  naught,  and  the  ground  barren.  And  he  said.  Bring 
me  a  new  cruse,  and  put  salt  therein.  And  they  brought  it  to 
him.  And  he  went  forth  unto  the  spring  of  the  waters,  and 
cast  the  salt  in  there,  and  said,  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  I  have 
healed  these  waters  ;  there  shall  not  be  from  thence  any  more 
death  or  barren  land.  So  the  waters  were  healed  unto  this  day, 
according  to  the  saying  of  Elisha  which  he  spake. 

For  them  the  rocks  dissolved  into  a  flood, 
The  dews  condensed  into  angelic  food  ; 
Their  very  garments  sacred,  old  yet  new, 
And  Time  forbid  to  touch  them  as  he  flew  ; 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  37 1 

Streams  swelled  above  the  bank,  enjoined  to  stand, 
While  they  passed  through  to  their  appointed  land; 
Their  leader  armed  with  meekness,  zeal,  and  love, 
And  graced  with  clear  credentials  from  above, 
Themsel/es  secured  beneath  the  Almiglity  wing, 
Their  God  their  captain,  lawgiver,  and  King. 

And  he  went  up  from  thence  unto  Beth-el :  and  as  he  was 
going  up  by  the  way,  there  came  forth  Httle  children  out  of  the 
city,  and  mocked  him,  and  said  unto  him,  Go  up,  thou  bald  head  ; 
go  up,  thou  bald  head.  And  he  turned  back,  and  looked  on 
them,  and  cursed  them  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  And  there 
came  forth  two  she-bears  out  of  the  wood,  and  tare  forty  and 
two  children  of  them.  And  he  went  from  thence  to  mount 
Carmel,  and  from  thence  he  returned  to  Samaria. 


CHAPTER   CLIV. 

THE    SHUNAMMITE    AND    HER    SON. 

How  sweet  the  sun  shines  over  us  at  night, 
When  from  the  moon  his  radiance  is  reflected ; 
'Tis  all  the  sun's  own  light,  and  not  the  moon's, 
Though  she  lies  near,  and  he  be  out  of  sight. 
When  thou  hast  done  a  work  of  charity. 
And,  vailed  in  tears,  a  human  face  smiles  on  thee^ 
Then  lo  !  the  Godhead's  mediate  countenance 
Yet  soft  and  mild,  like  sunshine  from  the  moon. 

AND  it  fell  on  a  day,  that  Elisha  passed  to  Shunem,  where 
was  a  great  woman  ;  and  she  constrained  him  to  eat  bread. 
And  so  it  was,  that,  as  oft  as  he  passed  by,  he  turned  in  thither 
to  eat  bread.  And  she  said  unto  her  husband,  Behold  now,  I 
perceive  that  this  is  a  holy  man  of  God,  which  passeth  by  us 
continually.  Let  us  make  a  little  chamber,  I  pray  thee,  on  the 
wall ;  and  let  us  set  for  him  there  a  bed,  and  a  table,  and  a  stool, 
and  a  candlestick :  and  it  shall  be,  when  he  cometh  to  us,  that 
he  shall  turn  in  thither.  And  it  fell  on  a  day,  that  he  came 
thither,  and  he  turned  into  the  chamber,  and  lay  there.     And 


3/2  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

he  said  to  Gehazi  his  servant,  Call  this  Shunammite.  And 
when  he  had  called  her,  she  stood  before  him.  And  he  said 
unto  him,  Say  now  unto  her.  Behold,  thou  hast  been  careful 
for  us  with  all  this  care  ;  what  is  to  be  done  for  thee  ?  wouldest 
thou  be  spoken  for  to  the  king,  or  to  the  captain  of  the  host  ? 
And  she  answered,  I  dwell  among  mine  own  people. 

"  I  dwell  among  mine  own,"  —  Oh  !  happy  thou 

Not  for  the  sunny  clusters  of  the  vine, 

Nor  for  the  olives  of  the  mountain's  brow  ; 

Nor  the  flocks  wandering  by  the  flowery  line 

Of  streams,  that  make  the  green  land  where  they  shine 

Laugh  to  the  light  of  waters  —  not  for  these, 

Nor  the  soft  shadow  of  ancestral  trees, 

Whose  kindly  whisper  floats  o'er  thee  and  thine  — 

Oh  not  for  tliese  I  call  thee  richly  blest, 

But  for  the  meekness  of  thy  woman's  breast, 

Where  that  sweet  depth  of  still  contentment  lies  ; 

And  for  thy  holy  household  love,  which  clings 

Unto  all  ancient  and  familiar  things. 

Weaving  from  each  some  link  for  home's  dear  charities. 

And  he  said,  What  then  is  to  be  done  for  her  1  And  Gehazi 
answered.  Verily  she  hath  no  child,  and  her  husband  is  old. 
And  he  said,  Call  her.  And  when  he  had  called  her,  she  stood 
in  the  door.  And  he  said,  About  this  season,  according  to  the 
time  of  life,  thou  shalt  embrace  a  son.  And  she  said.  Nay,  my 
lord,  thou  man  of  God,  do  not  lie  unto  thine  handmaid.  And 
the  woman  conceived,  and  bare  a  son  at  that  season  that  Elisha 
had  said  unto  her,  according  to  the  time  of  life. 

And  when  the  child  was  grown,  it  fell  on  a  day,  that  he  went 
out  to  his  father  to  the  reapers.  And  he  said  unto  his  father, 
My  head,  my  head  !  And  he  said  to  a  lad,  Carry  him  to  his 
mother.  And  when  he  had  taken  him,  and  brought  him  to  his 
mother,  he  sat  on  her  knees  till  noon,  and  then  died.  And  she 
went  up,  and  laid  him  on  the  bed  of  the  man  of  God,  and  shut 
the  door  upon  him,  and  went  out. 

So  still ! 
'Tis  a  soft  sleep  !     How  beautiful  he  lies, 
With  his  fair  forehead,  and  the  rosy  veins 
Playing  so  freshly  in  his  sunny  cheek  ! 
How  could  they  say  that  he  would  die  !  O  God ! 
I  could  not  lose  him  !  I  have  treasured  all 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  373 

His  childhood  in  my  heart,  and  even  now, 
As  he  has  slept,  my  memory  has  been  there, 
Counting  like  treasures  all  his  winning  ways  — 
His  unlorgotten  sweetness. 

And  she  called  unto  her  husband,  and  said.  Send  me,  I  pray 
thee,  one  of  the  young  men,  and  one  of  the  asses,  that  I  may 
run  to  the  man  of  God,  and  come  again.  And  he  said.  Where- 
fore wilt  thou  go  to  him  to-day .-'  it  is  neither  new  moon,  nor 
sabbath.  And  she  said.  It  shall  be  well.  Then  she  saddled  an 
ass,  and  said  to  her  servant,  Drive,  and  go  forward  ;  slack  not 
thy  riding  for  me,  except  I  bid  thee.  So  she  went,  and  came 
unto  the  man  of  God  to  mount  Carmel.  And  it  came  to  pass, 
when  the  man  of  God  saw  her  afar  off,  that  he  said  to  Gehazi 
his  servant,  Behold,  yonder  is  that  Shunammite  :  run  now,  I 
pray  thee,  to  meet  her,  and  say  unto  her,  Is  it  well  with  thee  .-* 
is  it  well  with  thy  husband  .-'  is  it  well  with  the  child  }  And  she 
answered.  It  is  well. 

Beloved,  it  is  well !  God's  ways  are  always  right ; 
And  love  is  o'er  them  all,  though  far  above  our  sight. 
Beloved,  it  is  well !  though  deep  and  sore  the  smart, 
He  wounds,  who  knows  to  bind  and  heal  the  broken  heart. 

And  when  she  came  to  the  man  of  God  to  the  hill,  she  caught 
him  by  the  feet  :  but  Gehazi  came  near  to  thrust  her  away. 
And  the  man  of  God  said.  Let  her  alone  ;  for  her  soul  is  vexed 
within  her :  and  the  Lord  hath  hid  it  from  me,  and  hath  not 
told  me.  Then  she  said.  Did  I  desire  a  son  of  my  lord  }  did  I 
not  say.  Do  not  deceive  me }  Then  he  said  to  Gehazi,  Gird  up 
thy  loins,  and  take  my  staff  in  thine  hand,  and  go  thy  way :  if 
thou  meet  any  man,  salute  him  not  ;  and  if  any  salute  thee, 
answer  him  not  again  :  and  lay  my  staff  upon  the  face  of  the 
child.  And  the  mother  of  the  child  said.  As  the  Lord  liveth, 
and  as  thy  soul  liveth,  I  will  not  leave  thee.  And  he  arose,  and 
followed  her.  And  Gehazi  passed  on  before  them,  and  laid  the 
staff  upon  the  face  of  the  child  ;  but  there  was  neither  voice,  nor 
hearing.  Wherefore  he  went  again  to  meet  him,  and  told  him, 
saying,  The  child  is  not  awaked.  And  when  Elisha  was  come 
into  the  house,  behold,  the  child  was  dead,  and  laid  upon  his 
bed.  He  went  in  therefore,  and  shut  the  door  upon  them  twain, 
and  prayed  unto  the  Lord.     And  he  went  up,  and  lay  upon  the 


374  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

child,  and  put  his  mouth  upon  his  mouth,  and  his  eyes  upon  his 
eyes,  and  his  hands  upon  liis  hands  :  and  he  stretched  himself 
upon  the  child  ;  and  the  flesh  of  the  child  waxed  warm.  Then 
he  returned,  and  walked  in  the  house  to  and  fro  ;  and  went  up, 
and  stretched  himself  upon  him  :  and  the  child  sneezed  seven 
times,  and  the  child  opened  his  eyes.  And  he  called  Gehazi, 
and  said,  Call  this  Shunammite.  So  he  called  her.  And  when 
she  was  come  in  unto  him,  he  said,  Take  up  thy  son.  Then  she 
went  in,  and  fell  at  his  feet,  and  bowed  herself  to  the  ground, 
and  took  up  her  son,  and  went  out. 

The  man  of  God  came  forth  —  went  on  his  way, 
And  he  was  there  —  her  beautiful  —  her  own  — 
Living  and  smiling  on  her  —  with  his  arms 
Folded  about  her  neck,  and  his  warm  breath 
Breathing  upon  her  lips,  and  in  her  ear 
The  music  of  his  gentle  voice  once  more  ! 


CHAPTER   CLV. 

NAAMAN's    leprosy. ELISHA's    remedy. GEHAZl's 

INHERITANCE. 

NOW  Naaman,  captain  of  the  host  of  the  king  of  Syria,  was 
a  great  man  with  his  master,  and  honourable,  because  by 
him  the  Lord  had  given  deliverance  unto  Syria :  he  was  also  a 
mighty  man  in  valour,  but  he  was  a  leper.  And  the  Syrians  had 
gone  out  by  companies,  and  had  brought  away  captive  out  of  the 
land  of  Israel  a  little  maid  ;  and  she  waited  on  Naaman's  wife. 
And  she  said  unto  her  mistress.  Would  God  my  lord  were  with 
the  prophet  that  is  in  Samaria  !  for  he  would  recover  him  of  his 
leprosy.  And  one  went  in,  and  told  his  lord,  saying.  Thus  and 
thus  said  the  maid  that  is  of  the  land  of  Israel.  And  the  king 
of  Syria  said.  Go  to,  go,  and  I  will  send  a  letter  unto  the  king  of 
Israel.  And  he  departed,  and  took  with  him  ten  talents  of  silver, 
and  six  thousand  pieces  of  gold,  and  ten  changes  of  raiment. 
And  he  brought  the  letter  to  the  king  of  Israel,  saying.  Now 
when  this  letter  is  come  unto  thee,  behold,  I  have  therewith  sent 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  375 

Naaman  my  servant  to  thee,  that  thou  mayest  recover  him  of  his 
leprosy.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king  of  Israel  had  read 
the  letter,  that  he  rent  his  clothes,  and  said.  Am  I  God,  to  kill 
and  to  make  alive,  that  this  man  doth  send  unto  me  to  recover  a 
man  of  his  leprosy  ?  Wherefore  consider,  I  pray  you,  and  see 
how  he  seeketh  a  quarrel  against  me. 

Though  pride  may  show  some  nobleness  when  honour's  its  e.lly, 

Yet  there  is  such  a  thing  on  earth  as  holding  heads  too  high  ! 

The  sweetest  bird  builds  near  the  ground,  the  loveliest  flower  springs  low  ; 

And  we  must  stoop  for  happiness,  if  we  its  worth  would  know. 

The  humblest  being  born  is  great,  if  true  to  his  degree ; 

His  virtue  illustrates  his  fate,  whatever  that  may  be  ! 

Thus,  let  us  daily  learn  to  love  simplicity  and  worth  ; 

For  not  the  eagle,  but  the  dove,  brought  peace  unto  the  earth. 

And  it  was  so,  when  Elisha  the  man  of  God  had  heard  that 
the  king  of  Israel  had  rent  his  clothes,  that  he  sent  to  the  king, 
'saying,  Wherefore  hast  thou  rent  thy  clothes  .-'  let  him  come  now 
to  me,  and  he  shall  know  that  there  is  a  prophet  in  Israel.  So 
Naaman  came  with  his  horses  and  with  his  chariot,  and  stood  at 
the  door  of  the  house  of  Elisha.  And  Elisha  sent  a  messenger 
unto  him,  saying.  Go  and  wash  in  Jordan  seven  times,  and  thy 
flesh  shall  come  again  to  thee,  and  thou  shalt  be  clean.  But 
Naaman  was  wroth,  and  went  away,  and  said.  Behold,  I  thought, 
he  will  surely  come  out  to  me,  and  stand,  and  call  on  the  name 
of  the  Lord  his  God,  and  strike  his  hand  over  the  place,  and 
recover  the  leper.  Are  not  Abana  and  Pharpar,  rivers  of  Damas- 
cus, better  than  all  the  waters  of  Israel  }  may  I  not  wash  in 
them,  and  be  clean }  So  he  turned,  and  went  away  in  a  rage. 
And  his  servants  came  near,  and  spake  unto  him,  and  said,  My 
father,  if  the  prophet  had  bid  thee  do  some  great  thing,  wouldest 
thou  not  have  done  it  1  how  much  rather  then,  when  he  saith  to 
thee,  Wash,  and  be  clean  .?  Then  went  he  down,  and  dipped 
himself  seven  times  in  Jordan,  according  to  the  saying  of  the 
man  of  God  :  and  his  flesh  came  again  like  unto  the  flesh  of  a 
little  child,  and  he  was  clean. 

And  he  returned  to  the  man  of  God,  he  and  all  his  company, 
and  came,  and  stood  before  him  :  and  he  said.  Behold,  now  I 
know  that  there  is  no  God  in  all  the  earth,  but  in  Israel  :  now 
therefore,  I  pray  thee,  take  a  blessing  of  thy  servant.  But  he 
said.  As  the  Lord  liveth,  before  whom  I  stand,  I  will  receive 


37^  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

none.  And  he  urged  him  to  take  it  ;  but  he  refused.  And 
Naaman  said,  Shall  there  not  then,  I  pray  thee,  be  given  to  thy 
servant  two  mules'  burden  of  earth  .••  for  thy  servant  will  hence- 
forth offer  neither  burnt  offering  nor  sacrifice  unto  other  gods, 
but  unto  the  Lord.  In  this  thing  the  Lord  pardon  thy  servant, 
that  when  my  master  goeth  into  the  house  of  Rimmon  to  worship 
there,  and  he  leaneth  on  my  hand,  and  I  bow  myself  in  the  house 
of  Rimmon  :  when  I  bow  down  myself  in  the  house  of  Rimmon, 
the  Lord  pardon  thy  servant  in  this  thing.  And  he  said  unto 
him,  Go  in  peace.     So  he  departed  from  him  a  little  way. 

Confess  yourself  to  Heaven  ; 
Repent  what's  past ;  avow  what  is  to  come, 
And  do  not  spread  the  compost  on  the  weeds, 
To  make  them  ranker. 

But  Gehazi,  the  serv-ant  of  Elisha  the  man  of  God,  said.  Behold, 
my  master  hath  spared  Naaman  this  Syrian,  in  not  receiving  at 
his  hands  that  which  he  brought :  but,  as  the  Lord  liveth,  I  will 
run  after  him,  and  take  somewhat  of  him.  So  Gehazi  followed 
after  Naaman.  And  when  Naaman  saw  him  running  after  him, 
he  lighted  down  from  the  chariot  to  meet  him,  and  said,  Is  all 
well  .-*  And  he  said.  All  is  well.  My  master  hath  sent  me,  say- 
ing. Behold,  even  now  there  be  come  to  me  from  mount  Ephraim 
two  young  men  of  the  sons  of  the  prophets  :  give  them,  I  pray 
thee,  a  talent  of  silver,  and  two  changes  of  garments.  And 
Naaman  said,  Be  content,  take  two  talents.  And  he  urged  him, 
and  bound  two  talents  of  silver  in  two  bags,  with  two  changes  of 
garments,  and  laid  them  upon  two  of  his  servants  ;  and  they  bare 
them  before  him.  And  when  he  came  to  the  tower,  he  took  them 
from  their  hand,  and  bestowed  them  in  the  house :  and  he  let  the 
men  go,  and  they  departed.  But  he  went  in,  and  stood  before 
his  master.  And  Elisha  said  unto  him,  Whence  comest  thou, 
Gehazi  >  And  he  said,  Thy  servant  went  no  whither.  And  he 
said  unto  him,  Went  not  mine  heart  with  thee,  when  the  man 
turned  again  from  his  chariot  to  meet  thee  ?  Is  it  a  time  to 
receive  money,  and  to  receive  garments,  and  oliveyards,  and  vine- 
yards, and  sheep,  and  oxen,  and  men-servants,  and  maid-ser\^ants .'' 
The  leprosy  therefore  of  Naaman  shall  cleave  unto  thee,  and  unto 
thy  seed  for  ever.  And  he  went  out  from  his  presence  a  leper 
as  white  as  snow. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  377 

If  this  be  held  the  highway  to  get  riches, 
May  I  be  poor  !     This  is  not  the  gain,  but  torment 
These  possess  wealth,  as  sick  men  possess  fevers, 
Which  trulier  may  be  said  to  possess  them. 


CHAPTER   CLVI. 

PREDICTIONS. PERSUASIVES. PROMISES. 

Life's  a  long  tragedy  :  this  globe  the  stage, 

Well  fixed  and  well  adorned  with  strong  machines, 

Gay  fields,  and  skies,  and  seas  :  the  actors  many : 

The  plot  immense  :  a  flight  of  demons  sit 

On  every  sailing  cloud  with  fatal  purpose, 

And  shoots  across  the  scenes  ten  thousand  arrows 

Perpetual  and  unseen,  headed  with  pain. 

With  sorrow,  infamy,  disease,  and  death. 

The  pointed  plagues  fly  silent  through  the  air, 

Nor  twangs  the  bow,  yet  sure  and  deep  the  wound. 

BLOW  ye  the  trumpet  in  Zion,  and  sound  an  alarm  in  my 
holy  mountain  :  let  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  tremble  : 
for  the  day  of  the  Lord  cometh,  for  it  is  nigh  at  hand  ;  a  day  of 
darkness  and  of  gloominess,  a  day  of  clouds  and  of  thick  dark- 
ness, as  the  morning  spread  upon  the  mountains  :  a  great  people 
and  a  strong  ;  there  hath  not  been  ever  the  like,  neither  shall  be 
any  more  after  it,  even  to  the  years  of  many  generations.  A  fire 
devoureth  before  them  ;  and  behind  them  a  flame  burneth  :  the 
land  is  as  the  garden  of  Eden  before  them,  and  behind  them  a 
desolate  wilderness  ;  yea,  and  nothing  shall  escape  them.  The 
appearance  of  them  is  as  the  appearance  of  horses;,  and  as 
horsemen,  so  shall  they  run.  Like  the  noise  of  chariots  on  the 
tops  of  mountains  shall  they  leap,  like  the  noise  of  a  flame  of  fire 
that  devoureth  the  stubble,  as  a  strong  people  set  in  battle  array. 
Before  their  face  the  people  shall  be  much  pained  :  all  faces  shall 
gather  blackness.  The  earth  shall  quake  before  them ;  the 
heavens  shall  tremble  :  the  sun  and  the  moon  shall  be  dark,  and 
the  stars  shall  withdraw  their  shining :  and  the  Lord  shall  utter 
his  voice  before  his  army  :  for  his  camp  is  very  great ;  for  he  is 
strong  that  executeth  his  word  :  for  the  day  of  the  Lord  is  great 
and  very  terrible,  and  who  can  abide  it  .•' 


37S  THE  BIBLE   AND    THE  POETS. 

Therefore  also  now,  saith  the  Lord,  turn  ye  even  to  me  with 
all  your  heart,  and  with  fasting,  and  with  weeping,  and  with 
mourning  :  and  rend  your  heart,  and  not  your  garments,  and 
turn  unto  the  Lord  your  God  :  for  he  is  gracious  and  merciful, 
slow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kindness,  and  repenteth  him  of  the 
evil.  Who  knoweth  if  he  will  return  and  repent,  and  leave  a 
blessing  behind  him  ;  even  a  meat  offering  and  a  drink  offering 
unto  the  Lord  your  God  ? 

Learn  to  mark  God's  wondrous  dealing 

With  the  people  that  He  loves  ; 
When  His  chastening  hand  they're  feeling, 

Then  their  faith  the  strongest  proves  : 
God  is  nigh,  and  notes  their  tears, 
Though  lie  answers  not,  He  hears  ; 
Pray  with  faith,  for  though  He  try  you. 
No  good  thing  can  God  deny  you. 

Blow  the  trumpet  in  Zion,  sanctify  a  fast,  call  a  solemn  assem- 
bly :  gather  the  people,  sanctify  the  congregation,  assemble  the 
elders,  gather  the  children,  and  those  that  suck  the  breasts  :  let 
the  bridegroom  go  forth  of  his  chamber,  and  the  bride  out  of  her 
closet.  Let  the  priests,  the  ministers  of  the  Lord,  weep  between 
the  porch  and  the  altar,  and  let  them  say,  Spare  thy  people,  O 
Lord,  and  give  not  thine  heritage  to  reproach,  that  the  heathen 
should  rule  over  them  :  wherefore  should  they  say  among  the 
people.  Where  is  their  God .-' 

Fear  not,  O  land  ;  be  glad  and  rejoice  :  for  the  Lord  will  do 
great  things.  Be  not  afraid,  ye  beasts  of  the  field  :  for  the  past- 
ures of  the  wilderness  do  spring,  for  the  tree  beareth  her  fruit, 
the  fig  tree  and  the  vine  do  yield  their  strength.  Be  glad  then, 
ye  children  of  Zion.  and  rejoice  in  the  Lord  your  God  :  for  he 
hath  given  you  the  former  rain  moderately,  and  he  will  cause  to 
come  down  for  you  the  rain,  the  former  rain,  and  the  latter  rain 
in  the  first  month.  And  the  floors  shall  be  full  of  wheat,  and 
the  fats  shall  overflow  with  wine  and  oil.  And  I  will  restore  to 
you  the  years  that  the  locust  hath  eaten,  the  cankerworm,  and 
the  caterpillar,  and  the  palmerworm,  my  great  army  which  I  sent 
among  you.  And  ye  shall  eat  in  plenty,  and  be  satisfied,  and 
praise  the  name  of  the  Lord  your  God,  that  hath  dealt  won- 
drously  with  you  :  and  my  people  shall  never  be  ashamed.  And 
ye  shall  know  that  I  am  in  the  midst  of  Israel,  and  that  I  am 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  '3)7<) 

the  Lord  your  God,  and  none  else  :  and  my  people  shall  never 
be  ashamed. 

Lord,  'tis  Thy  plenty-dropping  Iiand  that  sows  our  land  : 
All  this,  and  better,  dost  Tliou  send  me  for  this  end  : 
That  I  should  render  for  my  part  a  thankful  heart. 
Which,  fired  with  incense,  I  resign  as  wholly  Thine: 
But  the  acceptance  —  that  must  be,  O  Lord,  by  Thee. 

And  it  shall  come  to  pass  afterward,  that  I  will  pour  out  my 
Spirit  upon  all  flesh  ;  and  your  sons  and  your  daughters  shall 
prophesy,  your  old  men  shall  dream  dreams,  your  young  men 
shall  see  visions :  and  also  upon  the  servants  and  upon  the  hand- 
maids in  those  days  will  I  pour  out  my  Spirit.  And  I  will  shew 
wonders  in  the  heavens  and  in  the  earth,  blood,  and  fire,  and 
pillars  of  smoke.  The  sun  shall  be  turned  into  darkness,  and 
the  moon  into  blood,  before  the  great  and  the  terrible  day  of  the 
Lord  come.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  whosoever  shall  call 
on  the  name  of  the  Lord  shall  be  delivered  :  for  in  mount  Zion 
and  in  Jerusalem  shall  be  deliverance,  as  the  Lord  hath  said,  and 
in  the  remnant  whom  the  Lord  shall  call. 

Oh,  magnify  the  Lord  with  me  ! 

His  power,  His  goodness  prove  ; 
How  blest  His  sway !  oh,  taste  and  see 

How  vast,  how  kind  His  love  ! 


CHAPTER   CLVIL 

THE    PROPHET    PREACHING. 

Winged  with  prophetic  ecstasies,  behold 

The  son  of  Amos,  beautifully  bold. 

Borne  like  the  scythed  wing  of  the  eagle  proud, 

That  shears  the  winds,  and  climbs  the  storied  cloud 

Aloft  sublime  !     And  through  the  crystalline, 

Glories  upon  its  lighted  head  doth  shine. 

THE  vision  of  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz,  which  he  saw  concern- 
ing Judah  and  Jerusalem  in  the  days  of  Uzziah,  Jotham, 
Ahaz,  and  Hezekiah,  kings  of  Judah.  Hear,  O  heavens,  and  give 
ear,  O  earth  :  for  the  Lord  hath  spoken  ;  I  have  nourished  and 
brought  up  children,  and  they  have  rebelled  against  me.     The 


38o  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

OX  knoweth  his  owner,  and  the  ass  his  master's  crib :  but  Israel 
doth  not  know,  my  people  doth  not  consider.  Ah  sinful  nation, 
a  people  laden  with  iniquity,  a  seed  of  evil  doers,  children  that 
are  corrupters  :  they  have  forsaken  the  Lord,  they  have  pro- 
voked the  Holy  One  of  Israel  unto  anger,  they  are  gone  away 
backward. 

Thou,  God,  that  rul'st  and  reign'st  in  light,  that  flesh  cannot  attain  ; 
Thou,  God,  thou  knovv''st  the  thoughts  of  men  are  altogether  vain  ; 
Thou,  God,  whom  neither  tongue  of  man  nor  angel  can  express ; 
Thou,  God,  it  is  that  I  do  seek,  Thou  pity  my  distress  ! 
Thy  seat,  O  God,  is  everywhere,  Thy  power  all  powers  transcend ; 
Thy  wisdom  cannot  measured  be,  for  that  it  hath  no  end ! 
Thou  art  the  power  and  wisdom  too,  and  sole  felicity ; 
But  I  a  lump  of  sinful  flesh,  nurse  of  iniquity. 

Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  ye  rulers  of  Sodom  ;  give  ear  unto 
the  law  of  our  God,  ye  people  of  Gomorrah.  To  what  purpose 
is  the  multitude  of  your  sacrifices  unto  me  .-*  saith  the  Lord  :  I 
am  full  of  the  burnt  offerings  of  rams,  and  the  fat  of  fed  beasts  ; 
and  I  delight  not  in  the  blood  of  bullocks,  or  of  lambs,  or  of  he- 
goats.  When  ye  come  to  appear  before  me,  who  hath  required 
this  at  your  hand,  to  tread  my  courts  .''  Bring  no  more  vain 
oblations  ;  incense  is  an  abomination  unto  me  ;  the  new  moons 
and  sabbaths,  the  calling  of  assemblies,  I  cannot  away  with  ;  it 
is  iniquity,  even  the  solemn  meeting.  Your  new  moons  and 
your  appointed  feasts  my  soul  hateth  :  they  are  a  trouble  unto 
me  ;  I  am  weary  to  bear  them.  And  when  ye  spread  forth  your 
hands,  I  will  hide  mine  eyes  from  you  ;  yea,  when  ye  make 
many  prayers,  I  will  not  hear :  your  hands  are  full  of  blood. 

Vainly  we  offer  each  ample  oblation, 
Vainly  with  gold  would  His  favour  secure  ; 
Richer  by  far  is  the  heart's  adoration. 
Dearer  to  God  are  the  prayers  of  the  poor. 

Wash  ye,  make  you  clean  ;  put  away  the  evil  of  your  doings 
from  before  mine  eyes  ;  cease  to  do  evil  ;  learn  to  do  well  ;  seek 
judgment,  relieve  the  oppressed,  judge  the  fatherless,  plead  for 
the  widow.  Come  now,  and  let  us  reason  together,  saith  the 
Lord  :  though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  as  white  as 
snow  ;  though  they  be  red  like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool. 
If  ye  be  willing  and  obedient,  ye  shall  eat  the  good  of  the  land  : 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  381 

but  if  ye  refuse  and  rebel,  ye  shall  be  devoured  with  the  sword  : 
for  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

Down  the  dark  future,  through  long  generations, 

The  sounds  of  war  grow  fainter,  and  then  cease  ; 
And  like  a  bell  with  solemn  sweet  vibrations, 

I  hear  once  more  the  voice  of  Christ  say,  Peace  ! 
Peace  !  and  no  longer,  from  its  brazen  portals 

The  blast  of  war's  great  organ  shakes  the  skies  ; 
But  beautiful  as  songs  of  the  immortals, 

The  holy  melodies  of  love  arise. 

And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days,  that  the  mountain 
of  the  Lord's  house  shall  be  established  in  the  top  of  the 
mountains,  and  shall  be  exalted  above  the  hills  ;  and  all  nations 
shall  flow  unto  it.  And  many  people  shall  go  and  say.  Come  ye, 
and  let  us  go  up  to  the  mountain  of  the  Lord,  to  the  house  of 
the  God  of  Jacob  ;  and  he  will  teach  us  of  his  ways,  and  we 
will  walk  in  his  paths  :  for  out  of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the  law, 
and  the  word  of  the  Lord  from  Jerusalem.  .  And  he  shall  judge 
among  the  nations,  and  shall  rebuke  many  people :  and  they 
shall  beat  their  swords  into  plough-shares,  and  their  spears  into 
pruning-hooks  :  nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against  nation, 
neither  shall  they  learn  war  any  more.  O  house  of  Jacob,  come 
ye,  and  let  us  walk  in  the  light  of  the  Lord. 

Enter  into  the  rock,  and  hide  thee  in  the  dust,  for  fear  of  the 
Lord,  and  for  the  glory  of  his  majesty.  The  lofty  looks  of  man 
shall  be  humbled,  and  the  haughtiness  of  men  shall  be  bowed 
down  ;  and  the  Lord  alone  shall  be  exalted  in  that  day.  For 
the  day  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  shall  be  upon  every  one  that  is 
proud  and  lofty,  and  upon  every  one  that  is  lifted  up ;  and  he 
shall  be  brought  low  :  and  upon  all  the  cedars  of  Lebanon,  that 
are  high  and  lifted  up,  and  upon  all  the  oaks  of  Bashan,  and  upon 
all  the  high  mountains,  and  upon  all  the  hills  that  are  lifted  up, 
and  upon  every  high  tower,  and  upon  every  fenced  wall,  and 
upon  all  the  ships  of  Tarshish,  and  upon  all  pleasant  pictures. 
And  the  loftiness  of  man  shall  be  bowed  down,  and  the  haughti- 
ness of  men  shall  be  made  low  ;  and  the  Lord  alone  shall  be 
exalted  in  that  day. 

Thou,  the  world's  eternal  Sire  ! 

Thou  art  girt  with  vengeful  fire, 
And  mountains  quake  and  banded  nations  flae  ; 
And  terror  shakes  the  wide  unfathomed  sea, 


382  THE  BIBLE  AXD    THE  POETS. 

When  the  heavens  rock  with  Thy  tempestuous  ire. 
O,  TIiou  !  —  too  vast  for  thought  to  comprehend, 
That  wast  ere  time  —  shalt  be  when  time  is  o'er; 
Ages  and  worlds  begin  —  grow  old  —  and  end, — 
Systems  and  suns  Thy  changeless  throne  before, 
Commence  and  close  their  cycles  :  — lost,  I  bend 
To  earth  my  prostrate  soul,  and  shudder  and  adore. 


CHAPTER   CLVIII. 

A   VISION    OF    JEHOVAH    ENTHRONED. THE    PROPHET 

COMMISSIONED. 

O  WATCHERS  of  the  Stars  of  night, 

Who  breathe  their  fire,  as  we  the  air, — 
Suns,  thunders,  stars,  and  rays  of  light, 

O,  say,  is  HE,  the  eternal,  there  ? 
Bend  there  around  His  awful  throne 

The  seraph's  glance,  the  angel's  knee  ? 
Or  are  thy  inmost  depths  His  own, 

O  wild  and  mighty  sea  ? 

O  Thou  who  bid'st  the  torrent  flow, 

Who  lendest  wings  unto  the  wind, — 
Mover  of  all  things  !  where  art  Thou  ? 

O,  whither  shall  I  go  to  find 
The  secret  of  Thy  resting-place  ? 

Is  there  no  holy  wing  for  me, 
That,  soaring,  I  may  search  the  space 

Of  highest  heaven  for  Thee  .-' 

IN  the  year  that  king  Uzziah  died  I  saw  also  the  Lord  sitting 
upon  a  throne,  high  and  Hfted  up,  and  his  train  filled  the 
temple.  Above  it  stood  the  seraphim  :  each  one  had  six  wings  ; 
with  twain  he  covered  his  face,  and  with  twain  he  covered  his 
feet,  and  with  twain  he  did  fly.  And  one  cried  unto  another, 
and  said,  Holy,  holy,  holy,  is  the  Lord  of  hosts  :  the  whole  earth 
is  full  of  his  glory.  And  the  posts  of  the  door  moved  at  the 
voice  of  him  that  cried,  and  the  house  was  filled  with  smoke. 

Then  said  I,  Woe  is  me !  for  I  am  undone  ;  because  I  am  a 
man  of  unclean  lips,  and  I  dwell  in  the  midst  of  a  people  of 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  3S3 

unclean  lips  :  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  the  King,  the  Lord  of 
hosts.  Then  flew  one  of  the  seraphim  unto  me,  having  a  live 
coal  in  his  hand,  which  he  had  taken  with  the  tongs  from  off  the 
altar  :  and  he  laid  it  upon  my  mouth,  and  said,  Lo,  this  hath 
touched  thy  lips  ;  and  thine  iniquity  is  taken  away,  and  thy  sin 
purged. 

O  Thou,  whose  all-enh'vening  ray 

Can  turn  my  darkness  into  day, 

Disperse,  Great  God,  my  mental  gloom, 

And  with  Thyself  my  soul  illume. 

Though  gathering  sorrows  swell  my  breast, 

Speak  but  the  word,  and  peace  and  rest 

Shall  set  my  troubled  spirit  free, 

In  sweet  communion,  Lord,  with  Thee. 

Also  I  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  saying,  Whom  shall  I 
send,  and  who  will  go  for  us  .-'  Then  said  I,  Here  am  I  ;  send 
me.  And  he  said.  Go,  and  tell  this  people.  Hear  ye  indeed,  but 
understand  not  ;  and  see  ye  indeed,  but  perceive  not.  Make 
the  heart  of  this  people  fat,  and  make  their  ears  heavy,  and  shut 
their  eyes  ;  lest  they  see  with  their  eyes,  and  hear  with  their 
ears,  and  understand  with  their  heart,  and  convert,  and  be 
healed.  Then  said  I,  Lord,  how  long }  And  he  answered, 
Until  the  cities  be  wasted  without  inhabitant,  and  the  houses 
without  man,  and  the  land  be  utterly  desolate,  and  the  Lord 
have  removed  men  far  away,  and  there  be  a  great  forsaking  in 
the  midst  of  the  land.  But  yet  in  it  shall  be  a  tenth,  and  it  shall 
return,  and  shall  be  eaten  :  as  a  teil  tree,  and  as  an  oak,  whose 
substance  is  in  them,  when  they  cast  their  leaves  :  so  the  holy 
seed  shall  be  the  substance  thereof. 

I  saw  one  man,  armed  simply  with  God's  Word, 
Enter  the  souls  of  many  fellow-men, 
And  pierce  them  sharply  as  a  two-edged  sword, 
While  conscience  echoed  back  his  words  again  ; 
Till,  even  as  showers  of  fertilizing  rain 
Sink  through  the  bosom  of  the  valley  clod, 
So  their  hearts  opened  to  the  wholesome  pain, 
,  And  hundreds  knelt  upon  the  flowery  sod. 

One  good  man's  earnest  prayer  the  link  'twixt  them  and  God. 


384  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CLIX. 

THE    PROPHET    PRAISING   JEHOVAH. 

Heaven  and  earth,  and  sea  and  air 
God's  eternal  praise  declare  ; 
Up  !  my  soul,  awake  and  raise 
Grateful  hymns  and  songs  of  praise. 

Througli  the  world,  great  God,  I  trace 
Wonders  of  Thy  power  and  grace : 
Write  more  deeply  on  my  heart 
What  I  am,  and  what  Thou  art. 

AND  in  that  day  thou  shalt  say,  O  Lord,  I  will  praise  thee: 
though  thou  wast  angry  with  me,  thine  anger  is  turned 
away,  and  thou  comfortedst  me.  Behold,  God  is  my  salvation  ; 
I  will  trust,  and  not  be  afraid  :  for  the  Lord  JEHOVAH  is  my 
strength  and  my  song  ;  he  also  is  become  my  salvation.  There- 
fore with  joy  shall  ye  draw  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation. 
And  in  that  day  shall  ye  say,  Praise  the  Lord,  call  upon  his  name, 
declare  his  doings  among  the  people,  make  mention  that  his 
name  is  exalted.  Sing  unto  the  Lord  ;  for  he  hath  done  excel- 
lent things  :  this  is  known  in  all  the  earth.  Cry  out  and  shout, 
thou  inhabitant  of  Zion  :  for  great  is  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  in 
the  midst  of  thee. 

Praise  the  Lord,  His  glories  show, 
Saints,  within  His  courts  below, 
Angels,  round  His  throne  above. 
All  that  see  and  share  His  love  ! 
Earth  to  heaven,  and  heaven  to  earth, 
Tell  His  wonders  and  His  worth  ; 
Age  to  age,  and  shore  to  shore. 
Praise  Him,  praise  Him  evermore  ! 

Sing  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song,  and  his  praise  from  the  end 
of  the  earth,  ye  that  go  down  to  the  sea,  and  all  that  is  therein  ; 
the  isles,  and  the  inhabitants  thereof.  Let  the  wilderness  and 
the  cities  thereof  lift  up  their  voice,  the  villages  that  K&dar  doth 
inhabit :  let  the  inhabitants  of  the  rock  sing,  let  them  shout  from 
the  top  of  the  mountains.     Let  them  give  glory  unto  the  Lord, 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  385 

and  declare  his  praise  in  the  islands.  The  Lord  shall  go  forth 
as  a  mighty  man,  he  shall  stir  up  jealousy  like  a  man  of  war :  he 
shall  cry,  yea,  roar  ;  he  shall  prevail  against  his  enemies. 

Oh,  from  the  streams  of  distant  lands,  unto  Jehovah  sing  ! 
And  joyful  from  the  mountain  tops  shout  to  tiie  Lord,  the  King. 
Let  all  combined,  with  one  accord,  Jehovah's  glories  ra»se, 
Till  in  remotest  bounds  of  earth  the  nations  sound  His  praise. 

O  Lord,  thou  art  my  God  ;  I  will  exalt  thee,  I  will  praise  thy 
name  ;  for  thou  hast  done  wonderful  things  ;  thy  counsels  of  old 
are  faithfulness  and  truth.  For  thou  hast  made  of  a  city  a  heap  ; 
of  a  defenced  city  a  ruin  :  a  palace  of  strangers  to  be  no  city  ;  it 
shall  never  be  built.  Therefore  shall  the  strong  people  glorify 
thee,  the  city  of  the  terrible  nations  shall  fear  thee.  For  thou 
hast  been  a  strength  to  the  poor,  a  strength  to  the  needy  in  his 
distress,  a  refuge  from  the  storm,  a  shadow  from  the  heat,  when 
the  blast  of  the  terrible  ones  is  as  a  storm  against  the  wall. 
Thou  shalt  bring  down  the  noise  of  strangers,  as  the  heat  in  a  dry 
place  ;  even  the  heat  with  the  shadow  of  a  cloud  :  the  branch  of 
the  terrible  ones  shall  be  brought  low. 

Bulwarks  of  mighty  grace  defend  the  city  where  we  dwell : 
The  walls,  of  strong  salvation  niade,  defy  the  assaults  of  hell. 
Lift  up  the  everlasting  gates,  the  doors  wide  open  fling; 
Enter,  ye  nations  that  obey  the  statutes  of  our  King. 

In  that  day  shall  this  song  be  sung  in  the  land  of  Judah  ;  We 
have  a  strong  city  ;  salvation  will  God  appoint  for  walls  and 
bulwarks.  Open  ye  the  gates,  that  the  righteous  nation  which 
keepeth  the  truth  may  enter  in.  Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect 
peace,  whose  mind  is  stayed  on  thee  :  because  he  trusteth  in  thee. 
Trust  ye  in  the  Lord  for  ever  :  for  in  the  Lord  JEHOVAH  is 
everlasting  strength.  For  he  bringeth  down  them  that  dwell  on 
high  :  the  lofty  city,  he  layeth  it  low  ;  he  layeth  it  low,  even  to 
the  ground  ;  he  bringeth  it  even  to  the  dust.  The  foot  shall 
tread  it  down,  even  the  feet  of  the  poor,  and  the  steps  of  the 
needy.  The  way  of  the  just  is  uprightness  ;  thou,  most  upright, 
dost  weigh  the  path  of  the  just.  Yea,  in  the  way  of  thy  judg- 
ments, O  Lord,  have  we  waited  for  thee  ;  the  desire  of  our  soul 
is  to  thy  name,  and  to  the  remembrance  of  thee.  With  my  soul 
have  I  desired  thee  in  the  night  ;  yea,  with  my  spirit  within  me 

25 


386  THE  BIBLE   AND    THE  POETS. 

will  I  seek  thee  early  :  for  when  thy  judgments  are  in  the  earth, 
the  inhabitants  of  the  world  will  learn  righteousness.  Let  favour 
be  shewed  to  the  wicked,  yet  will  he  not  learn  righteousness :  in 
the  land  of  uprightness  will  he  deal  unjustly,  and  will  not  behold 
the  majesty  of  the  Lord.  Lord,  when  thy  hand  is  lifted  up,  they 
will  not  see  :  but  they  shall  see,  and  be  ashamed  for  their  envy 
at  the  people  ;  yea,  the  fire  of  thine  enemies  shall  devour  them. 

All  nations  of  the  earth,  extol  the  world's  great  King  ! 
With  melody  and  mirth  His  glorious  praises  sing  ; 

For  He  still  reigns, 
And  will  bring  low  the  proudest  foe  that  Him  disdains. 


CHAPTER   CLX. 

THE    FUGITIVE    PROPHET. HIS    LIVING    TOMB. HIS 

DELIVERANCE. 

NOW  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Jonah  the  son  of 
Amittai,  saying,  Arise,  go  to  Nineveh,  that  great  city,  and 
cry  against  it ;  for  their  wickedness  is  come  up  before  me.  But 
Jonah  rose  up  to  flee  unto  Tarshish  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  and  went  down  to  Joppa  ;  and  he  found  a  shij)  going  to 
Tarshish  :  so  he  paid  the  fare  thereof,  and  went  down  into  it,  to 
go  with  them  unto  Tarshish  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 

Time  writes  no  wrinkles  on  thine  azure  brow ; 

Such  as  creation's  dawn  beheld,  thou  roUest  now, 

Thou  glorious  mirror,  where  the  Almighty's  form 

Glasses  itself  in  tempests  :  in  all  time 

Calm  or  convulsed  —  in  breeze,  or  gale,  or  storm, 

Icing  the  pole,  or  in  the  torrid  clime 

Dark-heaving  :  boundless,  endless,  and  sublime, 

The  image  of  eternity  —  the  throne 

Of  the  Invisible  ;  —  even  out  thy  slime 

The  monsters  of  the  deep  are  made  ;  each  zone 

Obeys  thee  ;  — thou  goest  forth,  dread,  fathomless,  alone. 

But  the  Lord  sent  out  a  great  wind  into  the  sea,  and  there 
was  a  mighty  tempest  in  the  sea,  so  that  the  ship  was  like  to  be 
broken.     Then  the  mariners  were  afraid,  and  cried  every  man 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  387 

unto  his  god,  and  cast  forth  the  wares  that  were  in  the  ship  into 
the  sea,  to  Hghtcn  it  of  them.  But  Jonah  was  gone  down  into 
the  sides  of  the  ship  ;  and  he  lay,  and  was  fast  asleep.  So  the 
shipmaster  came  to  him,  and  said  unto  him.  What  meanest  thou, 

0  sleeper.?  arise,  call  upon  thy  God,  if  so  be  that  God  will  think 
upon  us,  that  we  perish  not.  And  they  said  every  one  to  his 
fellow,  Come,  and  let  us  cast  lots,  that  we  may  know  for  whose 
cause  this  evil  is  upon  us.  So  they  cast  lots,  and  the  lot  fell 
upon  Jonah.  Then  said  they  unto  him,  Tell  us,  we  pray  thee, 
for  whose  cause  this  evil  is  upon  us  .-'  What  is  thine  occupation  .'* 
and  whence  comest  thou  .''  what  is  thy  country  .-*  and  of  what 
people  art  thou  .-•     And  he  said  unto  them,  I  am  a  Hebrew  ;  and 

1  fear  the  Lord,  the  God  of  heaven,  which  hath  made  the  sea  and 
the  dry  land.  Then  were  the  men  exceedingly  afraid,  and  said 
unto  him,  Why  hast  thou  done  this }  For  the  men  knew  that 
he  fled  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  because  he  had  told 
them. 

Then  said  they  unto  him.  What  shall  we  do  unto  thee,  that 
the  sea  may  be  calm  unto  us  .-•  for  the  sea  wrought,  and  was 
tempestuous.  And  he  said  unto  them,  Take  me  up,  and  cast 
me  forth  into  the  sea ;  so  shall  the  sea  be  calm  unto  you  :  for  I 
know  that  for  my  sake  this  great  tempest  is  upon  you.  Never- 
theless the  men  rowed  hard  to  bring  it  to  the  land  ;  but  they 
could  not :  for  the  sea  wrought,  and  was  tempestuous  against 
them.  Wherefore  they  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  said,  W^e 
beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  let  us  not  perish  for  this 
man's  life,  and  lay  not  upon  us  innocent  blood  :  for  thou,  O  Lord, 
hast  done  as  it  pleased  thee.  So  they  took  up  Jonah,  and  cast 
him  forth  into  the  sea :  and  the  sea  ceased  from  her  raging. 
Then  the  men  feared  the  Lord  exceedingly,  and  offered  a  sacri- 
fice unto  the  Lord,  and  made  vows. 

The  sea  is  mighty,  but  a  mightier  sways 

His  restless  billows.     Thou,  whose  hands  have  scooped 

His  boundless  gulfs  and  built  his  shore,  Thy  breath 

That  moved  in  the  beginning  o'er  his  face, 

Moves  o'er  it  evermore.     The  obedient  waves 

To  its  strong  motion  roll,  and  rise  and  fall. 

Now  the  Lord  had  prepared  a  great  fish  to  swallow  up  Jonah. 
And  Jonah  was  in  the  belly  of  the  fish  three  days  and  three 
nights.     Then  Jonah  prayed  unto  the  Lord  his  God  out  of  the 


388  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

fish's  belly,  and  said,  I  cried  by  reason  of  mine  affliction  unto 
the  Lord,  and  he  heard  me  ;  out  of  the  belly  of  hell  cried  I,  and 
thou  heardest  my  voice.  For  thou  hadst  cast  me  into  the  deep, 
in  the  midst  of  the  seas  ;  and  the  floods  compassed  me  about : 
all  thy  billows  and  thy  waves  passed  over  me.  Then  I  said,  I 
am  cast  out  of  thy  sight ;  yet  I  will  look  again  toward  thy  holy 
temple.  The  waters  compassed  me  about,  even  to  the  soul :  the 
depth  closed  me  round  about,  the  weeds  were  wrapped  about  my 
head.  I  went  down  to  the  bottoms  of  the  mountains  ;  the  earth 
with  her  bars  was  about  me  for  ever :  yet  hast  thou  brought  up 
my  life  from  corruption,  O  Lord  my  God.  When  my  soul  fainted 
within  me  I  remembered  the  Lord  :  and  my  prayer  came  in  unto 
thee,  into  thine  holy  temple.  They  that  observe  lying  vanities 
forsake  their  own  mercy.  But  I  will  sacrifice  unto  thee  with  the 
voice  of  thanksgiving  ;  I  will  pay  that  that  I  have  vowed.  Sal- 
vation is  of  the  Lord.  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  the  fish,  and  it 
vomited  out  Jonah  upon  the  dry  land. 

Then  Thou,  O  Lord  my  God,  then  Thou  wert  He, 
That  from  corruption  didst  my  hfe  defend  : 
For  when  my  soul  was  like  to  faint  in  me, 
Thou  thither  didst  into  my  thought  descend  ; 
And,  Lord,  my  prayer  thence  to  Thee  I  sent, 
Which  upward  to  Thy  holy  temple  went. 


CHAPTER  CLXI. 

THE    PROPHET    OBEYS. THE    NINEVITES    REPENT. JONAH 

IS    ANGRY. 

All  powerful  is  the  penitential  sigh 
Of  true  contrition  ;  like  the  placid  wreaths 
Of  incense,  wafted  from  the  righteous  shrine 
Where  Abel  ministered  to  the  blest  seat 
Of  mercy,  an  accepted  sacrifice, 
Humiliation's  conscious  plaint  ascends. 

AND  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Jonah  the  second  time, 
saying.  Arise,  go  unto  Nineveh,  that  great  city,  and  preach 
unto  it  the  preaching  that  I  bid  thee.     So  Jonah  arose,  and  went 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  389 

unto  Nineveh,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord.  Now  Nineveh 
was  an  exceeding  great  city  of  three  days'  journey.  And  Jonah 
began  to  enter  into  the  city  a  day's  journey,  and  he  cried,  and 
said,  Yet  forty  days,  and  Nineveh  shall  be  overthrown. 

So  the  people  of  Nineveh  believed  God,  and  proclaimed  a  fast, 
and  put  on  sackcloth,  from  the  greatest  of  them  even  to  the  least 
of  them.  For  word  came  unto  the  king  of  Nineveh,  and  he  arose 
from  his  throne,  and  he  laid  his  robe  from  him,  and  covered  him 
with  sackcloth,  and  sat  in  ashes.  And  he  caused  it  to  be  pro- 
claimed and  published  through  Nineveh  by  the  decree  of  the 
king  and  his  nobles,  saying.  Let  neither  man  nor  beast,  herd 
nor  flock,  taste  any  thing :  let  them  not  feed,  nor  drink  water : 
but  let  man  and  beast  be  covered  with  sackcloth,  and  cry 
mightily  unto  God  :  yea,  let  them  turn  every  one  from  his  evil 
way,  and  from  the  violence  that  is  in  their  hands.  Who  can 
tell  if  God  will  turn  and  repent,  and  turn  away  from  his  fierce 
anger,  that  we  perish  not  .'*  And  God  saw  their  works,  that 
they  turned  from  their  evil  way  ;  and  God  repented  of  the  evil, 
that  he  had  said  that  he  would  do  unto  them  ;  and  he  did  it  not. 

But  it  displeased  Jonah  exceedingly,  and  he  was  very  angry. 
And  he  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  and  said,  I  pray  thee,  O  Lord, 
was  not  this  my  saying,  when  I  was  yet  in  my  country  .''  There- 
fore I  fied  before  unto  Tarshish  :  for  I  knew  that  thou  art  a 
gracious  God,  and  merciful,  slow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kind- 
ness, and  repentest  thee  of  the  evil.  Therefore  now,  O  Lord, 
take,  I  beseech  thee,  my  hfe  from  me ;  for  it  is  better  for  me 
to  die  than  to  live. 

Vain  man  !  'tis  Heaven's  prerogative 
To  take  wiiat  first  it  deigned  to  give, 

Thy  tributary  breath  : 
In  awful  exj)ectation  placed, 
Await  thy  doom,  nor  impious  haste 
To  pluck  from  God's  right  hand  His  instrument.^  of  death. 

Then  said  the  Lord,  Doest  thou  well  to  be  angry  .''  So  Jonah 
went  out  of  the  city,  and  sat  on  the  east  side  of  the  city,  and 
there  made  him  a  booth,  and  sat  under  it  in  the  shadow,  till  he 
might  see  what  would  become  of  the  city.  And  the  Lord  God 
prepared  a  gourd,  and  made  it  to  come  up  over  Jonah,  that  it 
might  be  a  shadow  over  his  head,  to  deliver  him  from  his  grief. 
So  Jonah  was  exceeding  glad  of  the  gourd.     But  God  prepared 


390  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

a  worm  when  the  morning  rose  the  next  day,  and  it  smote  the 
gourd  that  it  withered.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  sun  did 
arise,  that  God  prepared  a  vehement  east  wind  ;  and  the  sun 
beat  upon  the  head  of  Jonah,  that  he  fainted,  and  wished  in 
himself  to  die.  and  said.  It  is  better  for  me  to  die  than  to  live. 
And  God  said  to  Jonah,  Doest  thou  well  to  be  angry  for  the 
gourd  ?  And  he  said,  I  do  well  to  be  angry,  even  unto  death. 
Then  said  the  Lord,  Thou  hast  had  pity  on  the  gourd,  for  the 
which  thou  hast  not  laboured,  neither  madest  it  grow ;  which 
came  up  in  a  night,  and  perished  in  a  night :  and  should  not  I 
spare  Nineveh,  that  great  city,  wherein  are  more  than  sixscore 
thousand  persons  that  cannot  discern  between  their  right  hand 
and  their  left  hand  ;  and  also  much  cattle  ? 

All  the  souls  that  were,  were  forfeit  once 
And  He,  that  might  the  vantage  best  have  took, 
•  Found  out  the  remedy.     How  would  you  be, 

If  He,  which  is  the  top  of  judgment,  should 
But  judge  you  as  you  are  ?     O,  think  on  that, 
And  mercy  then  will  breathe,  within  your  lips, 
Like  man  new  made. 


CHAPTER    CLXII. 

ZION    ATTRACTIVE    AND    VICTORIOUS. GOD    PROPITIOUS 

AND    FAITHFUL. 

Behold  the  mountain  of  the  Lord,  in  latter  days  shall  rise. 

Above  the  mountains  and  the  hills,  and  draw  the  wondering  eyes  ! 

The  beam  that  shines  on  Zion's  hill  shall  lighten  every  land  : 

The  King  who  reigns  in  Salem's  towers,  shall  all  the  world  command. 

No  strife  shall  rage,  nor  hostile  feuds  disturb  those  peaceful  years  ; 

To  ploughshares  men  shall  beat  their  swords,  to  pruning  hooks  their  spears. 

UT  in  the  last  days  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  the  mountain 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord  shall  be  established  in  the  top  of 
the  mountains,  and  it  shall  be  exalted  above  the  hills  ;  and  peo- 
ple shall  flow  unto  it.  And  many  nations  shall  come,  and  say, 
Come,  and  let  us  go  up  to  the  mountain  of  the  Lord,  and  to  the 
house  of  the  God  of  Jacob  ;  and  hi  will  teach  us  of  his  ways, 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS.  39 1 

and  we  will  walk  in  his  paths  :  for  the  law  shall  go  forth  of  Zion, 
and  the  word  of  the  Lord  from  Jerusalem.  And  he  shall  judge 
among  many  people,  and  rebuke  strong  nations  afar  off  ;  and 
they  shall  beat  their  swords  into  plough-shares,  and  their  spears 
into  pruning-hooks  :  nation  shall  not  lift  up  a  sword  against 
nation,  neither  shall  they  learn  war  any  more.  But  they  shall 
sit  every  man  under  his  vine  and  under  his  fig  tree  ;  and  none 
shall  make  them  afraid  :  for  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  hath 
spoken  it.  For  all  people  will  walk  every  one  in  the  name  of 
his  god,  and  we  will  walk  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  our  God  for 
ever  and  ever.  \\\  that  day,  saith  the  Lord,  will  I  assemble  her 
that  halteth,  and  I  will  gather  her  that  is  driven  out,  and  her 
that  I  have  afflicted  ;  and  I  will  make  her  that  halted  a  rem- 
nant, and  her  that  was  cast  far  off  a  strong  nation :  and  the 
Lord  shall  reign  over  them  in  mount  Zion  from  henceforth,  even 
for  ever. 

Glorious  thinj^s  of  thee  are  spoken,  Zion,  city  of  our  God  ! 
He,  whose  word  cannot  be  broken,  formed  thee  for  His  own  abode: 
On  the  Rock  of  ages  founded,  what  can  shake  thy  sure  repose  .'' 
With  salvation's  walls  surrounded,  thou  niay'st  smile  at  all  thy  foes. 

Wherewith  shall  I  come  before  the  Lord,  and  bow  myself 
before  the  high  God  .'*  shall  I  come  before  him  with  burnt  offer- 
ings, with  calves  of  a  year  old  }  Will  the  Lord  be  pleased  with 
thousands  of  rams,  or  with  ten  thousands  of  rivers  of  oil }  shall 
I  give  my  first-born  for  my  transgression,  the  fruit  of  my  body 
for  the  sin  of  my  soul  1  He  hath  shewed  thee,  O  man,  what  is 
good  ;  and  what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly, 
and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God  } 

Our  harps  we  left  by  Babel's  stream  — 
The  tyrant's  jest,  the  Gentile's  scorn  ; 
No  censer  round  our  altar  beams, 
And  mute  are  timbrel,  trump,  and  horn. 
But  Thou  hast  said,  The  blood  of  goats. 
The  flesh  of  rams,  I  will  not  prize  — 
A  contrite  heart  and  humble  thoughts 
Are  mine  accepted  sacrifice. 

The  nations  shall  see  and  be  confounded  at  all  their  rriight : 
they  shall  lay  their  hand  upon  their  mouth,  their  ears  shall  be  deaf. 
They  shall  lick  the  dust  like  a  serpent,  they  shall  move  out  of 


392  THE  BIBLE   AND    THE   POETS. 

their  holes  Hke  worms  of  the  earth  :  they  shall  be  afraid  of  the 
Lord  our  God,  and  shall  fear  because  of  thee.  Who  is  a  God 
like  unto  thee,  that  pardoneth  iniquity,  and  passeth  by  the  trans- 
gression of  the  remnant  of  his  heritage  ?  he  retaineth  not  his 
anger  for  ever,  because  he  delighteth  in  mercy.  He  will  turn 
again,  he  will  have  compassion  upon  us  ;  he  will  subdue  our 
iniquities  ;  and  thou  wilt  cast  all  their  sins  into  the  depths  of 
the  sea.  Thou  wilt  perform  the  truth  to  Jacob,  and  the  mercy 
to  Abraham,  which  thou  hast  sworn  unto  our  fathers  from  the 
days  of  old. 


CHAPTER   CLXIII. 

Jehovah's  majesty  and  might  in  blessing  and 
.avenging. 

GOD  is  jealous,  and  the  Lord  revengeth  ;  the  Lord  revengeth, 
and  is  furious  ;  the  Lord  will  take  vengeance  on  his  adver- 
saries, and  he  reserveth  wrath  for  his  enemies.  The  Lord  is  slow 
to  anger,  and  great  in  power,  and  will  not  at  all  acquit  the 
wicked  :  the  Lord  hath  his  way  in  the  whirlwind  and  in  the 
storm,  and  the  clouds  are  the  dust  of  his  feet.  He  rebuketh 
the  sea,  and  maketh  it  dry,  and  drieth  up  all  the  rivers  :  Bashan 
languisheth,  and  Carmel,  and  the  flower  of  Lebanon  languisheth. 
The  mountains  quake  at  him,  and  the  hills  melt,  and  the  earth 
is  burned  at  his  presence,  yea,  the  world,  and  all  that  dwell 
therein.  Who  can  stand  before  his  indignation  }  and  who  can 
abide  in  the  fierceness  of  his  anger  1  his  fury  is  poured  out  like 
fire,  and  the  rocks  are  thrown  down  by  him.  The  Lord  is  good, 
a  strong  hold  in  the  day  of  trouble  ;  and  he  knoweth  them  that 
trust  in  him.  But  with  an  overrunning  flood  he  will  make  an 
utter  end  of  the  place  thereof,  and  darkness  shall  pursue  his 
enemies. 

Rebel,  ye  waves  —  and  o'er  the  land  with  threatening  aspect  roar: 
The  Lord  upHfts  His  awful  hand,  and  chains  you  to  the  shore. 
Ye  nations,  bend  —  with  reverence  bend  ;  ye  monarchs,  wait  His  nod  ; 
And  bid  the  choral  song  ascend  to  celebrate  your  God. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS.  393 

Behold  upon  the  mountains  the  feet  of  him  that  bringeth  good 
tidings,  that  pubhsheth  peace  !  O  Judah,  keep  thy  solemn  feasts, 
perform  thy  vows  :  for  the  wicked  shall  no  more  pass  through 
thee  ;  he  is  utterly  cut  off. 

On  the  mountain  top  appearing,  lo !  the  sacred  herald  stands, 
Welcome  news  to  Zion  bearing,  Zion  long  in  hostile  lands  : 
Mourning  captive  !   God  himself  will  loose  thy  bands. 

He  that  dasheth  in  pieces  is  come  up  before  thy  face  :  keep 
the  munition,  watch  the  way,  make  thy  loins  strong,  fortify  thy 
power  mightily.  For  the  Lord  hath  turned  away  the  excellency 
of  Jacob,  as  the  excellency  of  Israel :  for  the  emptiers  have 
emptied  them  out,  and  marred  their  vine  branches.  The  shield 
of  his  mighty  men  is  made  red,  the  valiant  men  are  in  scarlet : 
the  chariots  shall  be  with  flaming  torches  in  the  day  of  his  prep- 
aration, and  the  fir  trees  shall  be  terribly  shaken.  The  chariots 
shall  rage  in  the  streets,  they  shall  justle  one  against  another  in 
the  broad  ways  :  they  shall  seem  like  torches,  they  shall  run  like 
the  lightnings.  He  shall  recount  his  worthies  :  they  shall  stum- 
ble in  their  walk  ;  they  shall  make  haste  to  the  wall  thereof,  and 
the  defence  shall  be  prepared.  The  gates  of  the  rivers  shall  be 
opened,  and  the  palace  shall  be  dissolved.  And  Huzzab  shall  be 
led  away  captive,  she  shall  be  brought  up,  and  her  maids  shall 
lead  her  as  with  the  voice  of  doves,  tabering  ujDon  their  breasts. 
But  Nineveh  is  of  old  like  a  pool  of  water  ;  yet  they  shall  fiee 
away.  Stand,  stand,  shall  they  cry  ;  but  none  shall  look  back. 
Take  ye  the  spoil  of  silver,  take  the  spoil  of  gold  :  for  there  is 
none  end  of  the  store  and  glory  out  of  all  the  pleasant  furniture. 
She  is  empty,  and  void,  and  waste  :  and  the  heart  melteth, 
and  the  knees  smite  together,  and  much  pain  is  in  all  loins,  and 
the  faces  of  them  all  gather  blackness.  Where  is  the  dwelling 
of  the  lions,  and  the  feeding  place  of  the  young  lions,  where  the 
lion,  even  the  old  lion,  walked,  and  the  lion's  whelp,  and  none 
made  them  afraid  }  The  lion  did  tear  in  pieces  enough  for  his 
whelps,  and  strangled  for  his  lionesses,  and  filled  his  holes  with 
prey,  and  his  dens  with  ravin.  Behold,  I  am  against  thee,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  I  will  burn  her  chariots  in  the  smoke, 
and  the  sword  shall  devour  thy  young  lions  :  and  I  will  cut  off 
thy  prey  from  the  earth,  and  the  voice  of  thy  messengers  shall 
no  more  be  heard. 


394  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

The  battle  hurtles  on  the  plains, 

Earth  feels  new  scythes  upon  her  ; 
We  reap  our  brothers  for  the  wains, 

And  call  the  harvest  —  honour; 
Draw  face  to  face,  front  line  to  line, 

One  image  all  inherit, — 
Then  kill,  curse  on,  by  that  same  sign, 

Clay,  clay,  —  and  spirit,  spirit. 
Be  pitiful,  O  God ! 


CHAPTER   CLXIV. 

PROMISES    BY    PROPHECY. 

Oh,  when,  Almighty  Lord,  shall  these  glad  scenes  arise 
To  verify  Thy  words,  and  bless  our  wondering  eyes  ! 

That  earth  may  raise. 
With  all  its  tongues,  united  songs  of  ardent  praise. 

THE  wilderness  and  the  solitary  place  shall  be  glad  for  them  ; 
and  the  desert  shall  rejoice,  and  blossom  as  the  rose.  It 
shall  blossom  abundantly,  and  rejoice  even  with  joy  and  singing: 
the  glory  of  Lebanon  shall  be  given  unto  it,  the  excellency  of 
Carmel  and  Sharon  ;  they  shall  see  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  and 
the  excellency  of  our  God. 

Strengthen  ye  the  weak  hands,  and  confirm  the  feeble  knees. 
Say  to  them  that  are  of  a  fearful  heart,  Be  strong,  fear  not : 
behold,  your  God  will  come  with  vengeance,  even  God  with  a 
recompense  ;  he  will  come  and  save  you.  Then  the  eyes  of  the 
blind  shall  be  opened,  and  the  ears  of  the  deaf  shall  be  un- 
stopped. Then  shall  the  lame  man  leap  as  a  hart,  and  the 
tongue  of  the  dumb  sing  :  for  in  the  wilderness  shall  waters 
break  out,  and  streams  in  the  desert.  And  the  parched  ground 
shall  become  a  pool,  and  the  thirsty  land  springs  of  water :  in 
the  habitation  of  dragons,  where  each  lay,  shall  be  grass  with 
reeds  and  rushes.  And  a  highway  shall  be  there,  and  a  way, 
and  it  shall  be  called  The  way  of  holiness  ;  the  unclean  shall  not 
pass  over  it ;  but  it  shall  be  for  those :  the  wayfaring  men, 
though  fools,  shall  not  err  therein.  No  lion  shall  be  there,  nor 
any  ravenous  beast  shall  go  up  thereon,  it  shall  not  be  found 
there  ;  but  the  redeemed  shall  walk  there  :  and  the  ransomed  of 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  395 

the  Lord  shall  return,  and  come  to  Zion  with  songs  and  ever- 
lasting joy  upon  their  heads  :  they  shall  obtain  joy  and  gladness, 
and  sorrow  and  sighing  shall  flee  away. 

See  that  mountain  high  exalted  ;  'tis  the  mountain  of  the  Lord  ; 
Much  exposed  and  oit  assaulted,  loved  of  God,  of  man  abhorred  : 
Now  it  stands  above  the  hills  ;  now  its  destined  place  it  fills. 
See  !  from  every  quarter  flowing,  joyful  crowds  assemble  round  : 
Love  in  every  heart  is  glowing  ;  praise  is  heard  in  every  sound  : 
While  Jehovah  shows  His  face,  glory  fills  the  sacred  place. 

And  in  this  mountain  shall  the  Lord  of  hosts  make  unto  all 
people  a  feast  of  fat  things,  a  feast  of  wines  on  the  lees,  of  fat 
things  full  of  marrow,  of  wines  on  the  lees  well  refined.  And  he 
will  destroy  in  this  mountain  the  face  of  the  covering  cast  over 
all  people,  and  the  vail  that  is  spread  over  all  nations.  He  will 
swallow  up  death  in  victory  ;  and  the  Lord  God  will  wipe  away 
tears  from  off  all  faces  ;  and  the  rebuke  of  his  people  shall  he 
take  away  from  off  all  the  earth  :  for  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 
And  it  shall  be  said  in  that  day,  Lo,  this  is  our  God  ;  we  have 
waited  for  him,  and  he  will  save  us  :  this  is  the  Lord  ;  we  have 
waited  for  him,  we  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  his  salvation. 

But  now  thus  saith  the  Lord  that  created  thee,  O  Jacob,  and 
he  that  formed  thee,  O  Israel,  Fear  not :  for  I  have  redeemed 
thee,  I  have  called  thee  by  thy  name  ;  thou  art  mine.  When 
thou  passest  through  the  waters,  I  will  be  with  thee :  and 
through  the  rivers,  they  shall  not  overflow  thee :  when  thou 
walkest  through  the  fire,  thou  shalt  not  be  burned  ;  neither  shall 
the  flame  kindle  upon  thee.  For  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel,  thy  Saviour  :  I  gave  Egypt  for  thy  ransom, 
Ethiopia  and  Seba  for  thee.  Since  thou  wast  precious  in  my 
sight,  thou  hast  been  honourable,  and  I  have  loved  thee :  there- 
fore will  I  give  men  for  thee,  and  people  for  thy  life.  Fear  not  ; 
for  I  am  with  thee :  I  will  bring  thy  seed  from  the  east,  and 
gather  thee  from  the  west :  I  will  say  to  the  north.  Give  up  ; 
and  to  the  south.  Keep  not  back  :  bring  my  sons  from  far,  and 
my  daughters  from  the  ends  of  the  earth  ;  even  every  one  that  is 
called  by  my  name  :  for  I  have  created  him  for  my  glory,  I  have 
formed  him  ;  yea,  I  have  made  him. 

Now  fain  my  joyous  heart  would  sing  that  lovely  summer-time, 
When  God  reneweth  every  thing  in  His  celestial  prime. 
When  He  shall  make  new  heavens  and  earth,  and  all  the  creatures  there, 
Shall  spring  from  out  the  second  birth  all-glorious,  pure,  and  fair. 


39^  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Yet  now  hear,  O  Jacob  my  servant ;  and  Israel,  whom  I  have 
chosen  :  thus  saith  the  Lord  that  made  thee,  and  formed  thee 
from  the  womb,  which  will  help  thee  ;  Fear  not,  O  Jacob,  my 
servant  ;  and  thou,  Jeshurun,  whom  I  have  chosen.  For  I  will 
pour  water  upon  him  that  is  thirsty,  and  floods  upon  the  dry 
ground  :  I  will  pour  my  Spirit  upon  thy  seed,  and  my  blessing 
upon  thine  offspring :  and  they  shall  spring  up  as  among  the 
grass,  as  willows  by  the  watercourses.  One  shall  say,  I  am  the 
Lord's  ;  and  another  shall  call  himself  by  the  name  of  Jacob ; 
and  another  shall  subscribe  with  his  hand  unto  the  Lord,  and 
surname  himself  by  the  name  of  Israel.  Thus  saith  the  Lord 
the  King  of  Israel,  and  his  Redeemer  the  Lord  of  hosts  ;  I  am 
the  first,  and  I  am  the  last ;  and  beside  me  there  is  no  God, 

All-moving  Spirit !  freely  forth, 

At  Thy  command,  the  strong  wind  goes 
Its  errand  to  the  passive  earth  ; 

Nor  art  can  stay,  nor  strength  oppose, 
Until  it  folds  its  weary  wing 

Once  more  within  the  hand  divine  : 
So,  weary  of  each  earthly  thing, 

My  spirit  turns  to  Thine  ! 


CHAPTER   CLXV. 

WORDS    OF    COMFORT    AND    GOOD    NEWS. 

Hear  what  God  the  Lord  hath  spoken  :  O  my  people,  faint  and  few, 
Comfortless,  afflicted,  broken,  fair  abodes  He  builds  for  you  ; 
Thorns  of  heartfelt  tribulation  shall  no  more  perplex  your  ways  ; 
You  shall  name  your  walls  salvation,  and  your  gates  shall  all  be  praise. 

COMFORT  ye,  comfort  ye  my  people,  saith  your  God.  Speak 
ye  comfortably  to  Jerusalem,  and  cry  unto  her,  that  her 
warfare  is  accomplished,  that  her  iniquity  is  pardoned  :  for  she 
hath  received  of  the  Lord's  hand  double  for  all  her  sins. 

The  voice  of  him  that  crieth  in  the  wilderness.  Prepare  ye  the 
way  of  the  Lord,  make  straight  in  the  desert  a  highway  for  our 
God.  Every  valley  shall  be  exalted,  and  every  mountain  and 
hill  shall  be  made  low :  and  the  crooked  shall  be  made  straight, 
and  the  rough  places  plain  :  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  be 


THE  BIBLE   AXD    THE  POETS.  397 

revealed,  and  all  flesh  shall  sec  it  together  :  for  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord  hath  spoken  it.  The  voice  said,  Cry.  And  he  said.  What 
shall  I  cry  .''  All  flesh  is  grass,  and  all  the  goodliness  thereof  is 
as  the  flower  of  the  field  :  the  grass  withereth,  the  flower  fadeth ; 
because  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  bloweth  upon  it :  surely  the  people 
is  grass.  The  grass  withereth,  the  flower  fadeth  :  but  the  word 
of  our  God  shall  stand  for  ever. 

Farewell !  a  long  farewell  to  all  my  greatness  ! 
This  is  the  state  of  man  :   To-day  he  puts  forth 
The  tender  leaves  of  hope  :  to-morrow,  blossoms, 
And  bears  his  blushing  honours  thick  upon  him: 
The  third  day  comes  a  frost,  a  killing  frost : 
And,  when  he  thinks,  good  easy  man,  full  surely 
His  greatness  is  ripening,  —  nips  his  root. 
And  then  he  falls. 

O  Zion,  that  bringest  good  tidings,  get  thee  up  into  the  high 
mountain  ;  O  Jerusalem,  that  bringest  good  tidings,  lift  up  thy 
voice  with  strength  ;  lift  it  up,  be  not  afraid  ;  say  unto  the  cities 
of  Judah,  Behold  your  God  !  Behold,  the  Lord  God  will  come 
with  strong  hand,  and  his  arm  shall  rule  for  him  :  behold,  his 
reward  is  with  him,  and  his  work  before  him.  He  shall  feed  his 
flock  like  a  shepherd  :  he  shall  gather  the  lambs  with  his  arm, 
and  carry  them  in  his  bosom,  and  shall  gently  lead  those  that  are 
with  young. 

Who  hath  measured  the  waters  in  the  hollow  of  his  hand,  and 
meted  out  heaven  with  the  span,  and  comprehended  the  dust  of 
the  earth  in  a  measure,  and  weighed  the  mountains  in  scales, 
and  the  hills  in  a  balance  .■'  Who  hath  directed  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord,  or  being  his  counsellor  hath  taught  him  ?  With  whom 
took  he  counsel,  and  who  instructed  him,  and  taught  him  in  the 
path  of  judgment,  and  taught  him  knowledge,  and  shewed. to  him 
the  way  of  understanding  .-^  Behold,  the  nations  are  as  a  drop 
of  a  bucket,  and  are  counted  as  the  small  dust  of  the  balance : 
behold,  he  taketh  up  the  isles  as  a  very  little  thing.  And  Leba- 
non is  not  sufficient  to  burn,  nor  the  beasts  thereof  sufficient  for 
a  burnt  offering.  All  nations  before  him  are  as  nothing  ;  and 
they  are  counted  to  him  less  than  nothing,  and  vanity. 

O  Thou  eternal  One  !  whose  presence  bright 
All  space  doth  occupy,  all  motion  guide  — 

Unchanged  through  Time's  all-devastating  flight! 
Thou  only  God  —  there  is  no  God  beside  ! 


398  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Being  above  all  beings  !  Mighty  One, 

Whom  none  can  comprehend  and  none  explore  ! 

Who  fill'st  existence  with  Thyself  alone  — 
Embracing  all,  supporting,  ruling  o'er,  — 
Being  whom  we  call  God,  and  know  no  more  ! 

To  whom  then  will  ye  liken  God  ?  or  what  likeness  will  ye 
compare  unto  him  ?  Have  ye  not  known  ?  have  ye  not  heard  ? 
hath  it  not  been  told  you  from  the  beginning  ?  have  ye  not 
understood  from  the  foundations  of  the  earth  ?  It  is  he  that 
sitteth  upon  the  circle  of  the  earth,  and  the  inhabitants  thereof 
are  as  grasshoppers  ;  that  stretcheth  out  the  heavens  as  a  cur- 
tain, and  spreadeth  them  out  as  a  tent  to  dwell  in  :  that  bringeth 
the  princes  to  nothing  ;  he  maketh  the  judges  of  the  earth  as 
vanity.  Yea,  they  shall  not  be  planted  ;  yea,  they  shall  not  be 
sown  ;  yea,  their  stock  shall  not  take  root  in  the  earth  :  and  he 
shall  also  blow  upon  them,  and  they  shall  wither,  and  the  whirl- 
wind shall  take  them  away  as  stubble.  To  whom  then  will  ye 
liken  me,  or  shall  I  be  equal  .-'  saith  the  Holy  One.  Lift  up  your 
eyes  on  high,  and  behold  who  hath  created  these  things,  that 
bringeth  out  their  host  by  number  :  he  calleth  them  all  by  names 
by  the  greatness  of  his  might,  for  that  he  is  strong  in  power  ; 
not  one  faileth.  Why  sayest  thou,  O  Jacob,  and  speakest,  O 
Israel,  My  way  is  hid  from  the  Lord,  and  my  judgment  is  passed' 
over  from  my  God  .'' 

Hast  thou  not  known  }  hast  thou  not  heard,  that  the  everlast- 
ing God,  the  Lord,  the  Creator  of  the  ends  of  the  earth,  fainteth 
not,  neither  is  weary  }  there  is  no  searching  of  his  understanding. 
He  giveth  power  to  the  faint  ;  and  to  them  that  have  no  might 
he  increaseth  strength.  Even  the  youths  shall  faint  and  be 
weary,  and  the  young  men  shall  utterly  fall  :  but  they  that  wait 
upon  the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength  ;  they  shall  mount  up 
with  wings  as  eagles  ;  they  shall  run,  and  not  be  weary  ;  and 
they  shall  walk,  and  not  faint. 

From  Thee,  the  overflowing  spring,  our  souls  shall  drink  a  full  supply  ; 
While  such  as  trust  their  native  strength,  shall  melt  away,  and  droop,  and  die. 
Swift  as  an  eagle  cuts  the  air  we'll  mount  aloft  to  Thine  abode  ; 
On  wings  of  love  our  souls  shall  fly,  nor  tire  amidst  the  heavenly  road ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  399 


CHAPTER   CLXVI. 

EVANGELICAL    ASSURANCES    TO    JEWS   AND   GENTILES. 

LISTEN,  O  isles,  unto  me  ;  and  hearken,  ye  people,  from 
far ;  The  Lord  hath  called  me  from  the  womb  ;  from  the 
bowels  of  my  mother  hath  he  made  mention  of  my  name.  And 
he  hath  made  my  mouth  like  a  sharp  sword  ;  in  the  shadow  of 
his  hand  hath  he  hid  me,  and  made  me  a  polished  shaft ;  in  his 
quiver  hath  he  hid  me  ;  and  said  unto  me,  Thou  art  my  servant, 
O  Israel,  in  whom  I  will  be  glorified.  Then  I  said,  I  have 
laboured  in  vain,  I  have  spent  my  strength  for  nought,  and  in 
vain  :  yet  surely  my  judgment  is  with  the  Lord,  and  my  work 
with  my  God. 

A  virgin  is  His  mother,  but  His  sire 

The  power  of  the  Most  High  ;   He  shall  ascend 

The  throne  hereditary,  and  bound  His  reign 

With  earth's  wide  bounds,  His  glory  with  the  heavens. 

And  now,  saith  the  Lord  that  formed  me  from  the  womb  to 
be  his  servant,  to  bring  Jacob  again  to  him,  Though  Israel  be 
not  gathered,  yet  shall  I  be  glorious  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord, 
and  my  God  shall  be  my  strength.  And  he  said.  It  is  a  light 
thing  that  thou  shouldest  be  my  servant  to  raise  up  the  tribes  of 
Jacob,  and  to  restore  the  preserved  of  Israel :  I  will  also  give  thee 
for  a  light  to  the  Gentiles,  that  thou  mayest  be  my  salvation  unto 
the  end  of  the  earth.  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  the  Redeemer  of 
Israel,  and  his  Holy  One,  to  him  whom  man  despiseth,  to  him 
whom  the  nation  abhorreth,  to  a  servant  of  rulers,  Kings  shall 
see  and  arise,  princes  also  shall  worship,  because  of  the  Lord  that 
is  faithful,  and  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  and  he  shall  choose  thee. 
And  I  will  make  all  my  mountains  a  way,  and  my  highways  shall 
be  exalted.  Behold,  these  shall  come  from  far  ;  and,  lo,  these  from 
the  north  and  from  the  west ;  and  these  from  the  land  of  Sinim. 

Messiah  comes  !  ye  rugged  paths,  be  plain  ; 
The  Shiloh  comes,  ye  towering  cedars  bend; 
Swell  forth,  ye  valleys  ;  and,  ye  rocks,  descend  ; 


400  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

The  withered  branch  let  balmy  fruits  adorn, 
And  clustering  roses  twine  the  leafless  thorn  ; 
Burst  forth,  ye  vocal  groves,  your  joy  to  tell  — 
The  God  of  Peace  redeems  His  Israel. 

Sing,  O  heavens  ;  and  be  joyful,  O  earth  ;  and  break  forth 
into  singing,  O  mountains  :  for  the  Lord  hath  comforted  his 
people,  and  will  have  mercy  upon  his  afflicted.  But  Zion  said, 
The  Lord  hath  forsaken  me,  and  my  Lord  hath  forgotten  me. 
Can  a  woman  forget  her  sucking  child,  that  she  should  not  have 
compassion  on  the  son  of  her  womb  ?  yea,  they  may  forget,  yet 
will  I  not  forget  thee.  Behold,  I  have  graven  thee  upon  the 
palms  of  my  hands  ;  thy  walls  are  continually  before  me.  Thy 
children  shall  make  haste  ;  thy  destroyers  and  they  that  made 
thee  waste  shall  go  forth  of  thee. 

Lift  up  thine  eyes  round  about,  and  behold  :  all  these  gather 
themselves  together,  and  come  to  thee.  As  I  live,  saith  the 
Lord,  thou  shalt  surely  clothe  thee  with  them  all,  as  with  an 
ornament,  and  bind  them  on  thee,  as  a  bride  doeth.  For  thy 
waste  and  thy  desolate  places,  and  the  land  of  thy  destruction, 
shall  even  now  be  too  narrow  by  reason  of  the  inhabitants,  and  they 
that  swallowed  thee  up  shall  be  far  away.  The  children  which 
thou  shalt  have,  after  thou  hast  lost  the  other,  shall  say  again  in 
thine  ears.  The  place  is  too  strait  for  me  :  give  place  to  me  that 
I  may  dwell.  Then  shalt  thou  say  in  thine  heart.  Who  hath 
begotten  me  these,  seeing  I  have  lost  my  children,  and  am 
desolate,  a  captive,  and  removing  to  and  fro }  and  who  hath 
brought  up  these .''  Behold,  I  was  left  alone  ;  these,  where  had 
they  been  }  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  I  will  lift  up 
mine  hand  to  the  Gentiles,  and  set  up  my  standard  to  the 
people :  and  they  shall  bring  thy  sons  in  their  arms,  and  thy 
daughters  shall  be  carried  upon  their  shoulders.  And  kings 
shall  be  thy  nursing  fathers,  and  their  queens  thy  nursing 
mothers  :  they  shall  bow  down  to  thee  with  their  face  toward 
the  earth,  and  lick  up  the  dust  of  thy  feet  ;  and  thou  shalt  know 
that  I  am  the  Lord :  for  they  shall  not  be  ashamed  that  wait 
for  me. 

"  Give  us  room  that  we  may  dwell,"  Zion's  children  cry  aloud  : 
See  their  numbers  —  how  they  swell !  how  they  gather  like  a  cloud  ! 
Zion,  now  arise  and  shine  !  lo  !  thy  light  from  heaven  is  come  : 
These  that  crowd  from  far  are  thine  ;  give  thy  sons  and  daughters  room. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  4OI 


CHAPTER   CLXVII. 

THE    BEAUTIES  AND    BLESSINGS    OF    ZION. 

Awake,  awake,  put  on  thy  strength,  thy  beautiful  array  ; 
The  day  of  freedom  dawns  at  length,  the  Lord's  appointed  day. 
Rebuild  thy  walls,  thy  bounds  enlarge,  and  send  thy  heralds  forth  ; 
Say  to  the  south  —  "  Give  up  thy  charge,  and  keep  not  back,  O  north  !  " 

FOR  Zion's  sake  will  I  not  hold  my  peace,  and  for  Jerusalem's 
sake  I  will  not  rest,  until  the  righteousness  thereof  go  forth 
as  brightness,  and  the  salvation  thereof  as  a  lamp  that  burneth. 
And  the  Gentiles  shall  see  thy  righteousness,  and  all  kings  thy 
glory  :  and  thou  shalt  be  called  by  a  new  name,  which  the  mouth 
of  the  Lord  shall  n?me.  Thou  shalt  also  be  a  crown  of  glory 
in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and  a  royal  diadem  in  the  hand  of  thy 
God.  Thou  shalt  no  more  be  termed  Forsaken  ;  neither  shall 
thy  land  any  more  be  termed  Desolate :  but  thou  shalt  be  called 
Hephzi-bah,  and  thy  land  Beulah  :  for  the  Lord  delighteth  in 
thee,  and  thy  land  shall  be  married.  For  as  a  young  man 
marrieth  a  virgin,  so  shall  thy  sons  marry  thee  :  and  as  the 
bridegroom  rejoiceth  over  the  bride,  so  shall  thy  God  rejoice 
over  thee. 

Daughter  of  Zion  !  o'er  each  distant  isle 

Brood  the  soft  plumes  of  God's  eternal  Dove  ; 

Earth's  fruitful  breast,  and  ocean's  countless  smile, 

Welcome  the  day  of  universal  love. 

Now  righteousness  hath  looked  from  heaven  above, 

And  Israel's  countless  hosts  no  more  forsaken, 

On  to  their  land,  as  billowy  surges,  move, 

Though  long  by  storm  and  whirling  tempests  shaken, 

Once  more  in  Salem's  courts  the  note  of  praise  to  waken. 

Ho,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the  waters,  and  he 
that  hath  no  money  ;  come  ye,  buy,  and  eat ;  yea,  come,  buy 
wine  and  milk  without  money  and  without  price.  Wherefore 
do  ye  spend  money  for  that  which  is  not  bread  .-*  and  your  labour 
for  that  which  satisfieth  not .-'  hearken  diligently  unto  me,  and  eat 
ye  that  which  is  good,  and  let  your  soul  delight  itself  in  fatness. 
Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto  me :  hear,  and  your  soul  shall 
live  ;   and   I  will  make  an  everlasting  covenant  with  you,  even 

26 


402  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

the  sure  mercies  of  David.  Behold,  I  have  given  him  for  ^ 
witness  to  the  people,  a  leader  and  commander  to  the  people. 
Behold,  thou  shalt  call  a  nation  that  thou  knowest  not,  and 
nations  that  knew  not  thee  shall  run  unto  thee,  because  of  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  for  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  ;  for  he  hath 
glorified  thee. 

Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found,  call  ye  upon  him 
while  he  is  near :  let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  the  un- 
righteous man  his  thoughts  :  and  let  him  return  unto  the  Lord, 
and  he  will  have  mercy  upon  him  ;  and  to  our  God,  for  he  will 
abundantly  pardon.  For  my  thoughts  are  not  your  thoughts, 
neither  are  your  ways  my  ways,  saith  the  Lord.  For  as  the 
heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth,  so  are  my  ways  higher  than 
your  ways,  and  my  thoughts  than  your  thoughts.  For  as  the 
rain  cometh  down,  and  the  snow  from  heaven,  and  returneth 
not  thither,  but  watereth  the  earth,  and  maketh  it  bring  forth 
and  bud,  that  it  may  give  seed  to  the  sower,  and  bread  to  the 
eater :  so  shall  my  word  be  that  goeth  forth  out  of  my  mouth  : 
it  shall  not  return  unto  me  void,  but  it  shall  accomplish  that 
which  I  please,  and  it  shall  prosper  in  the  thing  whereto  I  sent 
it.  For  ye  shall  go  out  with  joy,  and  be  led  forth  with  peace : 
the  mountains  and  the  hills  shall  break  forth  before  you  into 
singing,  and  all  the  trees  of  the  field  shall  clap  their  hands. 
Instead  of  the  thorn  shall  come  up  the  fir  tree,  and  instead  of 
the  brier  shall  come  up  the  myrtle  tree :  and  it  shall  be  to  the 
Lord  for  a  name,  for  an  everlasting  sign  that  shall  be  not  cut  off. 

O  thoughts  ineffable  !  O  visions  blest ! 
Though  worthless  our  conceptions  all  of  Thee, 
Yet  shall  Thy  shadowed  image  fill  our  breast, 
And  waft  its  homage  to  Thy  Deity. 
God  !  thus  alone  my  lowly  thoughts  can  soar. 
Thus  seek  Thy  presence  —  Being  wise  and  good  ! 
'Midst  Thy  vast  works,  admire,  obey,  adore  ; 
And  when  the  tongue  is  eloquent  no  more, 
The  soul  shall  speak  in  tears  of  gratitude. 


THF  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  403 


CHAPTER   CLXVIII. 


FASTING. THE    FEIGNED    AND    THE    TRUE. 

Canst  thou  dream  there  is  a  power 
In  lighter  diet,  at  a  later  hour, 
To  charm  to  sleep  the  threatenings  of  the  skies, 
And  hide  past  folly  from  all-seeing  eyes  ? 
The  fast  that  wins  deliverance,  and  suspends 
Tiie  stroke  that  a  vindictive  God  intends, 
Is  to  renounce  hypocrisy,  to  draw 
Thy  life  upon  the  pattern  of  the  law, 
To  war  with  pleasure  idolized  before, 
To  vanquish  lust,  and  wear  its  yoke  no  more. 
All  fasting  else,  vvhate'er  be  the  pretence. 
Is  wooing  mercy  by  renewed  offence. 

WHEREFORE  have  we  fasted,  say  they,  and  thou  seest 
not .''  wherefore  have  we  afflicted  our  soul,  and  thou 
takest  no  knowledge  .-^  Behold,  in  the  day  of  your  fast  ye  find 
pleasure,  and  exact  all  your  labours.  Behold,  ye  fast  for  strife 
and  debate,  and  to  smite  with  the  fist  of  wickedness  :  ye  shall 
not  fast  as  ye  do  this  day,  to  make  your  voice  to  be  heard  on 
high.  Is  it  such  a  fast  that  I  have  chosen  }  a  day  for  a  man 
to  afflict  his  soul  .-*  is  it  to  bou^  down  his  head  as  a  bulrush,  and 
to  spread  sackcloth  and  ashes  under  him .''  wilt  thou  call  this 
a  fast,  and  an  acceptable  day  to  the  Lord  }  Is  not  this  the  fast 
that  I  have  chosen  .■*  to  loose  the  bands  of  wickedness,  to  undo 
the  heavy  burdens,  and  to  let  the  oppressed  go  free,  and  that  ye 
break  every  yoke }  Is  it  not  to  deal  thy  bread  to  the  hungry, 
and  that  thou  bring  the  poor  that  are  cast  out  to  thy  house } 
when  thou  seest  the  naked,  that  thou  cover  him  ;  and  that  thou 
hide  not  thyself  from  thine  own  flesh  1 

Is  this  a  fast  —  to  keep 

The  larder  lean,  and  clean 
From  fat  of  veals  and  sheep .'' 
Is  it  to  quit  the  dish 

Of  flesh,  yet  still  to  fill 
The  platter  high  with  fish  ? 


404  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS 

No  !  'tis  a  fast  to  dole 

Thy  sheaf  of  wheat,  and  meat, 
Unto  the  hungry  soul : 
To  show  a  heart  grief-rent ; 

To  starve  thy  sin,  not  bin  — 
And  that's  to  keep  thy  lent. 

Then  shall  thy  light  break  forth  as  the  morning,  and  thine 
heallh  shall  spring  forth  speedily  :  and  thy  righteousness  shall 
go  before  thee  ;  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  be  thy  rearward. 
Then  shalt  thou  call,  and  the  Lord  shall  answer ;  thou  shalt 
cry,  and  he  shall  say,  Here  I  am.  If  thou  take  away  from  the 
midst  of  thee  the  yoke,  the  putting  forth  of  the  finger,  and 
speaking  vanity  ;  and  if  thou  draw  out  thy  soul  to  the  hungry, 
and  satisfy  the  afflicted  soul  ;  then  shall  thy  light  rise  in  ob- 
scurity, and  thy  darkness  be  as  the  noonday :  and  the  Lord 
shall  guide  thee  continually,  and  satisfy  thy  soul  in  drought, 
and  make  fat  thy  bones  :  and  thou  shalt  be  like  a  watered 
garden,  and  like  a  spring  of  water,  whose  waters  fail  not. 

Is  fasting,  then,  the  thing  that  God  requires  ? 

Can  fasting  expiate  or  slake  those  fires 

That  sin  hath  blown  to  such  a  mighty  flame  ? 

Can  sackcloth  clothe  a  fault,  or  hide  a  shame  ? 

Can  ashes  cleanse  thy  blot,  or  purge  out  thy  offence  ? 

Or  do  thy  hands  make  Heaven  a  recompence, 

By  strowing  dust  upon  thy  briny  face.'' 

Are  these  thy  tricks  to  purchase  heavenly  grace .-' 

No  !  though  thou  pine  thyself  with  willing  want, 

Or  face  look  thin,  or  carcase  ne'er  so  gaunt ; 

Such  holy  madness  God  rejects,  and  loathes  1 


CHAPTER   CLXIX. 

ZION    AS    LIGHT,    REFUGE,    AND    GLORY. 

See  heaven  its  sparkling  portals  wide  display, 
And  break  upon  thee  in  a  flood  of  day  ! 
No  more  the  rising  sun  shall  gild  the  morn, 
Nor  evening  Cynthia  fill  her  silver  horn  ; 
But  lost,  dissolved  in  thy  superior  rays. 
One  tide  of  glory,  one  unclouded  blaze. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  405 

O'erflow  thy  courts  ;  the  Light  Himself  shall  shine 
Revealed,  and  God's  eternal  day  be  thine  ! 
The  seas  shall  waste,  the  skies  in  smoke  deca}', 
Rocks  fall  to  dust,  and  mountains  melt  away ; 
But  fixed  His  word,  His  saving  power  remains; 
Thy  realm  for  ever  lasts,  thy  own  Messiah  reigns  \ 

ARISE,  shine  ;  for  thy  light  is  come,  and  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  is  risen  upon  thee.  For,  behold,  the  darkness  shall 
cover  the  earth,  and  gross  darkness  the  people  :  but  the  Lord 
shall  arise  upon  thee,  and  his  glory  shall  be  seen  upon  thee. 
And  the  Gentiles  shall  come  to  thy  light,  and  kings  to  the 
brightness  of  thy  rising.  Lift  up  thine  eyes  round  about,  and 
see :  all  they  gather  themselves  together,  they  come  to  thee  ; 
thy  sons  shall  come  from  far,  and  thy  daughters  shall  be  nursed 
at  thy  side.  Then  thou  shalt  see,  and  flow  together,  and  thine 
heart  shall  fear,  and  be  enlarged  ;  because  the  abundance  of  the 
sea  shall  be  converted  unto  thee,  the  forces  of  the  Gentiles  shall 
come  unto  thee.  The  multitude  of  camels  shall  cover  thee,  the 
dromedaries  of  Midian  and  Ephah  ;  all  they  from  Sheba  shall 
come  :  they  shall  bring  gold  and  incense  ;  and  they  shall  shew 
forth  the  praises  of  the  Lord.  AU  the  flocks  of  Kcdar  shall  be 
gathered  together  unto  thee,  the  rams  of  Nebaioth  shall  minister 
unto  thee  :  they  sha'.l  come  up  with  acceptance  on  mine  altar, 
and  I  will  glorify  the  house  of  my  glory. 

Who  are  these  that  fly  as  a  cloud,  and  as  the  doves  to  their 
windows .''  Surely  the  isles  shall  wait  for  me,  and  the  ships  of 
Tjrshish  first,  to  bring  thy  sons  from  far,  their  silver  and  their 
gold  with  them,  unto  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  to  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel,  because  he  hath  glorified  thee.  And  the 
sons  of  strangers  shall  build  up  thy  walls,  and  their  kings  shall 
minister  unto  thee  :  for  in  my  wrath  I  smote  thee,  but  in  my 
favour  have  I  had  mercy  on  thee.  Therefore  thy  gates  shall  be 
open  continually  ;  they  shall  not  be  shut  day  nor  night  ;  that 
men  may  bring  unto  thee  the  forces  of  the  Gentiles,  and  that 
their  kings  may  be  brought.  For  the  nation  and  kingdom 
that  will  not  serve  thee  shall  perish  ;  yea,  those  nations  shall  be 
utterly  wasted.  The  glory  of  Lebanon  shall  come  unto  thee,  the 
fir  tree,  the  pine  tree,  and  the  box  together,  to  beautify  the  place 
of  my  sanctuary  ;  and  I  will  make  the  place  of  my  feet  glorious. 
The   sons  also  of  them  that  afflicted  thee  shall  come  bending 


4o6  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

unto  thee ;  and  a'.l  they  that  despised  thee  shall  bow  themselves 
down  at  the  soles  of  thy  feet  ;  and  they  shall  call  thee,  The  city 
of  the  Lord,  The  Zion  of  thj  Holy  One  of  Israel.  Whereas  thou 
hast  been  forsaken  and  hated,  so  that  no  man  went  through 
thee,  I  will  make  thee  an  eternal  excellency,  a  joy  of  many  gener- 
ations. Thou  shalt  also  suck  the  milk  of  the  Gentiles,  and  shalt 
suck  the  breast  of  kings  :  and  thou  shalt  know  that  I  the  Lord 
am  thy  Saviour  and  thy  Redeemer,  the  Mighty  One  of  Jacob. 
For  brass  I  will  bring  gold,  and  for  iron  I  will  bring  silvtr,  and 
for  wood  brass,  and  for  stones  iron  :  I  will  also  make  thy  officers 
peace,  and  thine  exactors  righteousness.  Violence  shall  no  more 
be  heard  in  thy  land,  wasting  nor  destruction  within  thy  borders  ; 
but  thou  shalt  call  thy  walls  Salvation,  and  thy  gates  Praise. 
The  sun  shall  be  no  more  thy  light  by  day  ;  neither  for  bright- 
ness shall  the  moon  give  light  unto  thee  :  but  the  Lord  shall  be 
unto  thee  an  everlasting  light,  and  thy  God  thy  glory.  Thy  sun 
shall  no  more  go  down  ;  neither  shall  thy  moon  withdraw  itself  : 
for  the  Lord  shall  be  thine  everlasting  light,  and  the  days  of  thy 
mourning  shall  be  ended.  Thy  people  also  shall  be  all  righteous : 
they  shall  inherit  the  land  for  ever,  the  branch  of  my  planting, 
the  work  of  my  hands,  that  I  may  be  glorified.  A  little  one  shall 
become  a  thousand,  and  a  small  one  a  strong  nation  :  I  the  Lord 
will  hasten  it  in  his  time. 

Ye  no  more  your  suns  descending,  waning  moons  no  more  shall  see ; 
But  your  griefs  for  ever  ending,  find  eternal  rest  in  Me. 
God  shall  rise,  and,  shining  o'er  you,  change  to  clay  the  gloom  of  night; 
He,  the  Lord,  shall  be  your  Glory,  God  your  everlasting  Light. 


CHAPTER   CLXX. 

LONGINGS,    PLEADINGS,    PROMISES. 

OH  that  thou  wouldest  rend  the  heavens,  that  thou  wouldest 
come  down,  that  the  mountains  might  flow  down  at  thy 
presence,  as  when  the  melting  fire  burneth,  the  fire  causeth  the 
waters  to  boil,  to  make  thy  name  known  to  thine  adversaries, 
that  the  nations  may  tremble  at  thy  presence  !    When  thou  didst 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  407 

terrible  things  which  we  looked  not  for,  thou  earnest  down,  the 
mountains  flowed  down  at  thy  presence.  For  since  the  be"-in- 
ning  of  the  world  men  have  not  heard,  nor  perceived  by  the  ear, 
neither  hath  the  eye  seen,  O  God,  beside  thee,  what  he  hath 
prepared  for  him  that  waiteth  for  him.  Thou  mectest  him  that 
rejoiceth  and  worketh  righteousness,  those  that  remember  thee 
in  thy  ways  :  behold,  thou  art  wroth  ;  for  we  have  sinned  :  in 
those  is  continuance,  and  we  shall  be  saved.  But  we  are  all  as 
an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our  righteousnesses  are  as  filthy  rags  ; 
and  we  all  do  fade  as  a  leaf  ;  and  our  inicjuities,  like  the  wind, 
have  taken  us  away.  And  there  is  none  that  calleth  upon  thy 
name,  that  stirreth  up  himself  to  take  hold  of  thee  :  for  thou  hast 
hid  thy  face  from  us,  and  hast  consumed  us  because  of  our  ini- 
quities. But  now,  O  Lord,  thou  art  our  Father  ;  we  are  the  clay, 
and  thou  our  potter  ;  and  we  all  are  the  work  of  thy  hand. 

See  the  leaves  around  us  falling, 

Dry  and  withered  to  the  ground  ; 
Thus  to  thoughtless  mortals  calling, 

In  a  sad  and  solemn  sound  :  — ■ 
"  Cease  presumptuous  hopes  to  cherish, 

Prize  the  lessons  as  they  fly  ; 
Like  the  leaves,  you  rise  and  flourish, 

Like  the  leaves,  must  droop  and  die  !  " 

Be  not  wroth  very  sore,  O  Lord,  neither  remember  iniquity 
for  ever  :  behold,  see,  we  beseech  thee,  we  are  all  thy  people. 
Thy  holy  cities  are  a  wilderness,  Zion  is  a  wilderness,  Jerusalem 
a  desolation.  Our  holy  and  our  beautiful  house,  where  our  fathers 
praised  thee,  is  burned  up  with  fire  :  and  all  our  pleasant  things 
are  laid  waste.  Wilt  thou  refrain  thyself  for  these  things,  O 
Lord  .''  wilt  thou  hold  thy  peace,  and  afflict  us  very  sore  .-' 

O  make  us  apt  to  seek,  and  quick  to  find,  Thou  God  most  kind  ! 
Give  us  love,  hope,  and  faith  in  Thee  to  trust,  Thou  God  most  just! 
Remit  all  our  offences,  we  entreat  —  most  Good,  most  Great ! 
Grant  that  our  willing,  though  unworthy  quest 
May,  through  Thy  grace,  admit  us  'mongst  the  blest. 

I  am  sought  of  them  that  asked  not  for  me  ;  I  am  found  of 
them  that  sought  me  not  :  I  said.  Behold  me,  behold  me,  unto  a 
nation  that  was  not  called  by  my  name.  For,  behold,  I  create 
new  heavens  and  a  new  earth  :  and  the  former  shall  not  be 
remembered,  nor  come  into  mind.     But  be  ye  glad  and  rejoice 


408  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

for  ever  in  that  which  I  create  :  for,  behold,  I  create  Jerusalem  a 
rejoicing,  and  her  people  a  joy.  And  I  will  rejoice  in  Jerusalem, 
and  joy  in  my  people  :  and  the  voice  of  weeping  shall  be  no  more 
heard  in  her,  nor  the  voice  of  crying.  There  shall  be  no  more 
thence  an  infant  of  days,  nor  an  old  man  that  hath  not  filled  his 
days  :  for  the  child  shall  die  a  hundred  years  old  ;  but  the  sinner 
being  a  hundred  years  old  shall  be  accursed.  And  they  shall 
build  houses,  and  inhabit  them  ;  and  they  shall  plant  vineyards, 
and  eat  the  fruit  of  them.  They  shall  not  build,  and  another 
inhabit  ;  they  shall  not  plant,  and  another  eat :  for  as  the  days 
of  a  tree  are  the  days  of  my  people,  and  mine  elect  shall  long 
enjoy  the  work  of  their  hands.  They  shall  not  labour  in  vain, 
nor  bring  forth  for  trouble  ;  for  they  are  the  seed  of  the  blessed 
of  the  Lord,  and  their  offspring  with  them.  And  it  shall  come 
to  pass,  that  before  they  call,  I  will  answer  ;  and  while  they  are 
yet  speaking,  I  will  hear.  The  wolf  and  the  lamb  shall  feed 
together,  and  the  lion  shall  eat  straw  like  the  bullock :  and  dust 
shall  be  the  serpent's  meat.  They  shall  not  hurt  nor  destroy  in 
all  my  holy  mountain,  saith  the  Lord. 

Amazing,  beauteous  change  !  a  world  created  new  ! 
My  thoughts  with  transport  range,  the  lovely  scene  to  view ; 
In  all  I  trace,  Saviour  divine,  the  work  is  Thine  — 
Be  Thine  the  praise  ! 


CHAPTER   CLXXI. 

CYRUS    CALLED    AND    GIRDED    TO    SERVE    THE    CHURCH. 

The  Maker  justly  claims  that  world  He  made, 
In  this  the  right  of  Providence  is  laid  ; 
Its  sacred  majesty  through  all  depends 
On  using  second  means  to  work  His  ends  : 
'Tis  thus,  withdrawn  in  state  from  human  eye, 
The  Power  exerts  His  attributes  on  high. 
Your  actions  uses,  nor  controls  your  will, 
And  bids  the  doubting  sons  of  men  be  still. 

THUS  saith  the  Lord  to  his  anointed,  to  Cyrus,  whose  right 
hand  I  have  holden,  to  subdue  nations  before  him  ;  and  I 
will  loose  the  loins  of  kings,  to  open  before  him  the  two-leaved 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE .  POETS.  409 

gates  ;  and  the  gates  shall  not  be  shut ;  I  will  go  before  thee, 
and  make  the  crooked  places  straight :  I  will  break  in  pieces 
the  gates  of  brass,  and  cut  in  sunder  the  bars  of  iron  :  and  I  will 
give  thee  the  treasures  of  darkness,  and  hidden  riches  of  secret 
places,  that  thou  mayest  know  that  I,  the  Lord,  which  call  thee 
by  thy  name,  am  the  God  of  Israel.  For  Jacob  my  servant's 
sake,  and  Israel  mine  elect,  I  have  even  called  thee  by  thy  name  : 
I  have  surnamed  thee,  though  thou  hast  not  known  me. 

I  am  the  Lord,  and  there  is  none  else,  there  is  no  God  beside 
me  :  I  girded  thee,  though  thou  hast  not  known  me  ;  that  they 
may  know  from  the  rising  of  the  sun,  and  from  the  west,  that 
there  is  none  beside  me.  I  am  the  Lord,  and  there  is  none  else. 
I  form  the  light,  and  create  darkness  :  I  make  peace,  and  create 
evil :  I  the  Lord  do  all  these  things.  Drop  down,  ye  heavens, 
from  above,  and  let  the  skies  pour  down  righteousness  :  let  the 
earth  open,  and  let  them  bring  forth  salvation,  and  let  righteous- 
ness spring  up  together  ;  I  the  Lord  have  created  it.  Woe  unto 
him  that  striveth  with  his  Maker !  Let  the  potsherd  strive  with 
the  potsherds  of  the  earth.  Shall  the  clay  say  to  him  that 
fashioneth  it.  What  makest  thou  .''  or  thy  work.  He  hath  no 
hands  .-*  Woe  unto  him  that  saith  unto  his  father,  What  beget- 
test  thou .''  or  to  the  woman.  What  hast  thou  brought  forth  .-* 
Thus  saith  the  Lord,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  and  his  Maker, 
Ask  me  of  things  to  come  concerning  my  sons,  and  concerning 
the  work  of  my  hands  command  ye  me.  I  have  made  the  earth, 
and  created  man  upon  it  :  I,  even  my  hands,  have  stretched  out 
the  heavens,  and  all  their  hosts  have  I  commanded.  I  have 
raised  him  up  in  righteousness,  and  I  will  direct  all  his  ways  :  he 
shall  build  my  city,  and  he  shall  let  go  my  captives,  not  for  price 
nor  reward,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

God  ordained  thy  will 
By  nature  free,  not  overruled  by  fate 
Inextricable,  or  strict  necessity  : 
Our  voluntary  service  He  requires, 
Not  our  necessitated  ;  such  with  Him 
Finds  no  acceptance,  nor  can  find  ;  for  how 
Can  hearts,  not  free,  be  tried  whether  they  serve 
Willing  or  no,  who  will  but  what  they  must 
By  destiny,  and  can  no  other  choose .'' 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  The  labour  of  Egypt,  and  merchandise 
of  Ethiopia,  and  of  the  Sabeans,  men  of  stature,  shall  come  over 


4IO  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

unto  thee,  and  they  shall  be  thine :  they  shall  come  after  thee  ; 
in  chains  they  shall  come  over,  and  they  shall  fall  down  unto 
thee,  they  shall  make  supplication  unto  thee,  saying,  Surely  God 
is  in  thee  ;  and  there  is  none  else,  there  is  no  God.  Verily  thou 
art  a  God  that  hidest  thyself,  O  God  of  Israel,  the  Saviour. 
They  shall  be  ashamed,  and  also  confounded,  all  of  them  :  they 
shall  go  to  confusion  together  that  are  makers  of  idols.  But 
Israel  shall  be  saved  in  the  Lord  with  an  everlasting  salvation  : 
ye  shall  not  be  ashamed  nor  confounded  world  without  end. 
For  thus  saith  the 'Lord  that  created  the  heavens  ;  God  himself 
that  formed  the  earth  and  made  it ;  he  hath  established  it,  he 
created  it  not  in  vain,  he  formed  it  to  be  inhabited  :  I  am  the 
Lord,  and  there  is  none  else.  I  have  not  spoken  in  secret,  in  a 
dark  place  of  the  earth  :  I  said  not  unto  the  seed  of  Jacob,  Seek 
ye  me  in  vain  :  I  the  Lord  speak  righteousness,  I  declare  things 
that  are  right. 

Great  God  !  Thou  art  the  flowing  spring  of  light  ; 

Enrich  mine  eyes  with  thy  refulgent  ray  ; 
Tliou  art  my  path  ;  direct  my  steps  aright, 

I  have  no  other  light,  no  other  way  ; 
I'll  trust  my  God,  and  Him  alone  pursue  : 

His  law  shall  be  my  path,  His  heavenly  light  my  clue. 

Assemble  yourselves  and  come  ;  draw  near  together,  ye  that 
are  escaped  of  the  nations  :  they  have  no  knowledge  that  set  up 
the  wood  of  their  graven  image,  and  pray  unto  a  god  that  cannot 
save.  Tell  ye,  and  bring  them  near  ;  yea,  let  them  take  counsel 
together :  who  hath  declared  this  from  ancient  time  .■'  who  hath 
told  it  from  that  time .''  have  not  I  the  Lord .''  and  there  is  no 
God  else  beside  me  ;  a  just  God  and  a  Saviour  ;  there  is  none 
beside  me.  Look  unto  me,  and  be  ye  saved,  all  the  ends  of  the 
earth  ;  for  I  am  God,  and  there  is  none  else.  I  have  sworn  by 
myself,  the  word  is  gone  out  of  my  mouth  in  righteousness,  and 
shall  not  return.  That  unto  me  every  knee  shall  bow,  every 
tongue  shall  swear.  Surely  shall  one  say.  In  the  Lord  have  I 
,  righteousness  and  strength  :  even  to  him  shall  men  come  ;  and 
all  that  are  incensed  against  him  shall  be  ashamed.  In  the 
Lord  shall  all  the  seed  of  Israel  be  justified  and  shall  glory. 

How  Heaven,  in  scorn  of  human  arrogance, 
Commits  to  trivial  chance  the  fate  of  nations  ! 
While,  with  incessant  thought,  laborious  man 
Extends  his  mighty  schemes  of  v/ealth  and  power, 


THE  BIBLE   AND    THE  POETS.  41 1 

And  towers  and  triumphs  in  ideal  greatness, 
Some  accidental  gust  of  opposition 
Blasts  all  the  beauties  of  his  new  creation, 
O'erturns  the  fabric  of  presumptuous  reason, 
And  whelms  the  swelling  architect  beneath  it. 


CHAPTER   CLXXII. 

JEHOVAH    REVERENTIALLY    REMEMBERED    AND    TRUSTED. 

Behold  the  God  !  the  Almighty  King, 
Rides  on  a  tempest's  glorious  wing  ; 
His  ensigns  lighten  round  the  sky, 
And  moving  legions  sound  on  higl\. 
Ten  thousand  cherubs  wait  His  course. 
Chariots  of  fire  and  flaming  horse  : 
Earth  trembles  ;  and  her  mountains  flow 
At  His  approach,  like  melting  snow. 

A  PRAYER  of  Habakkuk  the  prophet  upon  Shigionoth. 
O  Lord,  I  have  heard  thy  speech,  and  was  afraid :  O 
Lord,  revive  thy  work  in  the  midst  of  the  years,  in  the  midst  of 
the  years  make  known  ;  in  wrath  remember  mercy.  God  came 
from  Teman,  and  the  Holy  One  from  mount  Paran.  Selah. 
His  glory  covered  the  heavens,  and  the  earth  was  full  of  his 
praise.  And  his  brightness  was  as  the  light  ;  he  had  horns 
coming  out  of  his  hand  :  and  there  was  the  hiding  of  his  power. 
Before  him  went  the  pestilence,  and  burning  coals  went  forth  at 
his  feet.  He  stood,  and  measured  the  earth  :  he  beheld,  and 
drove  asunder  the  nations  ;  and  the  everlasting  mountains  were 
scattered,  the  perpetual  hills  did  bow  :  his  ways  are  everlasting. 
I  saw  the  tents  of  Cushan  in  affliction  :  and  the  curtains  of  the 
land  of  Midian  did  tremble.  Was  the  Lord  displeased  against 
the  rivers  .-'  was  thine  anger  against  the  rivers  .-'  was  thy  wrath 
against  the  sea,  that  thou  didst  ride  upon  thine  horses  and  thy 
chariots  of  salvation  .-'  Thy  bow  was  made  quite  naked,  accord- 
ing to  the  oaths  of  the  tribes,  even  thy  word.  Selah.  Thou 
didst  cleave  the  earth  with  rivers.  The  mountains  saw  thee, 
and  they  trembled  :  the  overflowing  of  the  water  passed  by :  the 
deep  uttered  his  voice,    and  lifted  up  his  hands  on  high.     The 


412  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

sun  and  moon  stood  still  in  their  habitation  :  at  the  light  of 
thine  arrows  they  went,  and  at  the  shining  of  thy  glittering 
spear.  Thou  didst  march  through  the  land  in  indignation,  thou 
didst  thresh  the  heathen  in  anger.  Thou  wentest  forth  for  the 
salvation  of  thy  people,  even  for  salvation  with  thine  anointed  ; 
thou  woundedst  the  head  out  of  the  house  of  the  wicked,  by 
discovering  the  foundation  unto  the  neck.  Selah.  Thou  didst 
strike  through  with  his  staves  the  head  of  his  villages  :  they 
came  out  as  a  whirlwind  to  scatter  me  :  their  rejoicing  was  as 
to  devour  the  poor  secretly.  Thou  didst  walk  through  the  sea 
with  thine  horses,  through  the  heap  of  great  waters.  When  I 
heard,  my  belly  trembled  ;  my  lips  quivered  at  the  voice  :  rotten- 
ness entered  into  my  bones,  and  I  trembled  in  myself,  that  I 
might  rest  in  the  day  of  trouble  :  when  he  cometh  up  unto  the 
people,  he  will  invade  them  with  his  troops. 

A  sound,  then,  first 
I  heard  as  of  a  pent-up  flood  just  burst : 
It  was  the  rush  of  God's  world-winnowing  wing  ; 
Which  bowed  the  orbs  as  flowers  are  bowed  by  breath  of  spring. 
And  then  a  voice  I  heard,  a  voice  subhme  — 
To  which  the  hoarded  thunders  of  all  time 
Pealing  earth's  death-knell  shall  a  whisper  be  — 
Saying  these  words  —  Where  will  ye  worship  Me  ? 
Ay,  where  shall  be  your  Maker's  holy  place  .'' 
The  Heaven  of  Heavens  is  poor  before  His  face. 
How  shall  ye  mete  My  temple,  ye  who  die  1 
Look  !  can  ye  span  your  God's  infinity  ? 
Hear,  mighty  universe,  thy  Maker's  voice  ! 
Let  all  thy  myriad,  myriad  worlds  rejoice  ! 
Lo  !  I,  your  Maker,  do  amid  ye  come, 
To  choose  My  worship  and  to  name  My  home. 

Although  the  fig  tree  shall  not  blossom,  neither  shall  fruit  be 
in  the  vines  ;  the  labour  of  the  olive  shall  fail,  and  the  fields  shall 
yield  no  meat  ;  the  flock  shall  be  cut  off  from  the  fold,  and  there 
shall  be  no  herd  in  the  stalls  :  yet  I  will  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  I 
will  joy  in  the  God  of  my  salvation.  The  Lord  God  is  my 
strength,  and  he  will  make  my  feet  like  hinds'  feet,  and  he  will 
make  me  to  walk  upon  mine  high  places. 

In  the  midst  of  affliction  my  table  is  spread  ; 
With  blessings  unmeasured  my  cup  runneth  o'er  ; 
With  perfume  and  oil,  Thou  anointest  my  head  ; 
O  !  what  shall  I  ask  of  Thy  Providence  more  ? 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  413 

Let. goodness  and  mercy,  my  bountiful  God, 

Still  follow  my  steps,  till  I  meet  Thee  above  : 

I  seek,  by  the  path  which  my  forefathers  trod 

Through  the  land  of  their  sojourn,  Thy  kingdom  of  love. 


CHAPTER   CLXXIII. 

SINS    DEPLORED. JUDGMENTS    DEPRECATED. 

Man-like  it  is  to  fall  into  sin, 
Fiend-like  it  is  to  dwell  therein, 
Christ-like  it  is  for  sin  to  grieve, 
God-like  it  is  all  sin  to  leave. 

OH  that  my  head  were  waters,  and  mine  eyes  a  fountain  of 
tears,  that  I  might  weep  day  and  night  for  the  slain  of 
the  daughter  of  my  people !  Oh  that  I  had  in  the  wilderness 
a  lodging  place  of  wayfaring  men ;  that  I  might  leave  my 
people,  and  go  from  them  !  for  they  be  all  adulterers,  an  assem- 
bly of  treacherous  men.  And  they  bend  their  tongues  like  their 
bow  for  lies  :  but  they  are  not  valiant  for  the  truth  upon  the 
earth  ;  for  they  proceed  from  evil  to  evil,  and  they  know  not  me, 
saith  the  Lord.  Take  ye  heed  every  one  of  his  neighbour,  and 
trust  ye  not  in  any  brother :  for  every  brother  will  utterly  sup- 
plant, and  every  neighbour  will  walk  with  slanders.  And  they 
will  deceive  every  one  his  neighbour,  and  will  not  speak  the 
truth  :  they  have  taught  their  tongue  to  speak  lies,  and  weary 
themselves  to  commit  iniquity.  Thine  habitation  is  in  the, midst 
of  deceit  ;  through  deceit  they  refuse  to  know  me,  saith  the 
Lord.  Therefore  thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts.  Behold,  I  will 
melt  them,  and  try  them  ;  for  how  shall  I  do  for  the  daughter  of 
my  people  .^  Their  tongue  is  as  an  arrow  shot  out ;  it  speaketh 
deceit  :  one  speaketh  peaceably  to  his  neighbour  with  his  mouth, 
but  in  heart  he  layeth  his  wait. 

Return,  once  more  return,  O  wanderer,  to  thy  God ; 
A  voice  yet  on  thee  calls,  a  finger  points  the  road  ; 
Return  !  the  promise  saith  — hark  !  wayward  wanderer,  ho  ! 
"  Thy  sins,  as  scarlet  red,  shall  white  be  made  as  snow  ! " 


414  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Shall  I  not  visit  them  for  these  things  ?  saith  the  Lord  :  shall 
not  my  soul  be  avenged  on  such  a  nation  as  this  ?  For  the 
mountains  will  I  take  up  a  weeping  and  wailing,  and  for  the 
habitations  of  the  wilderness  a  lamentation,  because  they  are 
burned  up,  so  that  none  can  jDass  through  them  ;  neither  can 
men  hear  the  voice  of  the  cattle :  both  the  fowl  of  the  heavens 
and  the  beast  are  fled  ;  they  are  gone.  And  I  will  make  Jeru- 
salem heaps,  and  a  den  of  dragons  ;  and  I  will  make  the  cities 
of  Judah  desolate,  without  an  inhabitant. 

Who  is  the  wise  man,  that  may  understand  this  .-•  and  who  is 
he  to  whom  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken,  that  he  may 
declare  it,  for  what  the  land  perisheth  and  is  burned  up  like  a 
wilderness,  that  none  passeth  through  .-•  And  the  Lord  saith, 
Because  they  have  forsaken  my  law  which  I  set  before  them,  and 
have  not  obeyed  my  voice,  neither  walked  therein ;  but  have 
walked  after  the  imagination  of  their  own  heart,  and  after 
Baalim,  which  their  fathers  taught  them  :  therefore  thus  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel ;  Behold,  I  will  feed  them, 
even  this  people,  with  wormwood,  and  give  them  water  of  gall 
to  drink.  I  will  scatter  them  also  among  the  heathen,  whom 
neither  they  nor  their  fathers  have  known  :  and  I  will  send  a 
sword  after  them,  till  I  have  consumed  them. 

Try  what  repentance  can  :  what  can  it  not .'' 

Yet  what  can  it,  when  one  cannot  repent  ? 

O  wretched  state  !  O  bosom,  black  as  death  ! 

O  Hm^d  soul  that,  struggling  to  be  free. 

Art  more  engaged  !     Help,  angels  !  make  assay  : 

Bow,  stubborn  knees  :  and,  heart,  with  strings  of  steel, 

Be  soft  as  sinews  of  the  new-born  babe. 

All  may  be  well. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  Consider  ye,  and  call  for  the 
mourning  women,  that  they  may  come  ;  and  send  for  cunning 
women,  that  they  may  come :  and  let  them  make  haste,  and 
take  up  a  wailing  for  us,  that  our  eyes  may  run  down  with  tears, 
and  our  eyelids  gush  out  with  waters.  For  a  voice  of  wailing  is 
heard  out  of  Zion,  How  are  we  spoiled !  we  are  greatly  con- 
founded, because  we  have  forsaken  the  land,  because  our  dwell- 
ings have  cast  us  out.  Yet  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  O  ye 
women,  and  let  your  ear  receive  the  word  of  his  mouth,  and 
teach  your   daughters   wailing,   and    every  one   her   neighbour 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS.  415 

lamentation.  For  death  is  come  up  into  our  windows,  and  is 
entered  into  our  palaces,  to  cut  off  the  children  from  without, 
and  the  young  men  from  the  streets.  Speak,  Thus  saith  the 
Lord,  Even  the  carcasses  of  men  shall  fall  as  dung  upon  the 
open  field,  and  as  the  handful  after  the  harvest-man,  and  none 
shall  gather  them. 

Troops  of  unknown  diseases,  sorrow,  age, 

And  death  assail  him  with  successive  rage. 

Hell  let  forth  all  her  furies  :  none  so  great 

As  man  for  man,  ambition,  pride,  deceit ; 

Wrong  armed  with  power,  lust,  rapine,  slaughter  reigned, 

And  flattered  vice  the  name  of  virtue  gained. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Let  not  the  wise  man  glory  in  his  wis- 
dom, neither  let  the  mighty  man  glory  in  his  might,  let  not  the 
rich  man  glory  in  his  riches  :  but  let  him  that  glorieth  glory  in 
this,  that  he  understandeth  and  knoweth  me,  that  I  am  the 
Lord  which  exercise  loving-kindness,  judgment,  and  righteous- 
ness, in  the  earth :  for  in  these  things  I  delight,  saith  the  Lord. 

The  Lord  is  never  far  away. 

Nor  sundered  from  His  flock  ; 
He  is  their  refuge  and  their  stay, 

Their  peace,  their  trust,  their  rock, 
And  with  a  mother's  watchful  love, 
He  guides  them  wheresoe'er  they  rove  ; 
Give  to  our  God  the  glory  ! 


CHAPTER    CLXXIV. 

HEZEKIAh's    PASSOVER    FOR    RELIGIOUS    REFORM. 

Pray  for  the  health  of  all  that  are  diseased, 

Confession  unto  all  that  are  convicted. 
And  patience  unto  all  that  are  displeased, 

And  comfort  unto  all  that  are  afflicted, 
And  mercy  unto  all  that  have  offended. 
And  grace  to  all,  that  all  may  be  amended  ! 

AND  Hezekiah  sent  to  all  Israel  and  Judah,  and  wrote  letters 
also  to  Ephraim  and  Manasseh,  that  they  should  come  to 
the  house  of  the  Lord  at  Jerusalem,  to  keep  the  passover  unto 
the  Lord  God  of  Israel.     For  the  king  had  taken  counsel,  and 


41 6  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

his  princes,  and  all  the  congregation  in  Jerusalem,  to  keep  the 
passover  in  the  second  month.  So  they  established  a  decree  to 
make  proclamation  throughout  all  Israel,  from  Beer-sheba  even 
to  Dan,  that  they  should  come  to  keep  the  passover  unto  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel  at  Jerusalem  :  for  they  had  not  done  it  of  a 
long  time  in  such  sort  as  it  was  written.  So  the  posts  went 
with  the  letters  from  the  king  and  his  princes  throughout  all 
Israel  and  Judah,  and  according  to  the  commandment  of  the 
king,  saying,  Ye  children  of  Israel,  turn  again  unto  the  Lord 
God  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Israel,  and  he  will  return  to  the 
remnant  of  you,  that  are  escaped  out  of  the  hand  of  the  kings  of 
Assyria.  And  be  not  ye  like  your  fathers,  and  like  your  breth- 
ren, which  trespassed  against  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers,  who 
therefore  gave  them  up  to  desolation,  as  ye  see.  Now  be  ye  not 
stiff-necked,  as  your  fathers  were,  but  yield  yourselves  unto  the 
Lord,  and  enter  into  his  sanctuary,  which  he  hath  sanctified  for 
ever :  and  serve  the  Lord  your  God,  that  the  fierceness  of  his 
wrath  may  turn  away  from  you.  For  if  ye  turn  again  unto  the 
Lord,  your  brethren  and  your  children  shall  find  compassion 
before  them  that  lead  them  captive,  so  that  they  shall  come 
again  into  this  land  :  for  the  Lord  your  God  is  gracious  and 
merciful,  and  will  not  turn  away  his  face  from  you,  if  ye  return 
unto  him.  So  the  posts  passed  from  city  to  city,  through  the 
country  of  Ephraim  and  Manasseh,  even  unto  Zebulun  :  but  they 
laughed  them  to  scorn,  and  mocked  them.  Nevertheless,  divers 
of  Asher  and  Manasseh  and  of  Zebulun  humbled  themselves, 
and  came  to  Jerusalem.  Also  in  Judah  the  hand  of  God  was  to 
give  them  one  heart  to  do  the  commandment  of  the  king  and  of 
the  princes,  by  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

My  reformation,  glittering  o'er  my  fault. 

Shall  show  more  goodly,  and  attract  more  eyes, 

Than  that  which  hath  no  foil  to  set  it  off. 

And  there  assembled  at  Jerusalem  much  people  to  keep  the 
feast  of  unleavened  bread  in  the  second  month,  a  very  great  con- 
gregation. And  they  arose  and  took  away  the  altars  that  were 
in  Jerusalem,  and  all  the  altars  for  incense  took  they  away,  and 
cast  them  into  the  brook  Kidron.  Then  they  killed  the  passover 
on  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  second  month  :  and  the  priests 
and  the  Levites  were  ashamed,  and  sanctified  themselves,  and 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  417 

brought  in  the  burnt  offerings  into  the  house  of  the  Lord.  And 
they  stood  in  their  place  after  their  manner,  according  to  the 
law  of  Moses  the  man  of  God  :  the  priests  sprinkled  the  blood, 
which  they  received  of  the  hand  of  the  Levites.  For  there  were 
many  in  the  congregation  that  were  not  sanctified :  therefore  the 
Levites  had  the  charge  of  the  killing  of  the  passovers  for  every 
one  that  was  not  clean,  to  sanctify  them  unto  the  Lord.  For  a 
multitude  of  the  people,  even  many  of  Ephraim  and  Manasseh, 
Issachar  and  Zebulun,  had  not  cleansed  themselves,  yet  did  they 
eat  the  passover  otherwise  than  it  was  written.  But  Hezekiah 
prayed  for  them,  saying,  The  good  Lord  pardon  every  one 
that  prepareth  his  heart  to  seek  God,  the  Lord  God  of  his 
fathers,  though  he  be  not  cleansed  according  to  the  purification 
of  the  sanctuary.  And  the  Lord  hearkened  to  Hezekiah,  and 
healed  the  people.  And  the  children  of  Israel  that  were  present 
at  Jerusalem  kept  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread  seven  days  with 
great  gladness :  and  the  Levites  and  the  priests  praised  the  Lord 
day  by  day,  singing  with  loud  instruments  unto  the  Lord.  And 
Hezekiah  spake  comfortably  unto  all  the  Levites  that  taught  the 
good  knowledge  of  the  Lord :  and  they  did  eat  throughout  the 
feast  seven  days,  offering  peace  offerings,  and  making  confession 
to  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers.  And  the  whole  assembly  took 
counsel  to  keep  other  seven  days :  and  they  kept  other  seven 
days  with  gladness.  For  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah  did  give  to 
the  congregation  a  thousand  bullocks  and  seven  thousand  sheep ; 
and  the  princes  gave  to  the  congregation  a  thousand  bullocks 
and  ten  thousand  sheep  :  and  a  great  number  of  priests  sanctified 
themselves.  And  all  the  congregation  of  Judah,  with  the  priests 
and  the  Levites,  and  all  the  congregation  that  came  out  of  Israel, 
and  the  strangers  that  came  out  of  the  land  of  Israel,  and  that 
dwelt  in  Judah,  rejoiced.  So  there  was  great  joy  in  Jerusalem  : 
for  since  the  time  of  Solomon  the  son  of  David  king  of  Israel 
there  was  not  the  like  in  Jerusalem. 

Then  the  priests  the  Levites  arose  and  blessed  the  people  :  and 
their  voice  was  heard,  and  their  prayer  came  up  to  his  holy  dwell- 
ing-place, even  unto  heaven. 

Sing  aloud  unto  God  our  strength  : 
Make  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  God  of  Jacob. 
Take  a  psalm,  and  bring  hither  the  timbrel ; 
The  pleasant  harp  with  the  psaltery. 
27 


41 8  ■      THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Blow  up  the  trumpet  in  the  new  moon, 

In  the  time  appointed,  on  our  solemn  feast  day. 

JFor  this  was  a  statute  for  Israel, 

And  a  law  of  the  God  of  Jacob. 

This  he  ordained  in  Joseph  for  a  testimony, 

When  he  went  out  through  the  land  of  Egypt : 

Where  I  heard  a  language  that  1  understood  not. ' 

I  removed  his  shoulder  from  the  burden  : 

His  hands  were  delivered  from  the  pots. 

Thou  calledst  in  trouble,  and  I  dehvered  thee  ; 

I  answered  thee  in  the  secret  place  of  thunder : 

I  proved  thee  at  the  waters  of  Meribah.     Selah. 

Hear,  O  my  people,  and  I  will  testify  unto  thee : 

0  Israel,  if  thou  wilt  hearken  unto  me ; 
There  shall  no  strange  god  be  in  thee; 
Neither  shalt  thou  worship  any  strange  god. 

1  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt; 
Open  thy  mouth  wide,  and  I  will  fill  it. 

But  my  people  would  not  hearken  to  my  voice  ; 

And  Israel  would  none  of  me. 

So  I  gave  them  up  unto  their  own  hearts'  lust : 

And  they  walked  in  their  own  counsels. 

Oh  that  my  people  had  hearkened  unto  me, 

And  Israel  had  walked  in  my  ways  ! 

I  should  soon  have  subdued  their  enemies, 

And  turned  my  hand  against  their  adversaries. 

The  haters  of  the  Lord  should  have  submitted  themselves  unto  him : 

But  their  time  should  have  endured  for  ever. 

He  should  have  fed  them  also  with  the  finest  of  the  wheat : 

And  with  honey  out  of  the  rock  should  I  have  satisfied  thee. 


CHAPTER   CLXXV. 


THE    CAPTIVITY    OF    ISRAEL. 

Long  time  Assyria  bound  them  in  her  chain, 
Till  penitence  had  purged  the  public  stain. 
And  Cyrus,  with  relenting  pity  moved. 
Returned  them  happy  to  the  land  they  loved  : 
There,  proof  against  prosperity,  awhile 
They  stood  ihe  test  of  her  ensnaring  smile. 
And  had  the  grace  in  scenes  of  peace  to  show 
The  virtue  they  had  learned  in  scenes  of  woe. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  419 

But  man  is  frail,  and  can  but  ill  sustain 
A  long  immunity  tVom  grief  and  pain, 
And  after  all  tlie  joys  that  plenty  leads, 
With  tiptoe  step  vice  silently  succeeds. 

IN  the  twelfth  year  of  Ahaz  king  of  Juclah  began  Hoshea  the 
son  of  Elah  to  reign  in  Samaria  over  Israel  nine  years. 
And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  but  not 
as  the  kings  of  Israel  that  were  before  him.  Against  him  came 
up  Shalmaneser  king  of  Assyria  ;  and  Hoshea  became  his  ser- 
vant, and  gave  him  presents.  And  the  king  of  Assyria  found 
conspiracy  in  Hoshea  :  for  he  had  sent  messengers  to  So  king 
of  Egypt,  and  brought  no  present  to  the  king  of  Assyria,  as  he 
had  done  year  by  year :  therefore  the  king  of  Assyria  shut  him 
up,  and  bound  him  in  prison. 

Venomous  thorns  that  are  so  sharp  and  keen 
Bear  flowers,  we  see,  full  fresh  and  fair  of  hue, 
Poison  is  also  put  in  medicine, 
And  unto  man  his  health  doth  oft  renew. 
The  fire  that  all  things  eke  consumeth  clean. 
May  hurt  and  heal :  then  if  that  this  be  true, 
I  trust  sometime  my  harm  may  be  my  health. 
Since  every  woe  is  joined  with  some  wealth. 

Then  the  king  of  Assyria  came  up  throughout  all  the  land, 
and  went  up  to  Samaria,  and  besieged  it  three  years.  In  the 
ninth  year  of  Hoshea  the  king  of  Assyria  took  Samaria,  and 
carried  Israel  away  into  Assyria,  and  placed  them  in  Halah  and 
in  Habor  by  the  river  of  Gozan,  and  in  the  cities  of  the  Medes  : 
because  they  obeyed  not  the  voice  of  the  Lord  their  God,  but 
transgressed  his  covenant,  and  all  that  Moses  the  servant  of  the 
Lord  commanded,  and  would  not  hear  them,  nor  do  them.  For 
so  it  was,  that  the  children  of  Israel  had  sinned  against  the  Lord 
their  God,  which  had  brought  them  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
from  under  the  hand  of  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt,  and  had  feared 
other  gods,  and  walked  in  the  statutes  of  the  heathen,  whom  the 
Lord  cast  out  from  before  the  children  of  Israel,  and  of  the  kings 
of  Israel,  which  they  had  made.  And  the  children  of  Israel  did 
secretly  those  things  that  were  not  right  against  the  Lord  their 
God,  and  they  built  them  high  places  in  all  their  cities,  from  the 
tower  of  the  watchman  to  the  fenced  city.     And  they  set  them 


420  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

up  images  and  groves  in  every  high  hill,  and  under  every  green 
tree  :  and  there  they  burnt  incense  in  all  the  high  places,  as  did 
the  heathen  whom  the  Lord  carried  away  before  them  ;  and 
wrought  wicked  things  to  provoke  the  Lord  to  anger  :  for  they 
served  idols,  whereof  the  Lord  had  said  unto  them,  Ye  shall  not 
do  this  thing.  Yet  the  Lord  testified  against  Israel,  and  against 
Judah,  by  all  the  prophets,  and  by  all  the  seers,  saying,  Turn  ye 
from  your  evil  ways,  and  keep  my  commandments  and  my 
statutes,  according  to  all  the  law  which  I  commanded  your 
fathers,  and  which  I  sent  to  you  by  my  servants  the  prophets. 
Notwithstanding,  they  would  not  hear,  but  hardened  their  necks, 
like  to  the  neck  of  their  fathers,  that  did  not  believe  in  the  Lord 
their  God.  For  the  children  of  Israel  walked  in  all  the  sins  of 
Jeroboam  which  he  did  ;  they  departed  not  from  them  ;  until  the 
Lord  removed  Israel  out  of  his  sight,  as  he  had  said  by  all  his 
servants  the  prophets.  So  was  Israel  carried  away  out  of  their 
own  land  to  Assyria  unto  this  day. 

One  adequate  .support 
For  the  calamities  of  mortal  life 
Exists,  one  only  ;  —  an  assured  belief 
That  the  procession  of  our  fate,  howe'er 
Sad  or  disturbed,  is  ordered  by  a  Being 
Of  infinite  benevolence,  and  power  ; 
Whose  everlasting  purposes  embrace 
All  accidents,  converting  them  to  good.  — 
Soul  of  our  souls,  and  safeguard  of  the  world  ! 
Sustain,  Thou  only  canst,  the  sick  of  heart; 
Restore  their  languid  spirits,  and  recall 
Their  lost  affections  unto  Thee  and  Thine. 


CHAPTER   CLXXVI. 

KING   JOSIAH. HIS    ZEAL    FOR    REFORM. 

The  prince,  who  fortune's  falsehood  knows, 
With  pity  hears  his  subjects'  woes, 
And  seeks  to  comfort  and  to  heal 
Those  griefs  the  prosperous  cannot  feel. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  42 1 

Warned  by  the  dangers  he  has  run, 
He  strives  the  ills  of  war  to  shun, 
Seeks  peace,  and  with  a  steady  hand 
Spreads  truth  and  justice  through  the  land. 

JOSIAH  was  eight  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign,  and 
he  reigned  thirty  and  one  years  in  Jerusalem.  And  his 
mother's  name  was  Jedidah,  the  daughter  of  Adaiah  of  Boscath. 
And  he  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and 
walked  in  all  the  way  of  David  his  father,  and  turned  not  aside 
to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left. 

And  Hilkiah  the  high  priest  said  unto  Shaphan  the  scribe,  I 
have  found  the  book  of  the  law  in  the  house  of  the  Lord.  And 
Hilkiah  gave  the  book  to  Shaphan,  and  he  read  it.  And  Sha- 
phan the  scribe  shewed  the  king,  saying,  Hilkiah  the  priest  hath 
delivered  me  a  book.  And  Shaphan  read  it  before  the  king. 
And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king  had  heard  the  words  of  the 
book  of  the  law,  that  he  rent  his  clothes.  And  the  king  com- 
manded Hilkiah  the  priest,  and  Ahikam  the  son  of  Shaphan, 
and  Achbor  the  son  of  Michaiah,  and  Shaphan  the  scribe,  and 
Asaiah  a  servant  of  the  king's,  saying.  Go  ye,  inquire  of  the 
Lord  for  me,  and  for  the  people,  and  for  all  Judah,  concerning 
the  words  of  this  book  that  is  found  :  for  great  is  the  wrath 
of  the  Lord  that  is  kindled  against  us,  because  our  fathers  have 
not  hearkened  unto  the  words  of  this  book,  to  do  according  unto 
all  that  which  is  written  concerning  us.  So  Hilkiah  the  priest, 
and  Ahikam,  and  Achbor,  and  Shaphan,  and  Asahiah,  went 
unto  Huldah  the  prophetess,  the  wife  of  Shallum  the  son  of 
Tikvah,  the  son  of  Harhas,  keeper  of  the  wardrobe  ;  (now  she 
dwelt  in  Jerusalem  in  the  college  ; )  and  they  communed  with 
her. 

And  she  said  unto  them.  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel, 
Tell  the  man  that  sent  you  to  me,  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Behold, 
I  will  bring  evil  upon  this  place,  and  upon  the  inhabitants 
thereof,  even  all  the  words  of  the  book  which  the  king  of 
Judah  hath  read :  because  they  have  forsaken  me,  and  have 
burned  incense  unto  other  gods,  that  they  might  provoke  me  to 
anger  with  all  the  works  of  their  hands  ;  therefore  my  wrath  shall 
be  kindled  against  this  place,  and  shall  not  be  quenched.  But  to 
the  king  of  Judah  which  sent  you  to  inquire  of  the  Lord,  thus 
shall   ye    say  to  him.  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  As 


422  THE  BIBLE  AXD    THE  POETS. 

touching  the  words  which  thou  hast  heard  ;  because  thine  heart 
was  tender,  and  thou  hast  humbled  thyself  before  the  Lord, 
when  thou  heardest  what  I  spake  against  this  place,  and  against 
the  inhabitants  thereof,  that  they  should  become  a  desolation 
and  a  curse,  and  hast  rent  thy  clothes,  and  wept  before  me  ;  I 
also  have  heard  thee,  saith  the  Lord.  Behold  therefore,  I  will 
gather  thee  unto  thy  fathers,  and  thou  shalt  be  gathered  into 
thy  grave  in  peace  ;  and  thine  eyes  shall  not  see  all  the  evil 
which  I  will  bring  upon  this  place.  And  they  brought  the  king 
word  again. 

And  the  king  sent,  and  they  gathered  unto  him  all  the  elders 
of  Judah  and  of  Jerusalem.  And  the  king  went  up  into  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  all  the  men  of  Judah  and  all  the  inhab- 
itants of  Jerusalem  with  him,  and  the  priests,  and  the  prophets, 
and  all  the  people,  both  small  and  great  :  and  he  read  in  their 
ears  all  the  words  of  the  book  of  the  covenant  which  was  found 
in  the  house  of  the  Lord.  And  the  king  stood  by  a  pillar,  and 
made  a  covenant  before  the  Lord,  to  walk  after  the  Lord,  and  to 
keep  his  commandments  and  his  testimonies  and  his  statutes 
with  all  their  heart  and  all  their  soul,  to  perform  the  words  of 
this  covenant  that  were  written  in  this  book.  And  all  the  peo- 
ple stood  to  the  covenant. 

Earth  is  sick, 
And  Heaven  is  weary  of  the  hollow  words 
Which  States  and  Kingdoms  utter  when  they  speak 
Of  Truth  and  Justice. 

And  the  king  commanded  all  the  people,  saying.  Keep  the 
passover  unto  the  Lord  your  God,  as  it  is  written  in  the  book  of 
this  covenant.  Surely  there  was  not  holden  such  a  passover 
from  the  days  of  the  judges  that  judged  Israel,  nor  in  all  the 
days  of  the  kings  of  Israel,  nor  of  the  kings  of  Judah  ;  but  in 
the  eighteenth  year  of  king  Josiah,  wherein  this  passover  was 
holden  to  the  Lord  in  Jerusalem. 

Moreover  the  workers  with  familiar  spirits,  and  the  wizards, 
and  the  images,  and  the  idols,  and  all  the  abominations  that  were 
spied  in  the  land  of  Judah  and  in  Jerusalem,  did  Josiah  put 
away,  that  he  might  perform  the  words  of  the  law,  which  were 
written  in  the  book  that  Hilkiah  the  priest  found  in  the  house 
of  the  Lord.  And  like  unto  him  was  there  no  king  before  him, 
that  turned  to  the  Lord  with  all  his  heart,  and  with  all  his  soul, 


THE  BIBLE  AXD    THE  POETS.  423 

and   with    all    his  might,  according   to   all  the   law  of  Moses  ; 
neither  after  him  arose  there  any  like  him. 

Notwithstanding,  the  Lord  turned  not  from  the  fierceness  of 
his  great  wrath,  wherewith  his  anger  was  kindled  against  Judah, 
because  of  all  the  provocations  that  Manasseh  had  provoked 
him  withal.  And  the  Lord  said,  I  will  remove  Judah  also  out  of 
my  sight,  as  I  have  removed  Israel,  and  will  cast  off  this  city 
Jerusalem  which  I  have  chosen,  and  the  house  of  which  I  said, 
My  name  shall  be  there.  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Josiah, 
and  all  that  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the 
Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  .'' 

I  will  to-morrow,  that  I  will,  I  will  be  sure  to  do  it ; 
To-morrow  comes,  to-morrow  goes,  and  still  thou  art  to  do  it 
Thus  still  Repentance  is  deferred,  from  one  day  to  another  : 
Until  the  day  of  death  is  come,  and  judgment  is  the  other. 


CHAPTER   CLXXVII. 

THE    CAPTIVITY    OF    JUDAH. 

And  still  from  Him  we  turn  away, 

And  fill  our  hearts  with  worthless  things ; 
The  fires  of  a\-arice  melt  the  clay, 

And  forth  the  idol  springs  ! 
Ambition's  flame,  and  passion's  heat, 

By  wondrous  alchemy  transmute 
Earth's  dross,  to  raise  some  gilded  brute 

To  fill  Jehovah's  seat. 

ANASSEH  was  twelve  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign, 
and  reigned  fifty  and  five  years  in  Jerusalem.  And  he 
did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  after  the 
abominations  of  the  heathen,  whom  the  Lord  cast  out  before 
the  children  of  Israel. 

And  the  Lord  spake  by  his  ser\-ants  the  prophets,  saying, 
Because  Manasseh  king  of  Judah  hath  done  these  abominations, 
and  hath  done  wickedly  above  all  that  the  Amorites  did,  which 
were  before  him,  and  hath  made  Judah  also  to  sin  with  his  idols  : 
therefore  thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  Behold,  I  am  bring- 


424  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

ing  such  evil  upon  Jerusalem  and  Judah,  that  whosoever  heareth 
of  it,  both  his  ears  shall  tingle.  And  I  will  stretch  over  Jerusa- 
lem the  line  of  Samaria,  and  the  plummet  of  the  house  of  Ahab  : 
and  I  will  wipe  Jerusalem  as  a  man  wipeth  a  dish,  wiping  it, 
and  turning  it  upside  down.  And  I  will  forsake  the  remnant 
of  mine  inheritance,  and  deliver  them  into  the  hand  of  their 
enemies  ;  and  they  shall  become  a  prey  and  a  spoil  to  all  their 
enemies. 

Jehoiachin  was  eighteen  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign, 
and  he  reigned  in  Jerusalem  three  months.  And  he  did  that 
which  was  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  according  to  all  that  his 
father  had  done. 

At  that  time  the  servants  of  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon 
came  up  against  Jerusalem,  and  the  city  was  besieged.  And 
Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon  came  against  the  city,  and 
his  servants  did  besiege  it.  And  Jehoiachin  the  king  of  Judah 
went  out  to  the  king  of  Babylon,  he,  and  his  mother,  and  his 
servants,  and  his  princes,  and  his  officers :  and  the  king  of 
Babylon  took  him  in  the  eighth  year  of  his  reign.  And  he 
carried  out  thence  all  the  treasures  of  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
and  the  treasures  of  the  king's  house,  and  cut  in  pieces  all  the 
vessels  of  gold  which  Solomon  king  of  Israel  had  made  in  the 
temple  of  the  Lord,  as  the  Lord  had  said.  And  he  carried  away 
all  Jerusalem,  and  all  the  princes,  and  all  the  mighty  men  of 
valour,  even  ten  thousand  captives,  and  all  the  craftsmen  and 
smiths  :  none  remained,  save  the  poorest  sort  of  the  people  of  the 
land.  And  he  carried  away  Jehoiachin  to  Babylon,  and  the  king's 
mother,  and  the  king's  wives,  and  his  officers,  and  the  mighty  of 
the  land,  those  carried  he  into  captivity  from  Jerusalem  to  Bab- 
ylon. And  all  the  men  of  might,  even  seven  thousand,  and 
craftsmen  and  smiths  a  thousand,  all  that  were  strong  and  apt 
for  war,  even  them  the  king  of  Babylon  brought  captive  to 
Babylon. 

Lo !  Judah's  courts  in  sadness  mourn,  for  Judah's  rites  are  stained ; 
Her  shrines  witii  idol  incense  burn,  her  altars  are  profaned  ; 
Her  temple's  pride  is  cast  abroad,  her  priest  and  virgins  fled  ; 
And  gone  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  that  once  was  o'er  her  shed. 

And  the  king  of  Babylon  made  Mattaniah  his  father's  brother 
king  in  his  stead,  and  changed  his  name  to  Zedekiah.     Zedekiah 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  425 

was  twenty  and  one  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign,  and  he 
reigned  eleven  years  in  Jerusalem.  And  he  did  that  which  was 
evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  according  to  all  that  Jehoiakim  had 
done.  For  through  the  anger  of  the  Lord  it  came  to  pass  in 
Jerusalem  and  Judah,  until  he  had  cast  them  out  from  his  pres- 
ence, that  Zedekiah  rebelled  against  the  king  of  Babylon. 

And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  ninth  year  of  his  reign,  in  the 
tenth  month,  in  the  tenth  day  of  the  month,  that  Nebuchadnez- 
zar king  of  Babylon  came,  he,  and  all  his  host,  against  Jerusalem, 
and  pitched  against  it ;  and  they  built  forts  against  it  round 
about.  And  the  city  was  besieged  unto  the  eleventh  year  of 
king  Zedekiah.  And  on  the  ninth  day  of  the  fourth  month  the 
famine  prevailed  in  the  city,  and  there  was  no  bread  for  the 
people  of  the  land. 

And  the  city  was  broken  up,  and  all  the  men  of  v/ar  fled  by 
night  by  the  way  of  the  gate  between  two  walls,  which  is  by 
the  king's  garden  :  now  the  Chaldees  were  against  the  city  round 
about :  and  the  king  went  the  way  toward  the  plain.  And  the 
army  of  the  Chaldees  pursued  after  the  king,  and  overtook  him 
in  the  plains  of  Jericho  :  and  all  his  army  were  scattered  from 
him.  So  they  took  the  king,  and  brought  him  up  to  the  king 
of  Babylon  to  Riblah  ;  and  they  gave  judgment  upon  him.  And 
they  slew  the  sons  of  Zedekiah  before  his  eyes,  and  put  out 
the  eyes  of  Zedekiah,  and  bound  him  with  fetters  of  brass,  and 
carried  him  to  Babylon. 

And  in  the  fifth  month,  on  the  seventh  day  of  the  month, 
which  is  the  nineteenth  year  of  king  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of 
Babylon,  came  Nebuzar-adan,  captain  of  the  guard,  a  servant  of 
the  king  of  Babylon,  unto  Jerusalem  :  and  he  burnt  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  and  the  king's  house,  and  all  the  houses  of  Jeru- 
salem, and  every  great  man's  house  burnt  he  with  fire.  And 
all  the  army  of  the  Chaldees,  that  were  with  the  captain  of  the 
guard,  brake  down  the  walls  of  Jerusalem  round  about.  And 
the  pillars  of  brass  that  were  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  the 
bases,  and  the  brazen  sea  that  was  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  did 
the  Chaldees  break  in  pieces,  and  carried  the  brass  of  them  to 

Babylon. 

He  [the  prophet]  saw  his  people  slaves  to  every  lust, 

Lewd,  avaricious,  arrogant,  unjust ; 

He  heard  the  wheels  of  an  avenging  God 

Groan  heavily  along  the  distant  road; 


426  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Saw  Babylon  set  wide  her  two-leaved  brass 
To  let  the  military  deluge  pass  ; 
Jerusalem  a  prey,  her  glory  soiled, 
Her  princes  captive,  and  her  treasures  spoiled ; 
Wept  till  all  Israel  heard  his  bitter  cry, 
Stamped  with  his  foot,  and  smote  upon  his  thigh  ; 
But  wept  and  stamped  and  smote  his  thigh  in  vain, 
Pleasure  is  deaf  when  told  of  future  pain. 
And  sounds  prophetic  are  too  rough  to  suit 
Ears  long  accustomed  to  the  pleasing  lute  ; 
They  scorned  his  inspiration  and  his  theme, 
Pronounced  him  frantic  and  his  fears  a  dream, 
Till  the  foe  found  them,  and  down  fell  the  towers. 


CHAPTER   CLXXVIII. 

zion's  desolations  bewailed. 

O  MOURNFUL  sight !  a  city  waste  ! 
Her  former  glory  may  be  traced 

From  what  we  see  remaining  ; 
'Tis  Zion  mourns  her  children  gone, 
^  She  lies  forsaken  and  alone, 

And  thus  is  heard  complaining  : 
"  My  sons  !  ah  whither  are  they  gone  ? 
Of  all  I  once  possessed,  not  one 

Now  soothes  a  mother's  anguish  ; 
My  children,  once  my  joy  and  pride. 
Are  torn  with  rigour  from  my  side, 

And  I  am  left  to  languish." 

HOW  doth  the  city  sit  sohtary,  that  was  full  of  people !  how 
is  she  become  as  a  widow !  she  that  was  great  among  the 
nations,  and  princess  among  the  provinces,  how  is  she  become 
tributary  !  Judah  is  gone  into  captivity  because  of  affliction, 
and  because  of  great  servitude  :  she  dwelleth  among  the  heathen, 
she  findeth  no  rest :  all  her  persecutors  overtook  her  between 
the  straits.  The  ways  of  Zion  do  mourn,  because  none  come 
to  the  solemn  feasts  :  all  her  gates  are  desolate  :  her  priests 
sigh,  her  virgins  are  afflicted,  and  she  is  in  bitterness.  Her 
adversaries  are  the  chief,  her  enemies  prosper  ;  for  the  Lord 
hath  afflicted  her  for  the  multitude  of  her  transgressions  :  her 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  427 

children  are  gone  into  captivity  before  the  enemy.  And  from 
the  daughter  of  Zion  all  her  beauty  is  departed  :  her  princes 
are  become  like  harts  that  find  no  pasture,  and  they  are  gone 
without  strength  before  the  pursuer.  Jerusalem  remembered 
in  the  days  of  her  affliction  and  of  her  miseries  all  her  pleasant 
things  that  she  had  in  the  days  of  old,  when  her  people  fell  into 
the  hand  of  the  enemy,  and  none  did  help  her  :  the  adversaries 
saw  her,  and  did  mock  at  her  sabbaths.  Jerusalem  hath  griev- 
ously sinned  ;  therefore  she  is  removed  :  all  that  honoured  her 
despise  her,  because  they  have  seen  her  nakedness  :  yea,  she 
sigheth,  and  turneth  backward.  The  adversary  hath  spread  out 
his  hand  upon  all  her  pleasant  things  :  for  she  hath  seen  that  the 
heathen  entered  into  her  sanctuary,  whom  thou  didst  command 
that  they  should  not  enter  into  thy  congregation.  All  her  people 
sigh,  they  seek  bread  :  they  have  given  their  pleasant  things  for 
meat  to  relieve  the  soul :  see,  O  Lord,  and  consider  ;  for  I  am 
become  vile. 

How  like  a  widow  in  her  weeds,  the  night, 
Amid  her  gHmmering  tapers,  silent  sits  ! 
How  sorrowful,  how  desolate,  she  weeps 
Perpetual  dews,  and  saddens  nature's  scene  ! 
A  scene  more  sad  sin  makes  the  darkened  soul, 
All  comfort  kills,  nor  leaves  one  spark  alive. 

Is  it  nothing  to  you,  all  ye  that  pass  by  }  behold,  and  see  if 
there  be  any  sorrow  like  unto  my  sorrow,  which  is  done  unto  me, 
wherewith  the  Lord  hath  afflicted  me  in  the  day  of  his  fierce 
anger.  From  above  hath  he  sent  fire  into  my  bones,  and  it 
prevaileth  against  them  :  he  hath  spread  a  net  for  my  feet,  he 
hath  turned  me  back  :  he  hath  made  me  desolate  and  faint  all 
the  day.  The  Lord  hath  trodden  under  foot  all  my  mighty  men 
in  the  midst  of  me  :  he  hath  called  an  assembly  against  me  to 
crush  my  young  men  :  the  Lord  hath  trodden  the  virgin,  the 
daughter  of  Judah,  as  in  a  winepress.  For  these  things  I  weep  ; 
mine  eye,  mine  eye  runneth  down  with  water,  because  the  com- 
forter that  should  relieve  my  soul  is  far  from  me  :  my  children 
are  desolate,  because  the  enemy  prevailed. 

The  Lord  is  righteous  ;  for  I  have  rebelled  against  his  com- 
mandment :  hear,  I  pray  you,  all  people,  and  behold  my  sorrow : 
my  virgins  and  my  young  men  are  gone  into  captivity.  I  called 
for  my  lovers,  but  they  deceived  me  :  my  priests  and  mine  elders 


428  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

gave  up  the  ghost  in  the  city,  while  they  sought  their  meat  to 
relieve  their  souls.  Behold,  O  Lord  ;  for  I  am  in  distress  :  my 
bowels  are  troubled  ;  mine  heart  is  turned  within  me  ;  for  I 
have  grievously  rebelled  :  abroad  the  sword  bereaveth,  at  home 
there  is  as  death. 

Behold,  O  Lord !  the  heathen  tread  the  branches  of  Thy  fruitful  vine, 
That  its  luxurious  tendrils  spread  o'er  all  the  hills  of  Palestine. 
And  now  the  wild  boar  comes  to  waste  even  us,  the  greenest  boughs  at  last. 
That,  drinking  of  Thy  choicest  dew,  on  Zion's  slopes  in  beauty  grew. 

How  is  the  gold  become  dim  !  how  is  the  most  fine  gold 
changed  !  the  stones  of  the  sanctuary  are  poured  out  in  the  top 
of  every  street.  The  precious  sons  of  Zion,  comparable  to  fine 
gold,  how  are  they  esteemed  as  earthen  pitchers,  the  work  of  the 
hands  of  the  potter  !  They  that  did  feed  delicately  are  desolate 
in  the  streets  :  they  that  were  brought  up  in  scarlet  embrace 
dunghills.  For  the  punishment  of  the  iniquity  of  the  daughter  of 
my  people  is  greater  than  the  punishment  of  the  sin  of  Sodom, 
that  was  overthrown  as  in  a  moment,  and  no  hands  stayed  on  her. 
Her  Nazarites  were  purer  than  snow,  they  were  whiter  than  milk, 
they  were  more  ruddy  in  body  than  rubies,  their  polishing  was  of 
sapphire  :  their  visage  is  blacker  than  a  coal ;  they  are  not  known 
in  the  streets  :  their  skin  cleaveth  to  their  bones  ;  it  is  withered, 
it  is  become  like  a  stick.  They  that  be  slain  with  the  sword  are 
better  than  they  that  be  slain  with  hunger  :  for  these  pine  away, 
stricken  through  for  want  of  the  fruits  of  the  field.  The  hands 
of  the  pitiful  women  have  sodden  their  own  children  :  they  were 
their  meat  in  the  destruction  of  the  daughter  of  my  people.  The 
Lord  hath  accomplished  his  fury  ;  he  hath  poured  out  his  fierce 
anger,  and  hath  kindled  a  fire  in  Zion,  and  it  hath  devoured  the 
foundations  thereof.  The  kings  of  the  earth,  and  all  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  world,  would  not  have  believed  that  the  adversary 
and  the  enemy  should  have  entered  into  the  gates  of  Jerusalem. 

Lord  !  Thou  didst  love  Jerusalem  ;  — once,  she  was  all  Thine  own  ; 
Her  love  Thy  fairest  heritage,  her  power  Thy  glorious  throne. 
Till  evil  came  and  blighted  Thy  long-loved  olive  tree ;  — 
And  Salem's  shrines  were  lighted  for  other  gods  than  Thee  ! 
Then  sunk  the  star  of  Solyma  ;  —  then  passed  her  glory's  day, 
Like  heath  that  in  the  wilderness,  the  wild  wind  whirls  away. 
Silent  and  waste  her  bowers,  where  once  the  mighty  trod. 
And  sunk  those  guilty  towers,  where  Baal  reigned  as  God  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  429 


CHAPTER   CLXXIX. 

ZION    PLAINTIVELY    AND    PRAYERFULLY    REMEMBERED. 

By  the  waters  of  Babel  we  sat  down  and  wept, 
As  we  called  our  dear  Zion  to  mind  ; 
And  our  harps  that  in  joy  we  so  often  had  swept, 
Now  sighed  on  the  trees  to  the  wind. 

Then  they  that  had  carried  us  captive  away, 

In  mockery  challenged  a  song, 

And  ringing  out  mirth  from  our  sadness,  would  say. 

Sing  the  strains  that  to  Zion  belong. 

BY  the  rivers  of  Babylon,  there  we  sat  down,  yea,  we  wept, 
when  we  remembered  Zion.  We  hanged  our  harps  upon 
the  willows  in  the  midst  thereof.  For  there  they  that  carried 
us  away  captive  required  of  us  a  song  ;  and  they  that  wasted  us 
required  of  us  mirth,  saying.  Sing  us  one  of  the  songs  of  Zion. 
How  shall  we  sing  the  Lord's  song  in  a  strange  land  .■'  If  I 
forget  thee,  O  Jerusalem,  let  my  right  hand  forget  her  cunning. 
If  I  do  not  remember  thee,  let  my  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of 
my  mouth ;  if  I  prefer  not  Jerusalem  above  my  chief  joy. 
Remember,  O  Lord,  the  children  of  Edom  in  the  day  of  Jeru- 
salem ;  who  said,  Rase  it,  rase  it,  even  to  the  foundation  thereof. 
O  daughter  of  Babylon,  who  art  to  be  destroyed  ;  happy  shall  he 
be,  that  rewardeth  thee  as  thou  hast  served  us.  Happy  shall  he 
be,  that  taketh  and  dasheth  thy  little  ones  against  the  stones. 

While  sadly  we  gazed  on  the  river 
Which  rolled  on  in  freedom  below. 
They  demanded  the  song  ;  but,  oh  never 
That  triumph  the  stranger  shall  know  ! 
May  this  right  hand  be  withered  for  ever, 
Ere  it  string  our  high  harp  for  the  foe  ! 

On  the  willow  that  harp  is  suspended, 
Oh  Salem  !  its  sound  should  be  free  ; 
And  the  hour  when  thy  glories  were  ended 
But  left  me  that  token  of  thee  : 
And  ne'er  shall  its  soft  tones  be  blended 
With  the  voice  of  the  spoiler  by  me  ! 


430  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Give  ear,  O  Shepherd  of  Israel,  thou  that  leadest  Joseph  Hke 
a  flock  ;  thou  that  dwellest  between  the  cherubim,  shine  forth. 
Before  Ephraim  and  Benjamin  and  Manasseh  stir  up  thy  strength, 
and  come  and  save  us.  Turn  us  again,  O  God,  and  cause  thy 
face  to  shine  ;  and  we  shall  be  saved.  O  Lord  God  of  hosts, 
how  long  wilt  thou  be  angry  against  the  prayer  of  thy  people } 
Thou  feedest  them  with  the  bread  of  tears  ;  and  givest  them 
tears  to  drink  in  great  measure.  Thou  makest  us  a  strife  unto 
our  neighbours :  and  our  enemies  laugh  among  themselves. 
Turn  us  again,  O  God  of  hosts,  and  cause  thy  face  to  shine  ; 
and  we  shall  be  saved.  Thou  hast  brought  a  vine  out  of  Egypt : 
thoy  hast  cast  out  the  heathen,  and  planted  it.  Thou  preparedst 
room  before  it,  and  didst  cause  it  to  take  deep  root,  and  it  filled 
the  land.  The  hills  were  covered  with  the  shadow  of  it,  and  the 
boughs  thereof  were  like  the  goodly  cedars.  She  sent  out  her 
boughs  unto  the  sea,  and  her  branches  unto  the  river.  Why 
hast  thou  then  broken  down  her  hedges,  so  that  all  they  which 
pass  by  the  way  do  pluck  her .-'  The  boar  out  of  the  wood  doth 
waste  it,  and  the  wild  beast  of  the  field  doth  devour  it. 

Fall'n  is  thy  throne,  O  Israel !  silence  is  o'er  thy  plains  ; 
Thy  dwellings  all  lie  desolate,  thy  children  weep  in  chains. 
Where  are  the  dews  that  fed  thee  on  Ethan's  barren  shore  ? 
That  lire  from  heaven  which  led  thee,  now  lights  thy  path  no  more. 

Return,  we  beseech  thee,  O  God  of  hosts :  look  down  from 
heaven,  and  behold,  and  visit  this  vine  ;  and  the  vineyard  which 
thy  right  hand  hath  planted,  and  the  branch  that  thou  madest 
strong  for  thyself.  It  is  burned  with  fire,  it  is  cut  down  :  they 
perish  at  the  rebuke  of  thy  countenance.  Let  thy  hand  be 
upon  the  man  of  thy  right  hand,  upon  the  son  of  man  whom 
thou  madest  strong  for  thyself.  So  will  not  we  go  back  from 
thee :  quicken  us,  and  we  will  call  upon  thy  name.  Turn  us 
again,  O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  cause  thy  face  to  shine ;  and  we 
shall  be  saved. 

Lord  God  of  Hosts,  how  long  wilt  Thou,  how  long  wilt  Thou  declare 
Thy  smoking  wrath  and  angry  brow  against  thy  people's  prayer  ! 
Thou  feed'st  them  with  the  bread  of  tears,  their  bread  with  tears  they  eat, 
And  mak'st  them  largely  drink  the  tears  wherewith  their  cheeks  are  wet. 
Return  us,  and  Thy  grace  divine,  O  God  of  Hosts  vouchsafe, 
Cause  Thou  Thy  face  on  us  to  shine,  and  then  we  shall  be  safe. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  43 1 

CHAPTER   CLXXX. 

ezekiel's  wonderful  vision. 

See,  see  the  chariot  and  those  rushing  wheels, 
That  whirled  the  Prophet  up,  at  Cliebar  flood ; 
My  spirit  some  transporting  cherub  feels, 
To  bear  me  where  the  towers  of  Salem  stood, 
Once  glorious  towers,  now  sunk  in  guiltless  blood: 

There  doth  my  soul  in  holy  vision  sit 
In  pensive  trance,  and  anguish,  and  ecstatic  fit. 

NOW  it  came  to  pass  in  the  thirtieth  year,  in  the  fourth 
month,  in  the  fifth  day  of  the  month,  as  I  was  among  the 
captives  by  the  river  of  Chebar,  that  the  heavens  were  opened, 
and  I  saw  visions  of  God.  In  the  fifth  day  of  the  month,  which 
was  the  fifth  year  of  king  Jehoiachin's  captivity,  the  word  of  the 
Lord  came  expressly  unto  Ezekiel  the  priest,  the  son  of  Buzi,  in 
the  land  of  the  Chaldeans  by  the  river  Chebar ;  and  the  hand  of 
the  Lord  was  there  upon  him. 

Behold  !  behold,  uplifted  through  the  air, 

The  swift  Ezekiel,  by  his  lock  of  hair  ! 

Near  burned  the  Appearance,  undefinedly  dread. 

Whose  hand  put  forth,  upraised  him  by  the  head. 

Within  its  fierce  reflection,  cast  abroad. 

The  Prophet's  forehead  like  a  furnace  glowed. 

From  terror  half,  half  from  his  vehement  mind, 

His  lurid  hair  impetuous  streamed  behind. 

And  I  looked,  and,  behold,  a  whirlwind  came  out  of  the  north, 
a  great  cloud,  and  a  fire  infolding  itself,  and  a  brightness  was 
about  it,  and  out  of  the  midst  thereof  as  the  colour  of  amber,  out 
of  the  midst  of  the  fire.  Also  out  of  the  midst  thereof  came  the 
likeness  of  four  living  creatures.  And  this  was  their  appearance  ; 
they  had  the  likeness  of  a  man.  And  every  one  had  four  faces, 
and  every  one  had  four  wings.  And  their  feet  were  straight  feet  ; 
and  the  sole  of  their  feet  was  like  the  sole  of  a  calf's  foot :  and 
they  sparkled  like  the  colour  of  burnished  brass.  And  they  had 
the  hands  of  a  man  under  their  wings  on  their  four  sides  ;  and 
they  four  had  their  faces  and  their  wings.  Their  wings  were 
joined  one  to  another  ;  they  turned  not  when  they  went ;  they 
went  every  one  straight  forward.     As  for  the  likeness  of  their 


432  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

faces,  they  four  had  the  face  of  a  man,  and  the  face  of  a  lion,  on 
the  right  side  :  and  they  four  had  the  face  of  an  ox  on  the  left 
side ;  they  four  also  had  the  face  of  an  eagle.  Thus  were  their 
faces  :  and  their  wings  were  stretched  upward  ;  two  wings  of 
every  one  were  joined  one  to  another,  and  two  covered  their 
bodies.  And  they  went  every  one  straight  forward  :  whither 
the  spirit  was  to  go,  they  went  ;  and  they  turned  not  when  they 
went.  As  for  the  likeness  of  the  living  creatures,  their  appear- 
ance was  like  burning  coals  of  fire,  and  like  the  appearance  of 
lamps  :  it  went  up  and  down  among  the  living  creatures  ;  and 
the  fire  was  bright,  and  out  of  the  fire  went  forth  lightning.  And 
the  living  creatures  ran  and  returned  as  the  appearance  of  a  flash 
of  lightning. 

The  Lord  descended  from  above,  and  bowed  the  heavens  most  high  ; 

And  underneath  His  feet  He  cast  the  darkness  of  the  sky. 

On  cherub  and  on  cherubim,  full  royally  He  rode, 

And  on  the  wings  of  mighty  winds  came  flying  all  abroad. 

Now  as  I  beheld  the  living  creatures,  behold  one  wheel  upon 
the  earth  by  the  living  creatures,  with  his  four  faces.  The 
appearance  of  the  wheels  and  their  work  was  like  unto  the 
colour  of  a  beryl :  and  they  four  had  one  likeness  :  and  their 
appearance  and  their  work  was  as  it  were  a  wheel  in  the  middle 
of  a  wheel.  When  they  went,  they  went  upon  their  four  sides  : 
and  they  turned  not  when  they  went.  As  for  their  rings,  they 
were  so  high  that  they  were  dreadful ;  and  their  rings  were  full 
of  eyes  round  about  them  four.  And  when  the  living  creatures 
went,  the  wheels  went  by  them  :  and  when  the  living  creat- 
ures were  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  the  wheels  were  lifted  up. 
Whithersoever  the  spirit  was  to  go,  they  went,  thither  was  their 
spirit  to  go ;  and  the  wheels  were  lifted  up  over  against  them  : 
for  the  spirit  of  the  living  creature  was  in  the  wheels.  When 
those  went,  these  went ;  and  when  those  stood,  these  stood  ; 
and  when  those  were  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  the  wheels  were 
lifted  up  over  against  them  :  for  the  spirit  of  the  living  creature 
was  in  the  wheels.  And  the  likeness  of  the  firmament  upon  the 
heads  of  the  living  creature  was  as  the  colour  of  the  terrible 
crystal,  stretched  forth  over  their  heads  above.  And  under  the 
firmament  were  their  wings  straight,  the  one  toward  the  other : 
every  one  had  two,  which  covered  on  this  side,  and  every  one 
had  two,  which  covered  on  that  side,  their  bodies.     And  when 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  433 

they  went,  I  heard  the  noise  of  their  wings,  Hke  the  noise  of 
great  waters,  as  the  voice  of  the  Ahnighty,  the  voice  of  speech, 
as  the  noise  of  a  host :  when  they  stood,  they  let  down  their 
wings.  And  there  was  a  voice  from  the  firmament  that  was 
over  their  heads,  when  they  stood,  and  had  let  down  their 
wings. 

By  Chebar's  brook  ye  passed,  such  radiance  wearing 
As  mortal  vision  might  but  ill  endure: 
Along  the  stream  the  living  chariot  bearing, 
With  its  high  crystal  arch,  intensely  pure  ! 
And  the  dread  rushing  of  your  wings  tiiat  hour, 
Was  like  the  noise  of  waters  in  their  power. 

And  above  the  firmament  that  was  over  their  heads  was  the 
likeness  of  a  throne,  as  the  appearance  of  a  sapphire  stone :  and 
upon  the  likeness  of  the  throne  was  the  likeness  as  the  appear- 
ance of  a  man  above  upon  it.  And  I  saw  as  the  colour  of 
amber,  as  the  appearance  of  fire  round  about  within  it :  from  the 
appearance  of  his  loins  even  upward,  and  from  the  appearance 
of  his  loins  even  downward,  I  saw  as  it  were  the  appearance  of 
fire,  and  it  had  brightness  round  about.  As  the  appearance  of 
the  bow  that  is  in  the  cloud  in  the  day  of  rain,  so  was  the 
appearance  of  the  brightness  round  about.  This  was  the  appear- 
ance of  the  likeness  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord.  And  when  I  saw 
it,  I  fell  upon  my  face,  and  I  heard  a  voice  of  one  that  spake. 


CHAPTER   CLXXXI. 

REPENTANCE  ENJOINED  AND  ENCOURAGED. 

The  sun  of  Justice  may  withdraw  his  beams 
Awhile  from  earthly  ken,  and  sit  concealed 
In  dark  recess,  pavilioned  round  with  clouds; 
Yet  let  not  guilt  presumptuous  rear  her  crest, 
Nor  virtue  droop  despondent ;  soon  these  clouds, 
Seeming  eclipse,  will  brighten  into  day. 
And  in  majestic  splendor  he  will  rise, 
With  healing  and  with  terror  on  his  wings. 

THE  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me  again,  saying.  What 
mean  ye,  that  ye  use  this  proverb  concerning  the  land 
of  Israel,  saying.  The  fathers  have  eaten  sour  grapes,  and  the 

23 


434  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

s 

children's  teeth  are  set  on  edge  ?  As  I  Hve,  saith  the  Lord 
God,  ye  shall  not  have  occasion  any  more  to  use  this  proverb 
in  Israel.  Behold,  all  souls  are  mine  ;  as  the  soul  of  the  father, 
so  also  the  soul  of  the  son  is  mine  :  the  soul  that  sinneth,  it 
shall  die.  But  if  a  man  be  just,  and  do  that  which  is  lawful  and 
right,  and  hath  kept  my  judgments,  to  deal  truly ;  he  is  just, 
he  shall  surely  live,  saith  the  Lord  God. 

Yet  say  ye,  Why .''  doth  not  the  son  bear  the  iniquity  of  the 
father }  When  the  son  hath  done  that  which  is  lawful  and 
right,  and  hath  kept  all  my  statutes,  and  hath  done  ihem,  he 
shall  surely  live.  The  soul  that  sinneth,  it  shall  die.  The  son 
shall  not  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  father,  neither  shall  the  father 
bear  the  iniquity  of  the  son :  the  righteousness  of  the  righteous 
shall  be  upon  him,  and  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  shall  be 
upon  him.  But  if  the  wicked  will  turn  from  all  his  sins  that 
he  hath  committed,  and  keep  all  my  statutes,  and  do  that  which 
is  lawful  and  right,  he  shall  surely  live,  he  shall  not  die.  All 
his  transgressions  that  he  hath  committed,  they  shall  not  be 
mentioned  unto  him  :  in  his  righteousness  that  he  hath  done 
he  shall  live.  Have  I  any  pleasure  at  all  that  the  wicked  should 
die }  saith  the  Lord  God  :  and  not  that  he  should  return  from 
his  ways,  and  live  } 

That  monster,  custom,  who  all  sense  doth  eat 

Of  habits,  devil,  is  angel  yet  in  this  ; 

That  to  the  use  of  actions  fair  and  good 

He  Hkewise  gives  a  frock,  or  livery, 

That  aptly  is  put  on  :  refrain  to-night ; 

And  that  shall  lend  a  kind  of  easiness 

To  the  next  abstinence :   the  next  more  easy  ; 

For  use  almost  can  change  the  stamp  of  nature, 

And  master  the  devil,  or  throw  him  out 

With  wondrous  potency. 

But  when  the  righteous  turneth  away  from  his  righteousness, 
and  committeth  iniquity,  and  doeth  according  to  all  the  abom- 
inations that  the  wicked  man  doeth,  shall  he  live.''  All  his 
righteousness  that  he  hath  done  shall  not  be  mentioned  :  in  his 
trespass  that  he  hath  trespassed,  and  in  his  sin  that  he  hath 
sinned,  in  them  shall  he  die. 

Yet  ye  say,  The  way  of  the  Lord  is  not  equal.  Hear  now, 
O  house  of  Israel ;  Is  not  my  way  equal  "i  are  not  your  ways 
unequal  ?     When  a  righteous  man  turneth  away  from  his  right- 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  435 

eousness,  and  committcth  iniquity,  and  dicth  in  them  ;  for  his 
iniquity  that  he  hath  done  shall  he  die.  Ai^ain,  when  the  wicked 
man  turneth  away  from  his  wickedness  that  he  hath  committed, 
and  doeth  that  which  is  lawful  and  right,  he  shall  save  his  soul 
alive.  Because  he  considereth,  and  turneth  away  from  all  his 
transgressions  that  he  hath  committed,  he  shall  surely  live,  he 
shall  not  die.  Yet  saith  the  house  of  Israel,  The  way  of  the 
Lord  is  not  equal.  O  house  of  Israel,  are  not  my  ways  equal .'' 
are  not  your  ways  unec^ual .''  Therefore  I  will  judge  you,  O 
house  of  Israel,  every  one  according  to  his  ways,  saith  the  Lord 
God.  Repent,  and  turn  yourselves  from  all  your  transgressions  ; 
so  iniquity  shall  not  be  your  ruin.  Cast  away  from  you  all  your 
transgressions,  whereby  ye  have  transgressed  ;  and  make  you 
a  new  heart  and  a  new  spirit :  for  why  will  ye  die,  O  house  of 
Israel  .■*  For  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  him  that  dieth, 
saith  the  Lord  God  :  wherefore  turn  yourselves,  and  live  ye. 

Father  of  Light !  to  Thee  I  call, 

My  soul  is  dark  within  ; 
Thou  who  canst  make  the  sparrow  fall, 

Avert  the  death  of  sin. 
Thou  who  canst  guide  the  wandering  star, 
Who  calm'st  the  elemental  war, 
Whose  mantle  is  yon  boundless  sky, 
My  thoughts,  my  words,  my  crimes  forgive ; 
And  since  I  soon  must  cease  to  live, 

Instruct  me  how  to  die. 


CHAPTER   CLXXXII. 

THE    WATCHMAN    WARNED. JUSTICE    VINDICATED. 

He  that  negotiates  between  God  and  man, 

As  God's  ambassador,  the  great  concerns 

Of  judgment  and  of  mercy,  should  beware 

Of  lightness  in  his  speech.     'Tis  pitiful 

To  court  a  gain,  when  you  should  win  a  soul ; 

To  break  a  jest,  when  pity  would  inspire 

Pathetic  exhortation  ;  and  to  address 

The  skittish  fancy  with  facetious  tales, 

When  sent  with  God's  commission  to  the  heart. 


43^  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

AGAIN  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  saying,  Son 
of  man,  speak  to  the  children  of  thy  people,  and  say  unto 
them,  When  I  bring  the  sword  upon  a  land,  if  the  people  of  the 
land  take  a  man  of  their  coasts,  and  set  him  for  their  watchman  : 
if  when  he  seeth  the  sword  come  upon  the  land,  he  blow  the 
trumpet,  and  warn  the  people  ;  then  whosoever  heareth  the 
sound  of  the  trumpet,  and  taketh  not  warning ;  if  the  sword 
come,  and  take  him  away,  his  blood  shall  be  upon  his  own  head. 
He  heard  the  sound  of  the  trumpet,  and  took  not  warning ;  his 
blood  shall  be  upon  him.  But  he  that  taketh  warning  shall 
deliver  his  soul.  But  if  the  watchman  see  the  sword  come,  and 
blow  not  the  trumpet,  and  the  people  be  not  warned  ;  if  the 
sword  come,  and  take  any  person  from  among  them,  he  is  taken 
away  in  his  iniquity  ;  but  his  blood  will  I  require  at  the  watch- 
man's hand. 

He  bore  his  great  commission  in  his  look, 

But  sweetly  tempered  awe,  and  softened  all  he  spoke, 

He  preached  the  joys  of  Heaven,  and  pains  of  Hell, 

And  warned  the  sinner  with  becoming  zeal; 

But  on  eternal  mercy  loved  to  dwell. 

So  thou,  O  son  of  man,  I  have  set  thee  a  watchman  unto  the 
house  of  Israel ;  therefore  thou  shalt  hear  the  word  at  my  mouth, 
and  warn  them  from  me.  When  I  say  unto  the  wicked,  O 
wicked  man,  thou  shalt  surely  die  ;  if  thou  dost  not  speak  to 
warn  the  wicked  from  his  way,  that  wicked  man  shall  die  in  his 
iniquity  ;  but  his  blood  will  I  require  at  thine  hand.  Neverthe- 
less, if  thou  warn  the  wicked  of  his  way  to  turn  from  it ;  if  he 
do  not  turn  from  his  way,  he  shall  die  in  his  iniquity ;  but  thou 
hast  delivered  thy  soul.  Therefore,  O  thou  son  of  man,  speak 
unto  the  house  of  Israel :  Thus  ye  speak,  saying,  If  our  trans- 
gressions and  our  sins  be  upon  us,  and  we  pine  away  in  them, 
how  should  we  then  live  .-•  Say  unto  them.  As  I  live,  saith  the 
Lord  God,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  the  wicked ;  but 
that  the  wicked  turn  from  his  way  and  live :  turn  ye,  turn  ye 
from  your  evil  ways  ;  for  why  will  ye  die,  O  house  of  Israel  ? 

Best  are  all  things  as  the  will 
Of  God  ordained  them  ;   His  creating  hand 
Nothing  imperfect  or  deficient  left 
Of  all  that  he  created,  much  less  man, 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  437 

Or  aught  that  might  his  happy  state  secure, 
Secure  from  outward  force  ;  within  himself 
The  danger  lies,  yet  lies  within  his  power ; 
Against  his  will  he  can  receive  no  harm. 
But  God  left  free  the  will,  for  what  obeys 
Reason  is  free,  and  reason  he  made  right ; 
But  bid  her  well  beware,  and  still  erect, 
Lest  by  some  fair  appearing  good  surprised 
She  dictate  false,  and  misinform  the  will 
To  do  what  God  expressly  hath  forbid. 

Therefore,  thou  son  of  man,  say  unto  the  children  of  thy 
people,  The  righteousness  of  the  righteous  shall  not  deliver 
him  in  the  day  of  his  transgression  :  as  for  the  wickedness  of 
the  wicked,  he  shall  not  fall  thereby  in  the  day  that  he  turneth 
from  his  wickedness  ;  neither  shall  the  righteous  be  able  to  live 
for  his  righteousness  in  the  day  that  he  sinneth.  When  I  shall 
say  to  the  righteous,  that  he  shall  surely  live  ;  if  he  trust  to  his 
own  righteousness,  and  commit  iniquity,  all  his  righteousness 
shall  not  be  remembered  ;  but  for  his  iniquity  that  he  hath 
committed,  he  shall  die  for  it.  Again,  when  I  say  unto  the 
wicked.  Thou  shalt  surely  die  ;  if  he  turn  from  his  sin,  and  do 
that  which  is  lawful  and  right ;  if  the  wicked  restore  the  pledge, 
give  again  that  he  had  robbed,  walk  in  the  statutes  of  life,  with- 
out committing  iniquity  ;  he  shall  surely  live,  he  shall  not  die. 
None  of  his  sins  that  he  hath  committed  shall  be  mentioned 
unto  him  :  he  hath  done  that  which  is  lawful  and  right ;  he  shall 
surely  live. 

Yet  the  children  of  thy  people  say,  The  way  of  the  Lord  is 
not  equal :  but  as  for  them,  their  way  is  not  equal.  When  the 
righteous  turneth  from  his  righteousness,  and  committeth  in- 
iquity, he  shall  even  die  thereby.  But  if  the  wicked  turn  from 
his  wickedness,  and  do  that  which  is  lawful  and  right,  he  shall 
live  thereby.  Yet  ye  say,  The  way  of  the  Lord  is  not  equal. 
O  ye  house  of  Israel,  I  will  judge  you  every  one  after  his  ways. 

In  the  corrupted  currents  of  tliis  world, 
Offence's  gilded  hand  may  shove  by  justice  ; 
And  oft  'tis  seen,  the  wicked  prize  itself 
Buys  out  the  law  ;  but  'tis  not  so  above  : 
There,  is  no  shuffling,  there,  the  action  lies 
In  his  true  nature  ;  and  we  ourselves  compelled, 
Even  to  the  teeth  and  forehead  of  our  faults. 
To  give  in  evidence.     What  then  ? 


438  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CLXXXIII. 

SPIRITUAL   DEATH   SYMBOLIZED   BY  A  VALLEY    OF    DRY  CONES. 

Once  borne  along  through  the  clear  air, 
He  knew  not  how,  he  knew  not  where, 
Till,  placed  at  length  in  a  drear  vale, 
The  prophet  looked,  and  then  turned  pale: 
For  under  guise  of  Death's  grim  reign, 
A  deeper  ruin  caused  him  pain. 
He  saw  his  people  thralls  to  sin. 
And  thus  his  plaint  and  prayer  put  in  :  — 

"Alive,  yet  dead  !  to  love,  and  hope, 
And  holiness,  all  dead  !     Nat  men, 
Whose  hearts  and  wills,  with  worthy  scope, 
Obedience  work  in  God's  clear  ken  ; 
But  blind,  and  chilled  by  sin's  fell  bhght, 
More  dead  than  men,  in  battle  slain  ! 
O  Spirit  !  now  roll  back  their  night. 
And  breathe,  that  they  may  live  again." 

THE  hand  of  the  Lord  was  upon  me,  and  carried  me  out  in 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  and  set  me  down  in  the  midst  of 
the  valley  which  was  full  of  bones,  and  caused  me  to  pass  by 
them  round  about :  and,  behold,  there  were  very  many  in  the 
open  valley  ;  and,  lo,  they  were  very  dry.  And  he  said  unto  me, 
Son  of  man,  can  these  bones  live  .-*  And  I  answered,  O  Lord 
God,  thou  knowest.  Again  he  said  unto  me,  Prophesy  upon 
these  bones,  and  say  unto  them,  O  ye  dry  bones,  hear  the  word  of 
the  Lord.  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  unto  these  bones  ;  Behold, 
I  will  cause  breath  to  enter  into  you,  and  ye  shall  live  :  and  I  will 
lay  sinews  upon  you,  and  will  bring  up  flesh  upon  you,  and  cover 
you  with  skin,  and  put  breath  in  you,  and  ye  shall  live ;  and  ye 
shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord.  So  I  prophesied  as  I  was  com- 
manded :  and  as  I  prophesied,  there  was  a  noise,  and  behold  a 
shaking,  and  the  bones  came  together,  bone  to  his  bone.  And 
when  I  beheld,  lo,  the  sinews  and  the  flesh  came  up  upon  them, 
and  the  skin  covered  them  above :  but  there  was  no  breath 
in  them.  Then  said  he  unto  me.  Prophesy  unto  the  wind, 
prophesy,  son  of  man,  and  say  to  the  wind.  Thus  saith  the  Lord 
God  ;  Come  from  the  four  winds,  O  breath,  and  breathe  upon 
these  slain,  that  they  may  live.     So  I  prophesied  as  he  com- 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  439 

manded  me,  and  the  breath  came  into  them,  and  they  lived,  and 
stood  up  upon  their  feet,  an  exceeding  great  army. 

Then  he  said  unto  me,  Son  of  man,  these  bones  are  the  whole 
house  of  Israel  :  behold,  they  say,  Our  bones  are  dried,  and  our 
hope  is  lost :  we  are  cut  off  for  our  parts.  Therefore  prophesy 
and  say  unto  them.  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  ;  Behold,  O  my 
people,  I  will  open  your  graves,  and  cause  you  to  come  up  out  of 
your  graves,  and  bring  you  into  the  land  of  Israel.  And  ye  shall 
know  that  I  am  the  Lord,  when  I  have  opened  your  graves,  O 
my  people,  and  brought  you  up  out  of  your  graves,  and  shall 
put  my  Spirit  in  you,  and  ye  shall  live,  and  I  shall  place  you  in 
your  own  land  :  then  shall  ye  know  that  I  the  Lord  have  spoken 
it,  and  performed  it,  saith  the  Lord. 

How  helpless  guilty  nature  lies,  unconscious  of  her  load ! 

The  heart  unchanged  can  never  rise  to  happiness  and  God. 

Oh  change  these  wretched  hearts  of  ours,  and  give  them  life  divine  ! 

Then  shall  our  passions  and  our  powers,  Almighty  Lord,  be  Thine. 

The  word  of  the  Lord  came  again  unto  me,  saying.  Moreover, 
thou  son  of  man,  take  thee  one  stick,  and  write  upon  it.  For 
Judah,  and  for  the  children  of  Israel  his  companions  :  then  take 
another  stick,  and  write  upon  it.  For  Joseph,  the  stick  of 
Ephraim,  and  for  all  the  house  of  Israel  his  companions  :  and 
join  them  one  to  another  into  one  stick  ;  and  they  shall  become 
one  in  thine  hand. 

And  when  the  children  of  thy  people  shall  speak  unto  thee, 
saying,  Wilt  thou  not  show  us  what  thou  meanest  by  these  ? 
say  unto  them.  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  ;  Behold,  I  will  take 
the  stick  of  Joseph,  which  is  in  the  hand  of  Ephraim,  and  the 
tribes  of  Israel  his  fellows,  and  will  put  them,  with  him,  even 
with  the  stick  of  Judah,  and  make  them  one  stick,  and  they  shall 
be  one  in  mine  hand.  And  the  sticks  whereon  thou  writest  shall 
be  in  thine  hand  before  their  eyes.  And  say  unto  them.  Thus 
saith  the  Lord  God  ;  Behold,  I  will  take  the  children  of  Israel 
from  among  the  heathen,  whither  they  be  gone,  and  will  gather 
them  on  every  side,  and  bring  them  into  their  own  land  :  and  I 
will  make  them  one  nation  in  the  land  upon  the  mountains  of 
Israel ;  and  one  king  shall  be  king  to  them  all :  and  they  shall 
be  no  more  two  nations,  neither  shall  they  be  divided  into  two 
kingdoms  any  more  at  all :  neither  shall  they  defile  themselves 
any  more  with  their  idols,  nor  with  their  detestable  things,  nor 


440  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

with  any  of  their  transgressions  :  but  I  will  save  them  out  of  all 
their  dwelling-places,  wherein  they  have  sinned,  and  will  cleanse 
them  :  so  shall  they  be  my  people,  and  I  will  be  their  God.  And 
David  my  servant  shall  be  king  over  them  ;  and  they  all  shall 
have  one  shepherd  :  they  shall  also  walk  in  my  judgments,  and 
observe  my  statutes,  and  do  them.  And  they  shall  dwell  in  the 
land  that  I  have  given  unto  Jacob  my  servant,  wherein  your 
fathers  have  dwelt ;  and  they  shall  dwell  therein,  even  they,  and 
their  children,  and  their  children's  children  for  ever :  and  my 
servant  David  shall  be  their  prince  for  ever.  Moreover  I  will 
make  a  covenant  of  peace  with  them  ;  it  shall  be  an  everlasting 
covenant  with  them  :  and  I  will  place  them,  and  multiply  them, 
and  will  set  my  sanctuary  in  the  midst  of  them  for  evermore. 
My  tabernacle  also  shall  be  with  them  :  yea,  I  will  be  their  God, 
and  they  shall  be  my  people.  And  the  heathen  shall  know  that 
I  the  Lord  do  sanctify  Israel,  when  my  sanctuary  shall  be  in  the 
midst  of  them  for  evermore. 

Thy  ministers  are  sent  in  vain, 

To  prophesy  upon  the  slain  ; 

In  vain  they  call,  in  vain  they  cry, 

Till  Thine  almighty  aid  is  nigh. 

But  if  Thy  Spirit  deign  to  breathe. 

Life  spreads  through  all  the  realms  of  death  ; 

Dry  bones  obey  Thy  powerful  voice  ; 

They  move  —  they  waken  —  they  rejoice. 


CHAPTER  CLXXXIV. 

Nebuchadnezzar's  forgotten  dream  interpreted. 

How  many  thousand  of  my  poorest  subjects 

Are  at  this  hour  asleep  !  —  O  sleep  !  —  O  gentle  sleep  ! 

Nature's  soft  nurse,  how  have  I  frighted  thee, 

That  thou  no  more  wilt  weigh  my  eyelids  down, 

And  steep  my  senses  in  forgetfulness  ?  — 

Uneasy  lies  the  head  that  wears  a  crown. 

AND  in  the  second  year  of  the  reign  of  Nebuchadnezzar, 
Nebuchadnezzar   dreamed    dreams,   wherewith    his    spirit 
was  troubled,  and  his  sleep  brake  from  him.     Then  the   king 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  44 1 

commanded  to  call  the  magicians,  and  the  astrologers,  and  the 
sorcerers,  and  the  Chaldeans,  for  to  shew  the  king  his  dreams. 
So  they  came  and  stood  before  the  king.  The  king  answered 
and  said  to  the  Chaldeans,  The  thing  is  gone  from  me  :  if  ye 
will  not  make  known  unto  me  the  dream,  with  the  interpretation 
thereof,  ye  shall  be  cut  in  pieces,  and  your  houses  shall  be  made 
a  dunghill. 

The  Chaldeans  answered  before  the  king,  and  said.  There  is 
no  king,  lord,  nor  ruler,  that  asked  such  things  at  any  magician, 
or  astrologer,  or  Chaldean.  And  there  is  none  other  that  can 
shew  it  before  the  king,  except  the  gods,  whose  dwelling  is  not 
with  flesh.  For  this  cause  the  king  was  angry  and  very  furious, 
and  commanded  to  destroy  all  the  wise  men  ol  Babylon.  And 
the  decree  went  forth  that  the  wise  men  should  be  slain ;  and 
they  sought  Daniel  and  his  fellows  to  be  slain. 

Then  Daniel  answered  with  counsel  and  wisdom  to  Arioch  the 
captain  of  the  king's  guard,  Why  is  the  decree  so  hasty  from  the 
king  1  Then  Arioch  made  the  thing  known  to  Daniel.  Then 
Daniel  went  in,  and  desired  of  the  king  that  he  would  give  him 
time,  and  that  he  would  shew  the  king  the  interpretation.  Then 
Daniel  went  to  his  house,  and  made  the  thing  known  to  Hana- 
niah,  Mishael,  and  Azariah,  his  companions  :  that  they  would 
desire  mercies  of  the  God  of  heaven  concerning  this  secret  ;  that 
Daniel  and  his  fellows  should  not  perish  with  the  rest  of  the 
wise  men  of  Babylon. 

Be  Thou,  mysterious  Power,  my  theme,  that  o'er  the  prophet's  and  the  poet's 

soul 
In  high  dominion  reign'st  supreme,  ruling  their   thoughts  sublime  without 

control. 
Oh  !  to  my  straining  eye  reveal  the  secrets  of  Thy  wondrous  course  ; 
Remove  !  remove  Thy  mystic  veil  !  and  let  me  gaze  upon  Thy  hidden  source. 

Then  was  the  secret  revealed  unto  Daniel  in  a  night  vision. 
Then  Daniel  blessed  the  God  of  heaven.  Therefore  Daniel  went 
in  unto  Arioch,  and  said  thus  unto  him  ;  Destroy  not  the  wise 
men  of  Babylon  :  bring  me  in  before  the  king,  and  I  will  shew 
unto  the  king  the  interpretation.  Then  Arioch  brought  in 
Daniel  before  the  king  in  haste,  and  said  thus  unto  him,  I  have 
found  a  man  of  the  captives  of  Judah,  that  will  make  known  unto 
the  king  the  interpretation. 


442  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Whoe'er  thou  art,  that,  passing  mortal  man, 

Mak'st  pHant  Nature  thus  thy  freaks  fulfil, 

V/ho,  reading  thought  and  purpose  at  a  scan, 

The  heart's  close  chambers  rangest  at  thy  will, 

O  !  if  it  be  within  thy  gifted  skill, 

Far  peeping  into  Time,  to  see  the  shows 

Of  things  yet  dark,  and  spell  their  good  or  ill, 

Say,  prophet !  say,  what  ruin  or  repose 

Do  the  mysterious  stars  foredoom  from  Asia's  throes. 

The  king  answered  and  said  to  Daniel,  whose  name  was  Belte- 
shazzar,  Art  thou  able  to  make  known  unto  me  the  dream  which 
I  have  seen,  and  the  interpretation  thereof  ?  Daniel  answered 
in  the  presence  of  the  king,  and  said,  The  secret  which  the  king 
hath  demanded  cannot  the  wise  men,  the  astrologers,  the  magi- 
cians, the  soothsayers,  shew  unto  the  king  :  but  there  is  a  God 
in  heaven  that  revealeth  secrets,  and  maketh  known  to  the  king 
Nebuchadnezzar  what  shall  be  in  the  latter  days.  Thy  dream, 
and  the  visions  of  thy  head  upon  thy  bed,  are  what  should  come 
to  pass  hereafter  :  and  he  that  revealeth  secrets  maketh  known 
to  thee  what  shall  come  to  pass.  But  as  for  me,  this  secret  is 
not  revealed  to  me  for  any  wisdom  that  I  have  more  than  any 
living,  but  for  their  sakes  that  shall  make  known  the  interpreta- 
tion to  the  king,  and  that  thou  mightest  know  the  thoughts  of 
thy  heart. 

What  strange  events  can  strike  with  more  surprise 
Than  those  which  lately  struck  thy  wondering  eyes  ? 
Yet  taught  by  these,  confess  the  Almighty  just, 
And  where  you  can't  unriddle,  learn  to  trust ! 

Thou,  O  king,  sawest,  and  behold  a  great  image,  whose  bright- 
ness was  excellent,  and  the  form  thereof  was  terrible.  This 
image's  head  was  of  fine  gold,  his  breast  and  his  arms  of  silver, 
his  belly  and  his  thighs  of  brass,  his  legs  of  iron,  his  feet  part  of 
iron  and  part  of  clay.  Thou  sawest  till  that  a  stone  was  cut  out 
without  hands,  which  smote  the  image  upon  his  feet  that  were  of 
iron  and  clay,  and  brake  them  to  pieces.  Then  was  the  iron,  the 
clay,  the  brass,  the  silver,  and  the  gold,  broken  to  pieces  together, 
and  became  like  the  chaff  of  the  summer  threshing-floors  ;  and  the 
wind  carried  them  away,  that  no  place  was  found  for  them :  and 
the  stone  that  smote  the  image  became  a  great  mountain,  and 
filled  the  whole  earth. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  443 

This  is  the  dream  ;  and  we  will  tell  the  interpretation  thereof 
before  the  king.  Thou,  O  king,  art  a  king  of  kings  :  for  the  God 
of  heaven  hath  given  thee  a  kingdom,  power,  and  strength,  and 
glory.  And  wheresoever  the  children  of  men  dwell,  the  beasts 
of  the  field  and  the  fowls  of  the  heaven  hath  he  given  into  thine 
hand,  and  hath  made  thee  ruler  over  them  all.  Thou  art  this 
head  of  gold.  And  after  thee  shall  arise  another  kingdom  infe- 
rior to  thee,  and  another  third  kingdom  of  brass,  which  shall 
bear  rule  over  all  the  earth.  And  the  fourth  kingdom  shall  be 
strong  as  iron  :  forasmuch  as  iron  breaketh  in  pieces  and  sub- 
dueth  all  things:  and  as  iron  that  breaketh  alk  these,  shall  it 
break  in  pieces  and  bruise.  And  whereas  thou  sawest  the  feet 
and  toes,  part  of  potters'  clay,  and  part  of  iron,  the  kingdom  shall 
be  divided ;  but  there  shall  be  in  it  of  the  strength  of  the  iron, 
forasmuch  as  thou  sawest  the  iron  mixed  with  miry  clay.  And 
as  the  toes  of  the  feet  were  part  of  iron,  and  part  of  clay,  so  the 
kingdom  shall  be  partly  strong,  and  partly,  broken.  And  whereas 
thou  sawest  iron  mixed  with  miry  clay,  they  shall  mingle  them- 
selves with  the  seed  of  men  :  but  they  shall  not  cleave  one  to 
another,  even  as  iron  is  not  mixed  with  clay.  And  in  the  days 
of  these  kings  shall  the  God  of  heaven  set  up  a  kingdom,  which 
shall  never  be  destroyed  :  and  the  kingdom  shall  not  be  left  to 
other  people,  but  it  shall  break  in  pieces  and  consume  all  these 
kingdoms,  and  it  shall  stand  for  ever.  Forasmuch  as  thou  sawest 
that  the  stone  was  cut  out  of  the  mountain  without  hands,  and 
that  it  brake  in  pieces  the  iron,  the  brass,  the  clay,  the  silver, 
and  the  gold ;  the  great  God  hath  made  known  to  the  king  what 
shall  come  to  pass  hereafter  :  and  the  dream  is  certain,  and  the 
interpretation  thereof  sure. 

Oh  !  where  are  kings  and  empires  now,  of  old  that  went  and  came  ? 
But,  Lord,  Thy  church  is  praying  yet  —  a  thousand  years  the  same. 
We  mark  her  goodly  battlements,  and  her  foundations  strong ; 
We  hear  within  the  solemn  voice  of  her  unending  song. 
Unshaken  as  eternal  hills,  immovable  she  stands  — 
A  mountain  that  shall  fill  the  earth,  a  house  not  made  with  hands. 

Then  the  king  Nebuchadnezzar  fell  upon  his  face,  and  wor- 
shipped Daniel,  and  commanded  that  they  should  offer  an 
oblation  and  sweet  odours  unto  him.  The  king  answered  unto 
Daniel,  and  said,  Of  a  truth  it  is,  that  your  God  is  a  God  of 
gods,  and  a  Lord  of  kings,  and  a  revealer  of  secrets,  seeing  thou 


444  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

couldest  reveal  this  secret.  Then  the  king  made  Daniel  a  great 
man,  and  gave  him  many  great  gifts,  and  made  him  ruler  over 
the  whole  province  of  Babylon,  and  chief  of  the  governors  over 
ell  the  wise  men  of  Babylon. 

Soon  shall  the  blended  Image  fall,  brass,  silver,  iron,  gold,  and  clay ; 
And  superstition's  gloomy  reign  to  light  and  liberty  give  way. 
From  east  to  west,  from  north  to  south,  Immanuel's  kingdom  shall  extend  ; 
And  every  man,  in  every  face,  shall  meet  a  brother  and  a  friend. 


CHAPTER   CLXXXV. 

THE    THREE    YOUTHS. THEIR    TWO    ALTERNATIVES. 

If  powers  divine 
Behold  our  human  actions,  (as  they  do,) 
.    I  doubt  not,  then,  but  innocence  shall  make 
False  accusation  blush,  and  tyranny 
Tremble  at  patience. 

NEBUCHADNEZZAR  the  king  made  an  image  of  gold, 
whose  height  was  threescore  cubits,  and  the  breadth 
thereof  six  cubits  :  he  set  it  up  in  the  plain  of  Dura,  in  the 
province  of  Babylon.  Then  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  sent  to 
gather  together  the  princes,  the  governors,  and  the  captains,  the 
judges,  the  treasurers,  the  counsellors,  the  sheriffs,  and  all  the 
rulers  of  the  provinces,  to  come  to  the  dedication  of  the  image 
which  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  had  set  up.  Then  the  princes, 
the  governors,  and  captains,  the  judges,  the  treasurers,  the  coun- 
sellors, the  sheriffs,  and  all  the  rulers  of  the  provinces,  were 
gathered  together  unto  the  dedication  of  the  image  that  Nebu- 
chadnezzar the  king  had  set  up  ;  and  they  stood  before  the 
image  that  Nebuchadnezzar  had  set  up.  Then  a  herald  cried 
aloud,  To  you  it  is  commanded,  O  people,  nations,  and  lan- 
guages, that  at  what  time  ye  hear  the  sound  of  the  cornet,  flute, 
harp,  sackbut,  psaltery,  dulcimer,  and  all  kinds  of  music,  ye  fall 
down  and  worship  the  golden  image  that  Nebuchadnezzar  the 
king  hath  set  up :  and  whoso  falleth  not  down  and  worshippeth 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  445 

shall  the  same  hour  be  cast  into  the  midst  of  a  burning  fiery  fur- 
nace. Therefore  at  that  time,  when  all  the  people  heard  the 
sound  of  the  cornet,  flute,  harp,  sackbut,  psaltery,  and  all  kinds 
of  music,  all  the  people,  the  nations,  and  the  languages,  fell  down 
and  worshipped  the  golden  image  that  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king 
had  set  up. 

Lay  not  to  heart  whatever  of  ill 

Thy  foes  may  falsely  speak  of  thee, 
Let  man  defame  thee  as  he  will, 

God  hears,  and  judges  righteously. 
Why  shouldst  thou  fear,  if  God  be  on  thy  side, 
Man's  cruel  anger,  or  malicious  pride .''     Be  thou  content. 

Wherefore  at  that  time  certain  Chaldeans  came  near,  and 
accused  the  Jews.  They  spake  and  said  to  the  king  Nebuchad- 
nezzar, O  king,  live  for  ever.  Thou,  O  king,  hast  made  a  decree, 
that  every  man  that  shall  hear  the  sound  of  the  cornet,  flute, 
harp,  sackbut,  psaltery,  and  dulcimer,  and  all  kinds  of  music, 
shall  fall  down  and  worship  the  golden  image  :  and  whoso  falletli 
not  down  and  worshippeth,  that  he  should  be  cast  into  the  midst 
of  a  burning  fiery  furnace.  There  are  certain  Jews  whom  thou 
hast  set  over  the  affairs  of  the  province  of  Babylon,  Shadrach, 
Meshach,  and  Abed-nego  ;  these  men,  O  king,  have  not  regarded 
thee  :  they  serve  not  thy  gods,  nor  worship  the  golden  image 
which  thou  hast  set  up. 

Heat  not  a  furnace  for  your  foe  so  hot 
That  it  do  singe  yourself!     We  may  outrun 
By  violent  swiftness  that  which  we  run  at, 
And  lose  by  over-running.     Know  you  not, 
The  fire,  that  mounts  the  liquor  till  it  run  o'er, 
In  seeming  to  augment  it,  wastes  it  ? 

Then  Nebuchadnezzar  in  his  rage  and  fury  commanded  to 
bring  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abed-nego.  Then  they  brought 
these  men  before  the  king.  Nebuchadnezzar  spake  and  said 
unto  them.  Is  it  true,  O  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abed-nego  ? 
do  not  ye  serve  my  gods,  nor  worship  the  golden  image  which  I 
have  set  up }  Now  if  ye  be  ready  that  at  what  time  ye  hear  the 
sound  of  the  cornet,  flute,  harp,  sackbut,  psaltery,  and  dulcimer, 
and  all  kinds  of  music,  ye  fall  down  and  worship  the  image  which 
I  have  made  ;  well :  but  if  ye  worship  not,  ye  shall  be  cast  the 


44^  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

same  hour  into  the  midst  of  a  burning  fiery  furnace  ;  and  who 
is  that  God  that  shall  deliver  you  out  of  my  hands  ?  Shadrach, 
Meshach,  and  Abed-nego,  answered  and  said  to  the  king,  O 
Nebuchadnezzar,  we  are  not  careful  to  answer  thee  in  this 
matter.  If  it  be  so,  our  God  whom  we  serve  is  able  to  deliver 
us  from  the  burning  fiery  furnace,  and  he  will  deliver  us  out  of 
thine  hand,  O  king.  But  if  not,  be  it  known  unto  thee,  O  king, 
that  we  will  not  serve  thy  gods,  nor  worship  the  golden  image 
which  thou  hast  set  up. 

Round  the  gifts  He  on  thee  showers, 
Fiery  towers  will  He  set,  be  not  afraid  ; 
Thou  shalt  dwell  'mid  angel-legions, 
In  the  regions  Satan's  self  dares  not  invade. 

Then  was  Nebuchadnezzar  full  of  fury,  and  the  form  of  his 
visage  was  changed  against  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abed-nego : 
therefore  he  spake,  and  commanded  that  they  should  heat  the 
furnace  one  seven  times  more  than  it  was  wont  to  be  heated. 
And  he  commanded  the  most  mighty  men  that  were  in  his  army 
to  bind  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abed-nego,  and  to  cast  them 
into  the  burning  fiery  furnace.  Then  these  men  were  bound  in 
their  coats,  their  hosen,  and  their  hats,  and  their  other  garments, 
and  were  cast  into  the  midst  of  the  burning  fiery  furnace. 
Therefore  because  the  king's  commandment  was  urgent,  and  the 
furnace  exceeding  hot,  the  flame  of  the  fire  slew  those  men  that 
took  up  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abed-nego.  And  these  three 
men,  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abed-nego,  fell  down  bound  into 
the  midst  of  the  burning  fiery  furnace.  Then  Nebuchadnezzar 
the  king  was  astonished,  and  rose  up  in  haste,  and  spake,  and 
said  unto  his  counsellors,  Did  not  we  cast  three  men  bound  into 
the  midst  of  the  fire .''  They  answered  and  said  unto  the  king, 
True,  O  king.  He  answered  and  said,  Lo,  I  see  four  men  loose, 
walking  in  the  midst  of  the  fire,  and  they  have  no  hurt ;  and  the 
form  of  the  fourth  is  like  the  son  of  God. 

How  are  they  free  whom  we  had  bound, 

Upright,  whom  in  the  gulph  we  cast? 
What  wondrous  helper  have  they  found 

To  screen  them  from  the  scorching  blast  ? 
Three  were  they  —  who  hath  made  them  four  ? 
And  sure  a  form  divine  He  wore, 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  447 

Even  like  the  Son  of  God.     So  cried 

The  tyrant,  when  in  one  fierce  fiame 
The  martyrs  lived,  the  murderers  died; 

Yet  knew  he  not  what  angel  came 
To  make  the  rushing  fire-flood  seem 
Like  summer  breeze  by  woodland  stream. 

Then  Nebuchadnezzar  came  near  to  the  mouth  of  the  burning 
fiery  furnace,  and  spake,  and  said,  Shadrach,  Meshach.  and 
Abed-nego,  ye  servants  of  the  most  high  God,  come  forth,  and 
come  hither.  Then  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abed-nego,  came 
forth  of  the  midst  of  the  fire.  And  the  princes,  governors,  and 
captains,  and  the  king's  counsellors,  being  gathered  together, 
saw  these  men,  upon  wjiose  bodies  the  fire  had  no  power,  nor 
was  a  hair  of  their  head  singed,  neither  were  their  coats  changed, 
nor  the  smell  of  fire  had  passed  on  them.  Then  Nebuchadnez- 
zar spake,  and  said.  Blessed  be  the  God  of  Shadrach,  Meshach, 
and  Abed-nego,  who  hath  sent  his  angel,  and  delivered  his  ser- 
vants that  trusted  in  him,  and  have  changed  the  king's  word, 
and  yielded  their  bodies,  that  they  might  not  serve  nor  worship 
any  god,  except  their  own  God.  Therefore  I  make  a  decree. 
That  every  people,  nation,  and  language,  which  speak  any  thing 
amiss  against  the  God  of  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abed-nego 
shall  be  cut  in  pieces,  and  their  houses  shall  be  made  a  dunghill ; 
because  there  is  no  other  God  that  can  deliver  after  this  sort. 
Then  the  king  promoted  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abed-nego,  in 
the  province  of  Babylon. 

O  !  that  estates,  degrees,  and  offices, 

Were  not  derived  corruptly  !  and  that  clear  honour 

Were  purchased  by  the  merit  of  the  wearer  ! 

How  many  then  should  cover,  that  stand  bare ; 

How  many  be  commanded,  that  command  : 

How  much  low  peasantry  would  then  be  gleaned 

From  the  true  seed  of  honour ;  and  how  much  honour 

Picked  from  the  chaff  and  ruin  of  the  times, 

To  be  new  varnished  ! 


448  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER    CLXXXVI. 

THE    VISION    OF    THE    FELLED    TREE. NEBUCHADNEZZAR's 

DOOM. 

AJEBUCHADNEZZAR  the  king,  unto  all  people,  nations,  and 
1\  languages,  that  dwell  in  all  the  earth  ;  Peace  be  multiplied 
unto  you.  I  thought  it  good  to  shew  the  signs  and  wonders  that 
the  high  God  hath  wrought  toward  me.  How  great  are  his  signs  ! 
and  how  mighty  are  his  wonders  !  his  kingdom  is  an  everlasting 
kingdom,  and  his  dominion  is  from  generation  to  generation. 

O  God,  for  Thee 
There  is  no  weight  nor  measure  ;  none  can  mount 
Up  to  Thy  myst'ries  ;  reason's  brightest  spark. 
Though  kindled  by  Thy  hght,  in  vain  would  try 
To  trace  Thy  counsels,  infinite  and  dark  ; 
And  thought  is  lost  ere  thought  can  soar  so  high. 
Even  like  past  moments  in  eternity. 

I  Nebuchadnezzar  was  at  rest  in  mine  house,  and  flourishing 
in  my  palace :  I  saw  a  dream  which  made  me  afraid,  and  the 
thoughts  upon  my  bed  and  the  visions  of  my  head  troubled  me. 
Therefore  made  I  a  decree  to  bring  in  all  the  wise  men  of  Babylon 
before  me,  that  they  might  make  known  unto  me  the  interpreta- 
tion of  the  dream.  Then  came  in  the  magicians,  the  astrologers, 
the  Chaldeans,  and  the  soothsayers  :  and  I  told  the  dream  before 
them  ;  but  they  did  not  make  known  unto  me  the  interpretation 
thereof. 

Lulled  in  the  countless  chambers  of  the  brain, 

Our  thoughts  are  linked  by  many  a  hidden  chain  ; 

Awake  but  one,  and  lo,  what  myriads  rise  ! 

Each  stamps  its  image  as  the  other  flies  ! 

Each,  as  the  various  avenues  of  sense 

Delight  or  sorrow  to  the  soul  dispense, 

Brightens  or  fades  !  yet  all,  with  magic  art. 

Control  the  latent  fibres  of  the  heart. 

But  at  the  last  Daniel  came  in  before  me,  whose  name  was 
Belteshazzar,  according  to  the  name  of  my  god,  and  in  whom  is 
the  spirit  of  the  holy  gods  :  and  before  him  I  told  the  dream, 
saying,  O  Belteshazzar,  master  of  the  magicians,  because  I  know 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  449 

that  the  spirit  of  the  holy  gods  is  in  thee,  and  no  secret  troublelh 
thee,  tell  me-  the  visions  of  my  dream  that  I  have  seen,  and  the 
interpretation  thereof.  Thus  were  the  visions  of  mine  head  in 
my  bed  ;  I  saw,  and  behold  a  tree  in  the  midst  of  the  earth,  and 
the  height  thereof  was  great.  The  tree  grew,  and  was  strong, 
and  the  height  thereof  reached  unto  heaven,  and  the  sight  thereof 
to  the  end  of  all  the  earth  :  the  leaves  thereof  were  fair,  and  the 
fruit  thereof  much,  and  in  it  was  meat  for  all :  the  beasts  of  the 
field  had  shadow  under  it,  and  the  fowls  of  the  heaven  dwelt  in 
the  boughs  thereof,  and  all  flesh  was  fed  of  it.  I  saw  in  the 
visions  of  my  head  upon  my  bed,  and,  behold  a  watcher  and  a 
holy  one  came  down  from  heaven  ;  he  cried  aloud,  and  said  thus. 
Hew  down  the  tree,  and  cut  off  his  branches,  shake  off  his  leaves, 
and  scatter  his  fruit  :  let  the  beasts  get  away  from  under  it,  and 
the  fowls  from  his  branches  :  nevertheless,  leave  the  stump  of 
his  roots  in  the  earth,  even  with  a  band  of  iron  and  brass,  in  the 
tender  grass  of  the  field  ;  and  let  it  be  wet  with  the  dew  of 
heaven,  and  let  his  portion  be  with  the  beasts  in  the  grass  of  the 
earth  :  let  his  heart  be  changed  from  man's,  and  let  a  beast's 
heart  be  given  unto  him  ;  and  let  seven  times  pass  over  him. 
This  matter  is  by  the  decree  of  the  watchers,  and  the  demand 
by  the  word  of  the  holy  ones  :  to  the  intent  that  the  living  may 
know  that  the  Most  High  ruleth  in  the  kingdom  of  men,  and 
giveth  it  to  whomsoever  he  will,  and  setteth  up  over  it  the  basest 
of  men.  This  dream  I  king  Nebuchadnezzar  have  seen.  Now 
thou,  O  Belteshazzar,  declare  the  interpretation  thereof,  forasmuch 
as  all  the  wise  men  of  my  kingdom  are  not  able  to  make  known 
unto  me  the  interpretation  :  but  thou  art  able  ;  for  the  spirit  of 
the  holy  gods  is  in  thee. 

The  lopped  tree  in  time  may  grow  again  ; 

Most  naked  plants  renew  both  fruit  and  flowers  ; 
The  sorriest  wight  may  find  release  from  pain  ; 

The  driest  soil  suck  in  some  moistening  showers  ; 
Times  go  by  turns,  and  chances  change  by  course 
From  foul  to  fair  —  from  better  hap  to  worse. 

Then  Daniel,  whose  name  was  Belteshazzar,  was  astonished 
for  one  hour,  and  his  thoughts  troubled  him.  The  king  spake, 
and  said,  Belteshazzar,  let  not  the  dream,  or  the  interpretation 
thereof,  trouble  thee.  Belteshazzar  answered  and  said.  My  lord, 
the  dream  be  to  them   that  hate  thee,  and  the  interpretation 

29 


450  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS. 

thereof  to  thine  enemies.  The  tree  that  thou  sawest,  which 
grew,  and  was  strong,  whose  height  reached  unto  the  heaven, 
and  the  sight  thereof  to  all  the  earth  ;  whose  leaves  were  fair, 
and  the  fruit  thereof  much,  and  in  it  was  meat  for  all ;  under 
which  the  beasts  of  the  field  dwelt,  and  upon  whose  branches 
the  fowls  of  the  heaven  had  their  habitation  :  it  is  thou,  O  king, 
that  art  grown  and  become  strong  :  for  thy  greatness  is  grown, 
and  reacheth  unto  heaven,  and  thy  dominion  to  the  end  of  the 
earth.  And  whereas  the  king  saw  a  watcher  and  a  holy  one 
coming  down  from  heaven,  and  saying.  Hew  the  tree  down,  and 
destroy  it ;  yet  leave  the  stump  of  the  roots  thereof  in  the  earth, 
even  with  a  band  of  iron  and  brass,  in  the  tender  grass  of  the 
field  ;  and  let  it  be  wet  with  the  dew  of  heaven,  and  let  his  por- 
tion be  with  the  beasts  of  the  field,  till  seven  times  pass  over 
him  ;  this  is  the  interpretation,  O  king,  and  this  is  the  decree  of 
the  Most  High,  which  is  come  upon  my  lord  the  king :  that  they 
shall  drive  thee  from  men,  and  thy  dwelling  shall  be  with  the 
beasts  of  the  field,  and  they  shall  make  thee  to  eat  grass  as  oxen, 
and  they  shall  wet  thee  with  the  dew  of  heaven,  and  seven  times 
shall  pass  over  thee,  till  thou  know  that  the  Most  High  ruleth  in 
the  kingdom  of  men,  and  giveth  it  to  whomsoever  he  will.  And 
whereas  they  commanded  to  leave  the  stump  of  the  tree  roots  ; 
thy  kingdom  shall  be  sure  unto  thee,  after  that  thou  shalt  have 
known  that  the  heavens  do  rule.  Wherefore,  O  king,  let  my 
counsel  be  acceptable  unto  thee,  and  break  off  thy  sins  by  right- 
eousness, and  thine  iniquities  by  shewing  mercy  to  the  poor ; 
if  it  may  be  a  lengthening  of  thy  tranquillity. 

The  quality  of  mercy  is  not  strained, 

It  droppeth  as  the  gentle  rain  from  heaven 

Upon  the  place  beneath  ;  it  is  twice  blessed ; 

It  blesseth  him  that  gives,  and  him  that  takes: 

'Tis  mightiest  in  the  mightiest:  it  becomes 

The  throned  monarch  better  than  his  crown : 

His  sceptre  shows  the  force  of  temporal  power, 

The  attribute  to  awe  and  majesty, 

Wherein  doth  sit  the  dread  and  fear  of  kings  ; 

But  mercy  is  above  this  sceptred  sway  : 

It  is  enthroned  in  the  hearts  of  kings, 

It  is  an  attribute  to  God  himself, 

And  earthly  power  doth  show  likest  God's, 

When  mercy  seasons  justice. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  45 1 

All  this  came  upon  the  king  Nebuchadnezzar.  At  the  end 
of  twelve  months  he  walked  in  the  palace  of  the  kinf^dom  of 
Babylon.  The  king  spake,  and  said,  Is  not  this  great  Babylon, 
that  I  have  built  for  the  house  of  the  kingdom  by  the  might  of 
my  power,  and  for  the  honour  of  my  majesty  .'  While  the  word 
was  in  the  king's  mouth,  there  fell  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying, 
O  king  Nebuchadnezzar,  to  thee  it  is  spoken  ;  The  kingdom  is 
departed  from  thee.  And  they  shall  drive  thee  from  men,  and 
thy  dwelling  shall  be  with  the  beasts  of  the  field  :  they  shall 
make  thee  to  eat  grass  as  oxen,  and  seven  times  shall  pass  over 
thee,  until  thou  know  that  the  Most  High  ruleth  in  the  kingdom 
of  men,  and  giveth  it  to  whomsoever  he  will.  The  same  hour 
was  the  thing  fulfilled  upon  Nebuchadnezzar  :  and  he  was  driven 
from  men,  and  did  eat  grass  as  oxen,  and  his  body  was  wet  with 
the  dew  of  heaven,  till  his  hairs  were  grown  like  eagles'  feathers, 
and  his  nails  like  birds'  claws. 

'Tis  certain,  greatness,  once  fallen  out  with  fortune, 

Must  fall  out  with  men  too :  what  the  declined  is, 

He  shall  as  soon  read  in  the  eyes  of  others, 

As  feel  in  his  own  fall :  for  men,  like  butterflies, 

Shew  not  their  mealy  wings  but  to  the  summer ; 

And  not  a  man,  for  being  simply  man, 

Hath  any  honour  ;  but  honour  for  those  honours 

That  are  without  him,  as  place,  riches,  favour, 

Prizes  of  accident,  as  oft  as  merit 

Which,  when  they  fall,  as  being  slippery  standcrs, 

The  love  that  leaned  on  them  as  slippery  too, 

Do  one  pluck  down  another,  and  together 

Die  in  the  fall. 

And  at  the  end  of  the  days  I  Nebuchadnezzar  lifted  up  mine 
eyes  unto  heaven,  and  mine  understanding  returned  unto  me, 
and  I  blessed  the  Most  High,  and  I  praised  and  honcured  him 
that  liveth  for  ever,  whose  dominion  is  an  everlasting  dominion, 
and  his  kingdom  is  from  generation  to  generation  :  and  all  the 
inhabitants  of  the  earth  are  reputed  as  nothing  :  and  he  doeth 
according  to  his  will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and  among  the 
inhabitants  of  the  earth  :  and  none  can  stay  his  hand,  or  say 
unto  him,  What  doest  thou  .-•  At  the  same  time  my  reason 
returned  unto  me  ;  and  for  the  glory  of  my  kingdom,  mine  hon- 
our and  brightness  returned  unto  me  ;  and  my  counsellors  and 


452  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

my  lords  sought  unto  me  ;  and  I  was  established  in  my  kingdom, 
and  excellent  majesty  was  added  unto  me. 

My  God,  I  would  not  long  to  see 

My  fate  with  curious  eyes  ;  — 
What  gloomy  lines  are  writ  for  me, 

Or  what  bright  scenes  arise. 


CHAPTER   CLXXXVII. 

profane  revelry. the   mysterious  index. 

belshazzar's   ruin. 

The  King  was  on  his  throne,  the  Satraps  thronged  the  hall ; 
A  thousand  bright  lamps  shone  o'er  the  high  festival. 
A  thousand  cups  of  gold,  in  Judah  deemed  divine  — 
Jehovah's  vessels  hold  the  godless  Heathen's  wine  ! 

BELSHAZZAR  the  king  made  a  great  feast  to  a  thousand 
of  his  lords,  and  drank  wine  before  the  thousand.  Belshaz~ 
zar,  while  he  tasted  the  wine,  commanded  to  bring  the  golden 
and  silver  vessels  which  his  father  Nebuchadnezzar  had  taken 
out  of  the  temple  which  was  in  Jerusalem  ;  that  the  king  and 
his  princes,  his  wives  and  his  concubines,  might  drink  therein. 
Then  they  brought  the  golden  vessels  that  were  taken  out  of 
the  temple  of  the  house  of  God  which  was  at  Jerusalem  ;  and 
the  king  and  his  princes,  his  wives  and  his  concubines,  drank 
in  them.  They  drank  wine,  and  praised  the  gods  of  gold,  and 
of  silver,  of  brass,  of  iron,  of  wood,  and  of  stone. 

Peace  !  —  is  it  but  a  phantom  of  the  brain, 

Thus  shadowed  forth,  the  senses  to  appall, 

Yon  fearful  vision  ?  — Who  shall  gaze  again 

To  search  its  cause  ?  —  Along  the  illumined  wall, 

Startling,  yet  riveting  the  eyes  of  all. 

Darkly  it  moves,  —  a  hand,  a  human  hand, 

O'er  the  bright  lamps  of  that  resplendent  hall, 

In  silence  tracing,  as  a  mystic  wand, 

Words  all  unknown,  the  tongue  of  some  far  distant  land. 

In  the  same  hour  came  forth  fingers  of  a  man's  hand,  and 
wrote  over  against  the  candlestick  upon  the  plaster  of  the  wall 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  453 

of  the  king's  palace  :  and  the  king  saw  the  part  of  the  hand 
that  wrote.  Then  the  king's  countenance  was  changed,  and 
his  thoughts  troubled  him,  so  that  the  joints  of  his  loins  were 
loosed,  and  his  knees  smote  one  against  another.  The  king 
cried  aloud  to  bring  in  the  astrologers,  the  Chaldeans,  and  the 
soothsayers.  And  the  king  spake,  and  said  to  the  wise  men  of 
Babylon,  Whosoever  shall  read  this  writing,  and  shew  me  the 
interpretation  thereof,  shall  be  clothed  with  scarlet,  and  have 
a  chain  of  gold  about  his  neck,  and  shall  be  the  third  ruler  in 
the  kingdom.  Then  came  in  all  the  king's  wise  men  :  but  they 
could  not  read  the  writing,  nor  make  known  to  the  king  the  in- 
terpretation thereof.  Then  was  king  Belshazzar  greatly  troubled, 
and  his  countenance  was  changed  in  him,  and  his  lords  were 
astonished. 

Now  the  queen,  by  reason  of  the  words  of  the  king  and  his 
lords,  came  into  the  banquet  house  :  and  the  queen  spake  and 
said,  O  king,  live  for  ever  :  let  not  thy  thoughts  trouble  thee, 
nor  let  thy  countenance  be  changed  :  there  is  a  man  in  thy 
kingdom,  in  whom  is  the  spirit  of  the  holy  gods  ;  and  in  the 
days  of  thy  father  light  and  understanding  and  wisdom,  like 
the  wisdom  of  the  gods,  was  found  in  him  ;  whom  the  king 
Nebuchadnezzar  thy  father,  the  king,  I  say,  thy  father,  made 
master  of  the  magicians,  astrologers,  Chaldeans,  and  sooth- 
sayers ;  forasmuch  as  an  excellent  spirit,  and  knowledge,  and 
understanding,  interpreting  of  dreams,  and  shewing  of  hard 
sentences,  and  dissolving  of  doubts,  were  found  in  the  same 
Daniel,  whom  the  king  named  Belteshazzar :  now  let  Daniel  be 
called,  and  he  will  shew  the  interpretation.  Then  was  Daniel 
brought  in  before  the  king.  And  the  king  spake  and  said  unto 
Daniel,  Art  thou  that  Daniel,  which  art  of  the  children  of  the 
captivity  of  Judah,  w-hom  the  king  my  father  brought  out  of 
Jewry  .-*  I  have  even  heard  of  thee,  that  the  spirit  of  the  gods 
is  in  thee,  and  that  light  and  understanding  and  excellent  wis- 
dom is  found  in  thee.  And  now  the  wise  men,  the  astrologers, 
have  been  brought  in  before  me,  that  they  should  read  this 
writing,  and  make  known  unto  me  the  interpretation  thereof : 
but  they  could  not  shew  the  interpretation  of  the  thing  :  and  I 
have  heard  of  thee,  that  thou  canst  make  interpretations,  and 
dissolve  doubts  :  now  if  thou  canst  read  the  writing,  a  id  make 
known  to  me  the   interpretation  thereof,  thou  shalt  be  clothed 


454  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

with  scarlet,  and  have  a  chain  of  gold  about  thy  neck,  and  shalt 
be  the  third  ruler  in  the  kingdom. 

Yes !  — what  was  earth  to  him,  whose  spirit  passed 

Time's  utmost  bounds  ?  —  on  whose  unshrinking  sight 

Ten  thousand  shapes  of  burning  glory  cast 

Their  full  resplendence  ?  —  Majesty  and  might 

Were  in  his  dreams,  —  for  him  the  veil  of  light 

Shrouding  Heaven's  inmost  sanctuary  and  throne, 

The  curtain  of  the  unutterably  bright 

Was  raised  !  —  to  him,  in  fearful  splendor  shown. 

Ancient  of  Days  !  e'en  Thou  mad'st  Thy  dread  presence  known. 

Then  Daniel  answered  and  said  before  the  king.  Let  thy  gifts 
be  to  thyself,  and  give  thy  rewards  to  another ;  yet  I  will  read 
the  writing  unto  the  king,  and  make  known  to  him  the  inter- 
pretation. O  thou  king,  the  most  high  God  gave  Nebuchadnez- 
zar thy  father  a  kingdom,  and  majesty,  and  glory,  and  honour: 
and  for  the  majesty  that  he  gave  him,  all  people,  nations,  and 
languages,  trembled  and  feared  before  him  :  whom  he  would 
he  slew  ;  and  whom  he  would  he  kept  alive  ;  and  whom  he 
would  he  set  up  ;  and  whom  he  would  he  put  down.  But  when 
his  heart  was  lifted  up,  and  his  mind  hardened  in  pride,  he  was 
deposed  from  his  kingly  throne,  and  they  took  his  glory  from 
him :  and  he  was  driven  from  the  sons  of  men  ;  and  his  heart 
was  made  like  the  beasts,  and  his  dwelling  was  with  the  wild 
asses  :  they  fed  him  with  grass  like  oxen,  and  his  body  was  wet 
with  the  dew  of  heaven  ;  till  he  knew  that  the  most  high  God 
ruled  in  the  kingdom  of  men,  and  that  he  appointeth  over  it 
whomsoever  he  will.  And  thou  his  son,  O  Belshazzar,  hast  not 
humbled  thine  heart,  though  thou  knewest  all  this  ;  but  hast 
lifted  up  thyself  against  the  Lord  of  heaven  ;  and  they  have 
brought  the  Vessels  of  his  house  before  thee,  and  thou  and  thy 
lords,  thy  wives  and  thy  concubines,  have  drunk  wine  in  them  ; 
and  thou  hast  praised  the  gods  of  silver,  and  gold,  of  brass,  iron, 
wood,  and  stone,  which  see  not,  nor  hear,  nor  know  ;  and  the 
God  in  whose  hand  thy  breath  is,  and  whose  are  all  thy  ways, 
hast  thou  not  glorified  :  then  was  the  part  of  the  hand  sent  from 
him  ;  and  this  writing  was  written. 

He  spoke  :  —  the  shadows  of  the  things  to  come 
Passed  o'er  his  soul :  —  "  O  King,  elate  in  pride  ! 
God  hath  sent  forth  the  writing  of  thy  doom  — 
The  One,  the  Living,  God  by  thee  defied  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  455 

He,  in  whose  balance  eartlily  lords  are  tried, 

Hath  weighed,  and  found  thee  wanting.     'Tis  decreed 

The  conqueror's  hands  thy  kin<;dom  shall  divide, 

The  stranger  to  thy  throne  of  power  succeed  ! 

Thy  days  are  full  —  they  come,  —  the  Persian  and  the  Mede  !  " 

And  this  is  the  writing  that  was  written,  MENE,  MENE, 
TEKEL,  UPH ARSIN.  This  is  the  interpretation  of  the  thing : 
MENE  ;  God  hath  numbered  thy  kingdom,  and  finished  it. 
TEKEL  ;  Thou  art  weighed  in  the  balances,  and  art  found 
wanting.  PERES  :  Thy  kingdom  is  divided,  and  given  to  the 
Medes  and  Persians.  Then  commanded  Belshazzar,  and  they 
clothed  Daniel  with  scarlet,  and  put  a  chain  of  gold  about  his 
neck,  and  made  a  proclamation  concerning  him,  that  he  should 
be  the  third  ruler  in  the  kingdom. 

In  that  night  was  Belshazzar  the  king  of  the  Chaldeans  slain. 
And  Darius  the  Median  took  the  kingdom,  being  about  three- 
score and  two  years  old. 

Oh  !  early  in  the  balance  weighed, 

And  ever  light  of  word  and  worth, 
Whose  soul  expired  ere  youth  decayed, 

And  left  thee  but  a  mass  of  earth. 
To  see  thee  moves  the  scorner's  mirth : 

But  tears  in  Hope's  averted  eye 
Lament  that  even  thou  had'st  birth  — 

Unfit  to  govern,  live,  or  die. 


CHAPTER   CLXXXVIII. 

THE    PRAYERFUL    PROPHET    DELIVERED. 

Great  and  good  persons  well  may  be 
From  guilt,  but  not  from  envy  free. 
They  that  stand  high  in  public  trust, 
Expect  the  forked  arrows  must 
Of  such  below,  as  deem  their  parts 
Less  in  employment,  than  deserts. 

IT  pleased  Darius  to  set  over  the  kingdom  a  hundred  and 
twenty  princes,  which  should  be  over  the  whole  kingdom  ; 
and  over  these  three  presidents  ;  of  whom  Daniel  was  first :  that 


45^  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

the  princes  might  give  accounts  unto  them,  and  the  king  should 
have  no  damage.  Then  this  Daniel  was  preferred  above  the 
presidents  and  princes,  because  an  excellent  spirit  was  in  him  ; 
and  the  king  thought  to  set  him  over  the  whole  realm. 

What  stronger  breast-plate  than  a  heart  untainted? 
Thrice  is  be  armed  that  hath  his  quarrel  just ; 
And  he  but  naked,  though  locked  up  in  steel. 
Whose  conscience  with  injustice  is  corrupted. 

Then  the  presidents  and  princes  sought  to  find  occasion 
against  Daniel  concerning  the  kingdom  ;  but  they  could  find 
none  occasion  nor  fault  ;  forasmuch  as  he  was  faithful,  neither 
was  there  any  error  or  fault  found  in  him.  Then  said  these 
men,  We  shall  not  find  any  occasion  against  this  Daniel,  except 
we  find  it  against  him  concerning  the  law  of  his  God.  Then 
these  presidents  and  princes  assembled  together  to  the  king, 
and  said  thus  unto  him.  King  Darius,  live  for  ever.  All  the 
presidents  of  the  kingdom,  the  governors,  and  the  princes,  the 
counsellors,  and  the  captains,  have  consulted  together  to  estab- 
lish a  royal  statute,  and  to  make  a  firm  decree,  that  whosoever 
shall  ask  a  petition  of  any  god  or  man  for  thirty  days,  save  of 
thee,  O  king,  he  shall  be  cast  into  the  den  of  lions.  Now,  O 
king,  establish  the  decree,  and  sign  the  writing,  that  it  be  not 
changed,  according  to  the  law  of  the  Medes  and  Persians,  which 
altereth  not.  Wherefore  king  Darius  signed  the  writing  and  the 
decree. 

My  God,  is  any  hour  so  sweet, 

From  blush  of  morn  to  evening  star, 
As  that  which  calls  me  to  Thy  feet  —  the  hour  of  prayer? 

No  words  can  tell  what  sweet  rehef 

Here  for  my  every  want  I  find, 
What  strength  for  warfare,  balm  for  grief !  what  peace  of  mind  ! 

Now  when  Daniel  knew  that  the  writing  was  signed,  he  went 
into  his  house  ;  and,  his  windows  being  open  in  his  chamber 
toward  Jerusalem,  he  kneeled  upon  his  knees  three  times  a  day, 
and  prayed,  and  gave  thanks  before  his  God,  as  he  did  aforetime. 
Then  these  men  assembled,  and  found  Daniel  praying  and  mak- 
ing supplication  before  his  God.  Then  they  came  near,  and 
spake  before  the  king  concerning  the  king's  decree  ;  Hast  thou 
not  signed  a  decree,  that  every  man  that  shall  ask  a  petition  of 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  457 

any  god  or  man  within  thirty  days,  save  of  thee,  O  king,  shall 
be  cast  into  the  den  of  lions  ?  The  king  answered  and  said, 
The  thing  is  true,  according  to  the  law  of  the  Medes  and  Per- 
sians, which  altereth  not.  Then  answered  they  and  said  before 
the  king,  That  Daniel,  which  is  of  the  children  of  the  captivity 
of  Judah,  regardeth  not  thee,  O  king,  nor  the  decree  that  thou 
hast  signed,  but  maketh  his  petition  three  times  a  day.  Then 
the  king,  when  he  heard  these  words,  was  sore  displeased  with 
himself,  and  set  his  heart  on  Daniel  to  deliver  him  :  and  he 
laboured  till  the  going  down  of  the  sun  to  deliver  him.  Then 
these  men  assembled  unto  the  king,  and  said  unto  the  king, 
Know,  O  king,  that  the  law  of  the  Medes  and  Persians  is,  That 
no  decree  nor  statute  which  the  king  establisheth  may  be 
changed.  Then  the  king  commanded,  and  they  brought  Daniel, 
and  cast  him  into  the  den  of  lions.  Now  the  king  spake  and 
said  unto  Daniel,  Thy  God  whom  thou  servest  continually,  he 
will  deliver  thee.  And  a  stone  was  brought,  and  laid  upon  the 
mouth  of  the  den  ;  and  the  king  sealed  ic  with  his  own  signet, 
and  with  the  signet  of  his  lords  ;  that  the  purpose  might  not  be 
changed  concerning  Daniel. 

Satiate  are  these  ;  and  stilled  to  eye  and  ear ; 
Hence,  while  we  gaze,  a  more  enduring  fear  ! 
Yet  is  the  Prophet  calm,  nor  would  the  cave 
Daunt  him,  if  his  Companions,  now  bedrowsed. 
Outstretched  and  listless,  were  by  hunger  roused : 
Man  placed  him  here,  and  God,  he  knows,  can  save. 

Then  the  king  went  to  his  palace,  and  passed  the  night  fasting  : 
neither  were  instruments  of  music  brought  before  him  :  and  his 
sleep  went  from  him.  Then  the  king  arose  very  early  in  the 
morning,  and  went  in  haste  unto  the  den  of  lions.  And  when 
he  came  to  the  den,  he  cried  with  a  lamentable  voice  unto  Dan- 
iel :  and  the  king  spake  and  said  to  Daniel,  O  Daniel,  servant  of 
the  living  God,  is  thy  God,  whom  thou  servest  continually,  able 
to  deliver  thee  from  the  lions  .''  Then  said  Daniel  unto  the  king, 
O  king,  live  for  ever.  My  God  hath  sent  his  angel,  and  hath 
shut  the  lions'  mouths,  that  they  have  not  hurt  me :  forasmuch 
as  before  him  innocency  was  found  in  me  ;  and  also  before  thee, 
O  king,  have  I  done  no  hurt.  Then  was  the  king  exceeding 
glad  for  him,  and  commanded  that  they  should  take  Daniel  up 


458  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

out  of  the  den.  So  Daniel  was  taken  up  out  of  the  den,  and  no 
manner  of  hurt  was  found  upon  him,  because  he  beheved  in 
his  God.  And  the  king  commanded,  and  they  brought  those 
men  which  had  accused  Daniel,  and  they  cast  them  into  the  den 
of  lions,  them,  their  children,  and  their  wives  ;  and  the  lions  had 
the  mastery  of  them,  and  brake  all  their  bones  in  pieces  or  ever 
they  came  at  the  bottom  of  the  den. 

Though  banded  devils  throng  our  path, 

Like  beasts  of  prey  to  work  our  ill, 
Why  should  we  greatly  fear  their  wrath  ? 

Jesus  will  make  us  victors  still. 
This  world's  proud  king,  with  vengeful  frown. 

Marshals  his  demon-hosts  in  fight ; 

We  calmly  bide  his  fiercest  might ! 
Doomed  soon  to  lose  the  usurper's  crown, 
Christ's  slightest  word  can  strike  him  down. 

Then  king  Darius  wrote  unto  all  people,  nations,  and  lan- 
guages, that  dwell  in  all  the  earth  ;  Peace  be  multiplied  unto 
you.  I  make  a  decree.  That  in  every  dominion  of  my  kingdom 
men  tremble  and  fear  before  the  God  of  Daniel :  for  he  is  the 
living  God,  and  steadfast  for  ever,  and  his  kingdom  that  which 
shall  not  be  destroyed,  and  his  dominion  shall  be  even  unto  the 
end.  He  delivereth  and  rescueth,  and  he  worketh  signs  and 
wonders  in  heaven  and  in  earth,  who  hath  delivered  Daniel  from 
the  power  of  the  lions.  So  this  Daniel  prospered  in  the  reign 
of  Darius,  and  in  the  reign  of  Cyrus  the  Persian. 

He  always  wins  who  sides  with  God,  to  him  no  chance  is  lost ; 

God's  will  is  sweetest  to  him  when  it  triumphs  at  his  cost. 

Ill  that  He  blesses  is  our  good,  and  unblest  good  is  ill ; 

And  all  is  right  that  seems  most  wrong,  if  it  be  His  sweet  Will ! 


CHAPTER   CLXXXIX. 

THE    GLORY,    GOODNESS,    AND    MAJESTY    OF   JEHOVAH    TO    BE 

CELEBRATED. 

Great  is  the  Lord  !  what  tongue  can  frame 
An  honour  equal  to  His  name  ! 
How  awful  are  His  glorious  ways  ! 
The  Lord  is  dreadful  in  His  praise. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  459 

.    Vast  are  Tliy  works,  almighty  Lord  ! 
All  nature  rests  upon  Tliy  word  ; 
And  clouds,  and  storms,  and  tire  obey 
Thy  wise  and  all-controlling  sway, 

GIVE  unto  the  Lord,  O  ye  mighty,  give  unto  the  Lord  glory 
and  strength.  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto  his 
name  ;  worship  the  Lord  in  the  beauty  of  holiness.  The  voice 
of  the  Lord  is  upon  the  waters  :  the  God  of  glory  thundereth  : 
the  Lord  is  upon  many  waters.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  power- 
ful ;  the  voice  of  the  Lord  is  full  of  majesty.  The  voice  of  the 
Lord  breaketh  the  cedars  ;  yea,  the  Lord  breaketh  the  cedars  of 
Lebanon.  He  maketh  them  also  to  skip  like  a  calf  ;  Lebanon 
and  Sirion  like  a  young  unicorn.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  divideth 
the  flames  of  fire.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  shaketh  the  wilder- 
ness ;  the  Lord  shaketh  the  wilderness  of  Kadesh.  The  voice 
of  the  Lord  maketh  the  hinds  to  calve,  and  discovereth  the  for- 
ests :  and  in  his  temple  doth  every  one  speak  of  his  glory.  The 
Lord  sitteth  upon  the  flood  ;  yea,  the  Lord  sitteth  King  for  ever. 
The  Lord  will  give  strength  unto  his  people  ;  the  Lord  will  bless 
his  people  with  peace. 

While  Thou,  O  my  God,  art  my  help  and  defender, 
No  cares  can  o'erwhelm  me,  no  terrors  appall ; 

The  wiles  and  the  snares  of  this  world  will  but  render 
More  lively  my  hope  in  my  God  and  my  all. 

Yes  ;  Thou  art  my  refuge  in  sorrow  and  danger  ; 

My  strength  when  I  suffer  ;  my  hope  when  I  fall ; 
My  comfort  and  joy  in  this  land  of  the  stranger  ; 

My  treasure,  my  glory,  my  God,  and  my  all. 

Oh  clap  your  hands,  all  ye  people  ;  shout  unto  God  with  the 
voice  of  triumph.  For  the  Lord  most  high  is  terrible  ;  he  is  a 
great  King  over  all  the  earth.  He  shall  subdue  the  people 
under  us,  and  the  nations  under  our  feet.  He  shall  choose  our 
inheritance  for  us,  the  excellency  of  Jacob  whom  he  loved. 
Selah.  God  is  gone  up  with  a  shout,  the  Lord  with  the  sound 
of  a  trumpet.  Sing  praises  to  God,  sing  praises  :  sing  praises 
unto  our  King,  sing  praises.  For  God  is  the  King  of  all  the 
earth  :  sing  ye  praises  with  understanding.  God  reigneth  over 
the  heathen  :  God  sitteth  upon  the  throne  of  his  holiness.  The 
princes  of  the  people  are  gathered  together,  even  the  people  of 


460  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

the  God  of  Abraham  :  for  the  shields  of  the  earth  belong  unto 
God  :  he  is  greatly  exalted. 

O  for  a  shout  of  sacred  joy  to  God,  the  sovereign  King  ! 

Let  every  land  their  tongues  employ,  and  hymns  of  triumph  sing. 

While  angels  shout,  and  praise  their  King,  let  mortals  learn  their  strains  ; 

Let  all  the  earth  His  honour  sing  ;  o'er  all  the  earth  He  reigns. 


CHAPTER   CXC. 

PROMISES    OF    RESTORATION    TO    THE    CAPTIVES. 

God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way.  His  wonders  to  perform  ; 

He  plants  His  footsteps  in  the  sea,  and  rides  upon  the  storm. 

Deep  in  unfathomable  mines  of  never-failing  skill. 

He  treasures  up  His  bright  designs,  and  works  His  sovereign  will. 

His  purposes  will  ripen  fast,  unfolding  every  hour  ; 

The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste,  but  sweet  will  be  the  flower. 

THE  Lord  shewed  me,  and,  behold,  two  baskets  of  figs  were 
set  before  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  after  that  Nebuchad- 
nezzar king  of  Babylon  had  carried  away  captive  Jeconiah  the  son 
of  Jehoiakim  king  of  Judah,  and  the  princes  of  Judah,  with  the 
carpenters  and  smiths,  from  Jerusalem,  and  had  brought  them  to 
Babylon.  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel ;  Like  these 
good  figs,  so  will  I  acknowledge  them  that  are  carried  away 
captive  of  Judah,  whom  I  have  sent  out  of  this  place  into  the 
land  of  the  Chaldeans  for  their  good.  For  I  will  set  mine  eyes 
upon  them  for  good,  and  I  will  bring  them  again  to  this  land  : 
and  I  will  build  them,  and  not  pull  them  down  ;  and  I  will  plant 
them,  and  not  pluck  them  up.  And  I  will  give  them  a  heart  to 
know  me,  that  I  am  the  Lord  ;  and  they  shall  be  my  people,  and 
I  will  be  their  God  :  for  they  shall  return  unto  me  with  their 
whole  heart. 

And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  seventy  years  are  accom- 
plished, that  I  will  punish  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  that  nation, 
saith  the  Lord,  for  their  iniquity,  and  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans, 
and  will  make  it  perpetual  desolations.  And  I  will  bring  upon 
that  land  all  my  words  which  I  have  pronounced  against  it,  even 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  46 1 

all  that  is  written  in  this  book,  which  Jeremiah  hath  prophesied 
against  all  the  nations.  For  many  nations  and  great  kings  shall 
serve  themselves  of  them  also :  and  I  will  recompense  them 
according  to  their  deeds,  and  according  to  the  works  of  their 
own   hands. 

Where  is  tliy  pride,  thy  pageantry  ? 

Where  is  thy  glory,  humbled  thing  .'' 

O  bid  thy  choral  voices  sing 

The  triumphs  of  thy  vanity  ! 

No  !  all  is  still  —  for,  like  a  shade, 

The  idle  tones  of  flattery  fade  ; 

And  music's  charms  —  a  shifting  play. 

Murderess  !  how  baseless  was  thy  trust ! 

Thy  house  is  night,  thy  bed  the  dust, 

Thy  covering  —  crawling  worms  of  clay. 

Now  these  are  the  words  of  the  letter  that  Jeremiah  the 
prophet  sent  from  Jerusalem  unto  the  residue  of  the  elders 
which  were  carried  away  captives,  and  to  the  priests,  and  to 
the  prophets,  and  to  all  the  people  whom  Nebuchadnezzar 
had  carried  away  captive  from  Jerusalem  to  Babylon :  saying. 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  unto  all  that 
are  carried  away  captives,  whom  I  have  caused  to  be  carried 
away  from  Jerusalem  unto  Babylon  ;  Build  ye  houses,  and  dwell 
in  them  ;  and  plant  gardens,  and  eat  the  fruit  of  them  ;  take  ye 
wives,  and  beget  sons  and  daughters  ;  and  take  wives  for  your 
sons,  and  give  your  daughters  to  husbands,  that  they  may  bear 
sons  and  daughters  ;  that  ye  may  be  increased  there,  and  not 
diminished.  And  seek  the  peace  of  the  city  whither  I  have 
caused  you  to  be  carried  away  captives,  and  pray  unto  the  Lord 
for  it :  for  in  the  peace  thereof  shall  ye  have  peace. 

If  this  great  world  of  joy  and  pain 

Revolve  in  one  sure  track; 
If  freedom,  yet,  will  rise  again, 

And  virtue,  flown,  come  back ; 
Woe  to  the  purblind  crew  who  fill 

The  heart  with  each  day's  care ; 
Nor  gain,  from  past  or  future,  skill 

To  bear,  and  to  forbear  ! 

For  thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel ;  Let  not 
your  prophets  and  your  diviners,  that  be  in  the  midst  of  you, 
deceive  you,  neither  hearken  to  your  dreams  which  ye  cause  to 


4^2  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

be  dreamed.  For  they  prophesy  falsely  unto  you  in  my  name : 
I  have  not  sent  them,  saith  the  Lord.  For  thus  saith  the  Lord, 
That  after  seventy  years  be  acccomplished  at  Babylon  I  will  visit 
you,  and  perform  my  good  word  toward  you,  in  causing  you  to 
return  to  this  place.  For  I  know  the  thoughts  that  I  think 
toward  you,  saith  the  Lord,  thoughts  of  peace,  and  not  of  evil, 
to  give  you  an  expected  end.  Then  shall  ye  call  upon  me,  and 
ye  shall  go  and  pray  unto  me,  and  I  will  hearken  unto  you.  And 
ye  shall  seek  me,  and  find  me,  when  ye  shall  search  for  me  with 
all  your  heart.  And  I  will  be  found  of  you,  saith  the  Lord  :  and  I 
will  turn  away  your  captivity,  and  I  will  gather  you  from  all  the 
nations,  and  from  all  the  places  whither  I  have  driven  you,  saith 
the  Lord  ;  and  I  will  bring  you  again  into  the  place  whence  I 
caused  you  to  be  carried  away  captive. 

There  rose  the  choral  hymn  of  praise, 

And  trump  and  timbrel  answered  keen  ; 
And  Zion's  daughters  poured  their  lays, 

With  priest's  and  warrior's  voice  between. 
No  portents  now  our  foes  amaze  — 

Forsaken  Israel  wanders  lone  ; 
Our  fathers  would  not  know  Thy  ways, 

And  Thou  hast  left  them  to  their  own. 

Therefore  fear  thou  not,  O  my  servant  Jacob,  saith  the  Lord ; 
neither  be  dismayed,  O  Israel  :  for,  lo,  I  will  save  thee  from  afar, 
and  thy  seed  from  the  land  of  their  captivity ;  and  Jacob  shall 
return,  and  shall  be  in  rest,  and  be  quiet,  and  none  shall  make 
him  afraid.  For  I  am  with  thee,  saith  the  Lord,  to  save  thee : 
though  I  make  a  full  end  of  all  nations  whither  I  have  scattered 
thee,  yet  will  I  not  make  a  full  end  of  thee ;  but  I  will  correct 
thee  in  measure,  and  will  not  leave  thee  altogether  unpunished. 
Therefore  all  they  that  devour  thee  shall  be  devoured  ;  and  all 
thine  adversaries,  every  one  of  them,  shall  go  into  captivity  ; 
and  they  that  spoil  thee  shall  be  a  spoil,  and  all  that  prey  upon 
thee  will  I  give  for  a  prey.  For  I  will  restore  health  unto  thee, 
and  I  will  heal  thee  of  thy  wounds,  saith  the  Lord ;  because 
they  called  thee  an  Outcast,  saying.  This  is  Zion,  whom  no  man 
seeketh  after. 

And  where  shall  Israel  lave  her  bleeding  feet  ? 
And  when  shall  Zion's  songs  again  seem  sweet  ? 
And  Judah's  melody  once  more  rejoice 
The  hearts  that  leaped  before  its  heavenly  voice  ? 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  463 

Thus  saith  the  Lord  ;  Behold,  I  will  bring  again  the  captivity 
of  Jacob's  tents,  and  have  mercy  on  his  dwelling-places  ;  and  the 
city  shall  be  builded  upon  her  own  heap,  and  the  palace  shall 
remain  after  the  manner  thereof.  And  out  of  them  shall  pro- 
ceed thanksgiving  and  the  voice  of  them  that  make  merry  :  and 
I  will  multiply  them,  and  they  shall  not  be  few  ;  I  will  also 
glorify  them,  and  they  shall  not  be  small.  Behold,  the  days 
come,  saith  the  Lord,  that  I  will  make  a  new  covenant  with  the 
house  of  Israel,  and  with  the  house  of  Judah  :  not  according  to 
the  covenant  that  I  made  with  their  fathers,  in  the  day  that  I 
took  them  by  the  hand  to  bring  them  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  ; 
which  my  covenant  they  brake,  although  I  was  a  husband  unto 
them,  saith  the  Lord  :  But  this  shall  be  the  covenant  that  1  will 
make  with  the  house  of  Israel  ;  After  those  days,  saith  the 
Lord,  I  will  put  my  law  in  their  inward  parts,  and  write  it  in 
their  hearts  ;  and  will  be  their  God,  and  they  shall  be  my  people. 
And  they  shall  teach  no  more  every  man  his  neighbour,  and 
every  man  his  brother,  saying,  Know  the  Lord  :  for  they  shall 
all  know  me,  from  the  least  of  them  unto  the  greatest  of  them, 
saith  the  Lord  :  for  I  will  forgive  their  iniquity,  and  I  will  re- 
member their  sin  no  more. 

Hear  the  just  law,  the  judgment  of  the  skies  ! 
He  that  hates  truth  shall  be  the  dupe  of  hes  ; 
And  he  that  will  be  cheated  to  the  last, 
Delusions  strong  as  hell  shall  bind  him  fast. 
But  if  the  wanderer  his  mistake  discern, 
Judge  his  own  ways,  and  sigh  for  a  return,  — 
Bewildered  once,  —  must  he  bewail  his  loss 
For  ever  and  for  ever  ?     No  !    The  Cross  ! 
There  no  delusive  hope  invites  despair  ; 
No  mockery  meets  you,  —  no  deception  there. 


CHAPTER   CXCI. 

THE    DECREE    OF    CYRUS    TO    REBUILD    THE    TEMPLE.  —  IT 
IS    FINISHED    AND    DEDICATED. 

But  hark  !  how  from  afar 
The  chariot's  note  proclaims  the  finished  war  ! 
Our  great  restorer,  Cyrus,  is  at  hand, 
And  this  way  leads  his  formidable  band. 


464  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Give,  give  your  songs  of  Sion  to  the  wind, 

And  liail  the  benefactor  of  mankind  : 

He  comes,  pursuant  to  divine  decree, 

To  chain  the  strong,  and  set  the  captive  free. 

NOW  in  the  first  year  of  Cyrus  king  of  Persia,  that  the  word 
of  the  Lord  by  the  mouih  of  Jeremiah  might  be  fulfilled, 
the  Lord  stirred  up  the  spirit  of  Cyrus  king  of  Persia,  that  he 
made  a  proclamation  throughout  all  his  kingdom,  and  put  it  also 
in  writing,  saying,  Thus  saith  Cyrus  king  of  Persia,  The  Lord 
God  of  heaven  hath  given  me  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth  ; 
and  he  hath  charged  me  to  build  him  a  house  at  Jerusalem, 
which  is  in  Judah.  Who  is  there  among  you  of  all  his  people? 
his  God  be  with  him,  and  let  him  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  which  is 
in  Judah,  and  build  the  house  of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  (he  is 
the  God,)  which  is  in  Jerusalem.  And  whosoever  remaineth  in 
any  place  where  he  sojourneth,  let  the  men  of  his  place  help 
him  with  silver,  and  with  gold,  and  with  goods,  and  with  beasts, 
besides  the  freewill  offering  for  the  house  of  God  that  is  in 
Jerusalem. 

Then  rose  up  the  chief  of  the  fathers  of  Judah  and  Benjamin, 
and  the  priests,  and  the  Levites,  with  all  them  whose  spirit  God 
had  raised,  to  go  up  to  build  the  house  of  the  Lord  which  is 
in  Jerusalem.  And  all  they  that  were  about  them  strengthened 
their  hands  with  vessels  of  silver,  with  gold,  with  goods,  and  with 
beasts,  and  with  precious  things,  besides  all  that  was  willingly 
offered. 

Also  Cyrus  the  king  brought  forth  the  vessels  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  which  Nebuchadnezzar  had  brought  forth  out  of 
Jerusalem,  and  had  put  them  in  the  house  of  his  gods  ;  even 
those  did  Cyrus  king  of  Persia  bring  forth  by  the  hand  of 
Mithredath  the  treasurer,  and  numbered  them  unto  Sheshbazzar, 
the  prince  of  Judah.  And  this  is  the  number  of  them  :  thirty 
chargers  of  gold,  a  thousand  chargers  of  silver,  nine  and  twenty 
knives,  thirty  basins  of  gold,  silver  basins  of  a  second  sort 
four  hundred  and  ten,  and  other  vessels  a  thousand.  All  the 
vessels  of  gold  and  of  silver  were  five  thousand  and  four  hundred. 
All  these  did  Sheshbazzar  bring  up  with  them  of  the  captivity 
that  were  brought  up  from  Babylon  unto  Jerusalem. 

O  Thou,  their  Guide,  their  Father,  and  their  Lord, 
Loved  for  Thy  mercies,  for  Thy  power  adored  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  465 

If  at  Thy  name  the  waves  forgot  their  force, 
And  refluent  Jordan  sought  his  trembling  source; 
If  at  Thy  name  like  sheep  the  mountains  fled, 
And  haughty  Sirion  bowed  his  marble  head ; 
To  Israel's  woes  a  pitying  ear  incline, 
And  raise  from  earth  Thy  long-neglected  vine. 

Now  in  the  second  year  of  their  coming  unto  the  house  of 
God  at  Jerusalem,  in  the  second  month,  began  Zerubbabel  the 
son  of  Shealtiel,  and  Jeshua  the  son  of  Jozadak,  and  the  remnant 
of  their  brethren  the  priests  and  the  Levites,  and  all  they  that 
were  come  out  of  the  captivity  unto  Jerusalem  ;  and  appointed 
the  Levites,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  to  set  forward 
the  work  of  the  house  of  the  Lord.  And  when  the  builders 
laid  the  foundation  of  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  they  set  the  priests 
in  their  apparel  with  trumpets,  and  the  Levites  the  sons  of 
Asaph  with  cymbals,  to  praise  the  Lord,  after  the  ordinance  of 
David  king  of  Israel.  And  they  sang  together  by  course  in 
praising  and  giving  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  because  he  is  good, 
for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever  toward  Israel.  And  all  the 
people  shouted  with  a  great  shout,  when  they  praised  the  Lord, 
because  the  foundation  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  was  laid.  But 
many  of  the  priests  and  Levites  and  chief  of  the  fathers,  who 
were  ancient  men,  that  had  seen  the  first  house,  when  the  foun- 
dation of  this  house  was  laid  before  their  eyes,  wept  with  a  loud 
voice  ;  and  many  shouted  aloud  for  joy  :  so  that  the  people  could 
not  discern  the  noise  of  the  shout  of  joy  from  the  noise  of  the 
weeping  of  the  people  :  for  the  people  shouted  with  a  loud  shout, 
and  the  noise  was  heard  afar  off.  And  this  house  was  finished 
on  the  third  day  of  the  month  Adar,  which  was  in  the  sixth  year 
of  the  reign  of  Darius  the  king. 

And  the  children  of  Israel,  the  priests,  and  the  Levites, 
and  the  rest  of  the  children  of  the  captivity,  kept  the  dedica- 
.tion  of  this  house  of  God  with  joy,  and  offered  at  the  dedi- 
cation of  this  house  of  God  a  hundred  bullocks,  two  hundred 
rams,  four  hundred  lambs  ;  and  for  a  sin  offering  for  all  Israel, 
twelve  he-goats,  according  to  the  number  of  the  tribes  of  Is- 
rael. And  they  set  the  priests  in  their  divisions,  and  the 
Levites  in  their  courses,  for  the  service  of  God,  which  is  at 
Jerusalem  ;  as  it  is  written  in  the  book  of  Moses.  And  the 
children  of  the  captivity  kept  the  passover  upon  the  fourteenth 

30 


466  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

day  of  the  first  month.  For  the  priests  and  the  Levites  were 
purified  together,  all  of  them  were  pure,  and  killed  the  passover 
for  all  the  children  of  the  captivity,  and  for  their  brethren  the 
priests,  and  for  themselves.  And  the  children  of  Israel,  which 
were  come  again  out  of  captivity,  and  all  such  as  had  separated 
themselves  unto  them  from  the  filthiness  of  the  heathen  of  the 
land,  to  seek  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  did  eat,  and  kept  the  feast 
of  unleavened  bread  seven  days  with  joy  :  for  the  Lord  had  made 
them  joyful,  and  turned  the  heart  of  the  king  of  Assyria  unto 
them,  to  strengthen  their  hands  in  the  work  of  the  house  of  God, 
the  God  of  Israel. 

Rise,  crowned  with  light,  imperial  Salem,  rise ! 

Exalt  thy  towery  head,  and  hft  thine  eyes  ! 

See,  a  long  race  thy  spacious  courts  adorn  ; 

See,  future  sons  and  daughters  yet  unborn, 

In  crowding  ranks  on  every  side  arise, 

Demanding  life,  impatient  for  the  skies  ! 

See,  barbarous  nations  at  thy  courts  attend, 

Walk  in  thy  light,  and  in  thy  temple  bend  ! 

See,  thy  bright  altars  thronged  with  prostrate  kings, 

And  heaped  with  products  of  Sabean  springs  ! 


CHAPTER   CXCII. 

THE    PUBLIC    WORSHIP    OF    JEHOVAH    MOST    DESIRABLE    AND 

IMPROVING. 

How  lovely  are  Thy  dwellings  fair  ! 

O  Lord  of  Hosts,  how  dear 
The  pleasant  tabernacles  are, 

Where  Thou  dost  dwell  so  near  ! 
My  soul  doth  long  and  almost  die 

Thy  courts,  O  Lord,  to  see  ; 
My  heart  and  flesh  aloud  do  cry, 

O  living  God,  for  Thee. 

HOW  amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  O  Lord  of  hosts  !  My 
soul  longeth,  yea,  even  fainteth  for  the  courts  of  the  Lord  : 
my  heart  and  my  flesh  crieth  out  for  the  living  God.  Yea,  the 
sparrow  hath  found  a  house,  and  the  swallow  a  nest  for  herself, 
where  she  may  lay  her  young,  even  thine  altars,  O  Lord  of  hosts, 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  467 

my  King,  and  my  God.  Blessed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy 
house  :   they  will  be  still  praising  thee.     Selah. 

Blessed  is  the  man  whose  strength  is  in  thee ;  in  whose 
heart  are  the  ways  of  them.  Who  passing  through  the  valley 
of  Baca  make  it  a  well  ;  the  rain  also  filleth  the  pools.  They 
go  from  strength  to  strength,  every  one  of  them  in  Zion  appear- 
eth  before  God.  O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  hear  my  prayer :  give 
ear,  O  God  of  Jacob.     Selah. 

Behold,  O  God  our  shield,  and  look  upon  the  face  of  thine 
anointed.  For  a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thousand. 
I  had  rather  be  a  door-keeper  in  the  house  of  my  God,  than  to 
dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickedness.  For  the  Lord  God  is  a  sun 
and  shield  :  the  Lord  will  give  grace  and  glory:  no  good  thing 
will  he  withhold  from  them  that  walk  uprightly.  O  Lord  of 
hosts,  blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  thee. 

Behold,  bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  servants  of  the  Lord,  which 
by  night  stand  in  the  house  of  the  Lord.  Lift  up  your  hands  in 
the  sanctuary,  and  bless  the  Lord.  The  Lord  that  made  heaven 
and  earth  bless  thee  out  of  Zion. 

Lo,  heaven  and  earth,  and  sea  and  air, 
Their  Maker's  glory  all  declare  ! 
And  thou,  my  soul,  awake  and  sing,  — 
To  Him  thy  praises  also  bring. 
Through  Him,  the  glorious  source  of  day 
Can  break  the  clouds  of  night  away  ; 
The  pomp  of  stars,  the  moon''s  soft  light, 
Praise  Him  through  all  the  silent  night ! 

His  foundation  is  in  the  holy  mountains.  The  Lord  loveth 
the  gates  of  Zion  more  than  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob.  Glo- 
rious things  are  spoken  of  thee,  O  city  of  God.  Selah.  I  will 
make  mention  of  Rahab  and  Babylon  to  them  that  know  me  : 
behold  Philistia,  and  Tyre,  with  Ethiopia  ;  this  man  was  born 
there.  And  of  Zion  it  shall  be  said.  This  and  that  man  was 
born  in  her :  and  the  Highest  himself  shall  establish  her.  The 
Lord  shall  count,  when  he  writeth  up  the  people,  that  this  man 
was  born  there.  Selah.  As  well  the  singers  as  the  players  on 
instruments  shall  be  there :  all  my  springs  are  in  thee. 

Some  there  are 
Who  hold  it  meet  to  linger  now  at  home. 
And  some  o'er  fields  and  the  wide  hills  to  roam, 
And  worship  in  the  temple  of  the  air  ! 


468  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

For  me,  not  heedless  of  the  lone  address, 
Nor  slack  to  meet  my  Maker  on  the  height, 

By  wood,  or  stream ;  yet  not  the  less 
Seek  I  His  presence  in  each  social  rite 

Of  His  own  temple  :  that  He  deigns  to  bless, 
There  still 'He  dwells,  and  that  is  His  dehsht. 


CHAPTER   CXCIII. 

THANKS    DUE    TO    GOD    FOR    HIS    MANIFOLD    MERCIES. 

O,  WORSHIP  the  King,  all  glorious  above  ! 
O,  gratefully  sing  His  power  and  His  love ! 
Our  Shield  and  Defender,  the  Ancient  of  Days, 
Pavilioned  in  splendor,  and  girded  with  praise. 
Thy  bountiful  care  what  tongue  can  recite  ? 
It  breathes  in  the  air,  it  shines  in  the  light, 
It  streams  from  the  hills,  it  descends  to  the  plains. 
And  sweetly  distils  in  the  dew  and  the  rains. 

OH  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good :  for  his  mercy 
endureth  for  ever.  Let  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  say  so, " 
whom  he  hath  redeemed  from  the  hand  of  the  enemy  ;  and 
gathered  them  out  of  the  lands,  from  the  east,  and  from  the 
west,  from  the  north,  and  from  the  south.  They  wandered  in 
the  wilderness  in  a  solitary  way ;  they  found  no  city  to  dwell  in. 
Hungry  and  thirsty,  their  soul  fainted  in  them.  Then  they 
cried  unto  the  Lord  in  their  trouble,  and  he  delivered  them  out 
of  their  distresses.  And  he  led  them  forth  by  the  right  way, 
that  they  might  go  to  a  city  of  habitation.  Oh  that  men  would 
praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful  works  to 
the  children  of  men !  For  he  satisfieth  the  longing  soul,  and 
filleth  the  hungry  soul  with  goodness.  Such  as  sit  in  darkness 
and  in  the  shadow  of  death,  being  bound  in  affliction  and  iron  ; 
because  they  rebelled  against  the  words  of  God,  and  contemned 
the  counsel  of  the  Most  High :  therefore  he  brought  down  their 
heart  with  labour  ;  they  fell  down,  and  there  was  none  to  help. 
Then  they  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  their  trouble,  and  he  saved 
them  out  of  their  distresses.  He  brought  them  out  of  darkness 
and  the  shadow  of  death,  and  brake  their  bands  in  sunder.     Oh 


THE   BIBLE   AND    THE  POETS.  469 

that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his 
wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men !  For  he  hath  broken 
the  gates  of  brass,  and  cut  the  bars  of  iron  in  sunder.  Fools, 
because  of  their  transgression,  and  because  of  their  iniquities, 
are  afflicted.  Their  soul  abhorreth  all  manner  of  meat ;  and 
they  draw  near  unto  the  gates  of  death.  Then  they  cry  unto 
the  Lord  in  their  trouble,  and  he  saveth  them  out  of  their  dis- 
tresses. He  sent  his  word,  and  healed  them,  and  delivered  them 
from  their  destructions.  Oh  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord 
for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of 
men  !  And  let  them  sacrifice  the  sacrifices  of  thanksgiving,  and 
declare  his  works  with  rejoicing. 

God  of  the  dark  and  heavy  deep  ! 

The  waves  lie  sleeping  on  the  sands, 
Till  the  fierce  trumpet  of  the  storm 

Hath  summoned  up  the  slumbering  bands  ; 
Then  the  white  sails  are  dashed  like  foam, 

Or  hurry,  trembling,  o'er  the  seas, 
Till,  calmed  by  Thee,  the  sinking  gale 

Serenely  breathes,  "  Depart  in  peace." 

They  that  go  down  to  the  sea  in  ships,  that  do  business  in 
great  waters  ;  these  see  the  works  of  the  Lord,  and  his  wonders 
in  the  deep.  For  he  commandeth,  and  raiseth  the  stormy  wind, 
which  lifteth  up  the  waves  thereof.  They  mount  up  to  the 
heaven,  they  go  down  again  to  the  depths  :  their  soul  is  melted 
because  of  trouble.  They  reel  to  and  fro,  and  stagger  like  a 
drunken  man,  and  are  at  their  wit's  end.  Then  they  cry  unto 
the  Lord  in  their  trouble,  and  he  bringeth  them  out  of  their 
distresses.  He  maketh  the  storm  a  calm,  so  that  the  waves 
thereof  are  still.  Then  are  they  glad  because  they  be  quiet ;  so 
he  bringeth  them  unto  their  desired  haven.  Oh  that  men  would 
praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful  works  to 
the  children  of  men !  Let  them  exalt  him  also  in  the  congrega- 
tion of  the  people,  and  praise  him  in  the  assembly  of  the  elders. 
He  turneth  rivers  into  a  wilderness,  and  the  watersprings  into 
dry  ground ;  a  fruitful  land  into  barrenness,  for  the  wicked- 
ness of  them  that  dwell  therein.  He  turneth  the  wilderness 
into  a  standing  water,  and  dry  ground  into  watersprings.  And 
there  he  maketh  the  hungry  to  dwell,  that  they  may  prepare  a 
city  for  habitation ;   and  sow  the  fields,  and  plant  vineyards, 


470  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

which  may  yield  fruits  of  increase.  He  blesseth  them  also,  so 
that  they  are  multiplied  greatly ;  and  suffereth  not  their  cattle  to 
decrease.  Again,  they  are  minished  and  brought  low  through 
oppression,  affliction,  and  sorrow.  He  poureth  contempt  upon 
princes,  and  causeth  them  to  wander  in  the  wilderness,  where 
there  is  no  way.  Yet  setteth  he  the  poor  on  high  from  afflic- 
tion, and  maketh  him  families  like  a  flock.  The  righteous  shall 
see  it,  and  rejoice:  and  all  iniquity  shall  stop  her  mouth. 
Whoso  is  wise,  and  will  observe  these  things,  even  they  shall 
understand  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord. 

Great  Source  of  being,  beauty,  light,  and  love ! 
Creator  !  Lord  !  the  waters  worship  Thee  ! 
Ere  Thy  creative  smile  had  sown  the  flowers, 
Ere  the  glad  hills  leaped  upward,  or  the  earth, 
With  swelling  bosom,  waited  for  her  child  ; 
Before  Eternal  Love  had  lit  the  sun, 
Or  Time  had  traced  his  dial-plate  in  stars, 
The  joyful  anthem  of  the  ocean  flowed  ; 
And  Chaos  like  a  frighted  felon  fled, 
While  on  the  deep  the  Holy  Spirit  moved. 


CHAPTER   CXCIV. 

CHRIST    FORETOLD. THE    SEED. THE    PROPHET. THE 

HEIR    OF    DAVID. 

O  PROPHET  of  glad  tidings,  finisher 

Of  utmost  hope  !  now  clear  I  understand 

What  oft  my  steadiest  thoughts  have  searched  in  vain. 

Why  our  great  expectation  should  be  called 

The  seed  of  woman  :  Virgin  Mother,  hail ! 

High  in  the  love  of  heaven,  yet  from  my  loins 

Thou  shalt  proceed,  and  from  thy  womb  the  Son 

Of  God  most  high  ;  so  God  with  man  unites. 

AND  the  Lord  God  said  unto  the  serpent.  Because  thou  hast 
done  this,  thou  art  cursed  above  all  cattle,  and  above 
every  beast  of  the  field :  upon  thy  belly  shalt  thou  go,  and  dust 
shalt  thou  eat  all  the  days  of  thy  life :  and   I  will  put  enmity 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  471 

between  thee  and  the  woman,  and  between  thy  seed  and  her 
seed  :  it  shall  bruise  thy  head,  and  thou  shalt  bruise  his  heel. 

Now  the  Lord  had  said  unto  Abram,  Get  thee  out  of  thy 
country,  and  from  thy  kindred,  and  from  thy  father's  house,  unto 
a  land  that  I  will  shew  thee:  and  I  will  make  of  thee  a  great 
nation,  and  I  will  bless  thee,  and  make  thy  name  great ;  and 
thou  shalt  be  a  blessing :  and  I  will  bless  them  that  bless  thee, 
and  curse  him  that  curseth  thee :  and  in  thee  shall  all  families 
of  the  earth  be  blessed.  The  sceptre  shall  not  depart  from 
Judah,  nor  a  lawgiver  from  between  his  feet,  until  Shiloh  come  ; 
and  unto  him  shall  the  gathering  of  the  people  be. 

The  Lord  thy  God  will  raise  up  unto  thee  a  Prophet  from  the 
midst  of  thee,  of  thy  brethren,  like  unto  me  ;  unto  him  ye  shall 
hearken  ;  according  to  all  that  thou  desiredst  of  the  Lord  thy  God 
in  Horeb  in  the  day  of  the  assembly,  saying.  Let  me  not  hear 
again  the  voice  of  the  Lord  my  God,  neither  let  me  see  this 
great  fire  any  more,  that  I  die  not.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me. 
They  have  well  spoken  that  which  they  have  spoken.  I  will 
raise  them  up  a  Prophet  from  among  their  brethren,  like  unto 
thee,  and  will  put  my  words  in  his  mouth  ;  and  he  shall  speak 
unto  them  all  that  I  shall  command  him.  And  it  shall  come 
to  pass,  that  whosoever  will  not  hearken  unto  my  words  which 
he  shall  speak  in  my  name,  I  will  require  it  of  him. 

Hail  to  the  Day-spring  ;  dawning  from  afar, 
Bright  in  the  east  I  see  His  natal  star: 
Prisoners  of  hope  !  lift  up  your  joyful  eyes  ; 
Welcome  the  King  of  Glory  from  the  skies  : 
Who  is  the  King  of  Glory  1 

In  those  days,  and  at  that  time,  will  I  cause  the  Branch  of 
righteousness  to  grow  up  unto  David  ;  and  he  shall  execute 
judgment  and  righteousness  in  the  land.  In  those  days  shall 
Judah  be  saved,  and  Jerusalem  shall  dwell  safely :  and  this  is  the 
name  wherewith  she  shall  be  called.  The  Lord  our  righteousness. 
For  thus  saith  the  Lord  ;  David  shall  never  want  a  man  to  sit 
upon  the  throne  of  the  house  of  Israel ;  neither  shall  the  priests 
the  Levites  want  a  man  before  me  to  offer  burnt  offerings,  and 
to  kindle  meat  offerings,  and  to  do  sacrifice  continually. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord  ;  If  ye  can  break  my  covenant  of  the  day, 
and  my  covenant  of  the  night,  and  that  there  should  not  be  day 


472  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

and  night  in  their  season ;  then  may  also  my  covenant  be  broken 
with  David  my  servant,  that  he  should  not  have  a  son  to  reign 
upon  his  throne. 

My  never-ceasing  song  shall  show  the  mercies  of  the  Lord, 

And  make  succeeding  ages  know  how  faithful  is  His  word. 

The  sacred  truths  His  lips  pronounce,  shall  firm  as  heaven  endure ; 

And  if  He  speaks  a  promise  once,  the  eternal  grace  is  sure. 

Behold,  the  days  come,  saith  the  Lord,  that  I  will  raise  unto 
David  a  righteous  Branch,  and  a  King  shall  reign  and  prosper, 
and  shall  execute  judgment  and  justice  in  the  earth.  In  his 
days  Judah  shall  be  saved,  and  Israel  shall  dwell  safely  :  and  this 
is  his  name  whereby  he  shall  be  called,  THE  LORD  OUR 
RIGHTEOUSNESS.  Therefore,  behold,  the  days  come,  saith 
the  Lord,  that  they  shall  no  more  say,  The  Lord  liveth,  which 
brought  up  the  children  of  Israel  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt ;  but, 
The  Lord  liveth,  which  brought  up  and  which  led  the  seed  of 
the  house  of  Israel  out  of  the  north  country,  and  from  all  coun- 
tries whither  I  had  driven  them  ;  and  they  shall  dwell  in  their 
own  land. 

Jehovah  Tsidkenu  !  my  treasure  and  boast  — 

Jehovah  Tsidkenu  !  I  ne'er  can  be  lost. 

In  Thee  I  shall  conquer,  by  flood  and  by  field  — 

My  cable,  my  anchor,  my  breastplate  and  shield ! 

Even  treading  the  valley,  the  shadow  of  death, 
This  watchword  shall  rally  my  faltering  breath  ; 
For  while  from  life's  fever  my  God  sets  me  free, 
Jehovah  Tsidkenu  my  death-song  shall  be. 

Now  gather  thyself  in  troops,  O  daughter  of  troops  :  he  hath 
laid  siege  against  us  :  they  shall  smite  the  judge  of  Israel  with  a 
rod  upon  the  cheek.  But  thou,  Beth-lehem  Ephratah,  though 
thou  be  little  among  the  thousands  of  Judah,  yet  out  of  thee 
shall  he  come  forth  unto  me  that  is  to  be  ruler  in  Israel ;  whose 
goings  forth  have  been  from  of  old,  from  everlasting.  Therefore 
will  he  give  them  up,  until  the  time  that  she  which  travaileth 
hath  brought  forth :  then  the  remnant  of  his  brethren  shall 
return  unto  the  children  of  Israel. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  mighty  gates, 
Behold  the  King  of  glory  waits, 
The  King  of  kings  is  drawing  near, 
The  Saviour  of  the  world  is  here  ; 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  473 

Life  and  salvation  doth  He  bring, 
Wherefore  rejoice,  and  gladly  sing 
Praise,  O  my  God,  to  Thee  ! 
Creator,  wise  is  Thy  decree  ! 


CHAPTER   CXCV. 

CHRIST    IN    PROPHECY. THE    ROD    AND    ROOT    OF    JESSE. 

IMMANUEL.  THE    PRINCE    OF    PEACE. 

A  VOICE  from  the  desert  comes  awful  and  shrill : 

"The  Lord  is  advancing  —  prepare  ye  the  way; 
The  word  of  Jehovah  He  comes  to  fulfil. 

And  o'er  the  dark  world  pour  the  splendor  of  day. 
Bring  down  the  proud  mountain,  though  towering  to  heaven, 

And  be  the  low  valley  exalted  on  high  ! 
The  rough  path  and  crooked  be  made  smooth  and  even, 

For,  Sion,  your  King,  your  Redeemer,  is  nigh." 

AND  there  shall  come  forth  a  rod  out  of  the  stem  of  Jesse,  and 
a  branch  shall  grow  out  of  his  roots  :  and  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  shall  rest  upon  him,  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding, 
the  spirit  of  counsel  and  might,  the  spirit  of  knowledge  and  of 
the  fear  of  the  Lord  ;  and  shall  make  him  of  quick  understanding 
in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  :  and  he  shall  not  judge  after  the  sight  of 
his  eyes,  neither  reprove  after  the  hearing  of  his  ears  :  but  with 
righteousness  shall  he  judge  the  poor,  and  reprove  with  equity 
for  the  meek  of  the  earth  :  and  he  shall  smite  the  earth  with  the 
rod  of  his  mouth,  and  with  the  breath  of  his  lips  shall  he  slay  the 
wicked.  And  righteousness  shall  be  the  girdle  of  his  loins,  and 
faithfulness  the  girdle  of  his  reins.  The  wolf  also  shall  dwell 
with  the  lamb,  and  the  leopard  shall  lie  down  with  the  kid  ;  and 
the  calf  and  the  young  lion  and  the  fatling  together  ;  and  a  little 
child  shall  lead  them.  And  the  cow  and  the  bear  shall  feed  ; 
their  young  ones  shall  lie  down  together :  and  the  lion  shall 
eat  straw  like  the  ox.  And  the  sucking  child  shall  play  on  the 
hole  of  the  asp,  and  the  weaned  child  shall  put  his  hand  on  the 
cockatrice'  den.     They  shall  not  hurt  nor  destroy  in  all  my  holy 


474  THE  BIBLE   AND    THE  POETS. 

mountain  :  for  the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the 
Lord,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea. 

No  foe  to  man 
Lurks  in  the  serpent  now.     The  mother  sees, 
And  smiles  to  see,  her  infant's  playful  hand 
Stretched  forth  to  dally  with  the  crested  worm, 
To  stroke  his  azure  neck,  or  to  receive 
The  lambent  homage  of  his  arrowy  tongue. 
All  creatures  worship  man  ;  and  all  mankind 
One  Lord,  one  Father. 

And  in  that  day  there  shall  be  a  root  of  Jesse,  which  shall  stand 
for  an  ensign  of  the  people  ;  to  it  shall  the  Gentiles  seek  :  and  his 
rest  shall  be  glorious.  Therefore  the  Lord  himself  shall  give  you 
a  sign  ;  Behold,  a  virgin  shall  conceive,  and  bear  a  son,  and  shall 
call  his  name  Immanuel.  Butter  and  honey  shall  he  eat,  that  he 
may  know  to  refuse  the  evil,  and  choose  the  good.  For  before 
the  child  shall  know  to  refuse  the  evil,  and  choose  the  good,  the 
land  that  thou  abhorrest  shall  be  forsaken  of  both  her  kings. 

Well  may  we  this  grace  and  favour 
Evermore  with  blessings  tell  ! 
Well  may  heart  and  mouth  for  ever 
Hail  Thee  our  Immanuel ! 
Here  in  weakness  while  we  stay. 
Lord,  we  praise  Thee  as  we  may  ; 
Earthly  bonds  our  tongues  here  fetter, 
But  in  heaven  we'll  praise  thee  better. 

Behold  my  servant,  whom  I  uphold  ;  mine  elect,  in  whom  my 
soul  delighteth  ;  I  have  put  my  Spirit  upon  him  :  he  shall  bring 
forth  judgment  to  the  Gentiles.  He  shall  not  cry,  nor  lift  up, 
nor  cause  his  voice  to  be  heard  in  the  street.  A  bruised  reed 
shall  he  not  break,  and  the  smoking  flax  shall  he  not  quench :  he 
shall  bring  forth  judgment  unto  truth.  He  shall  not  fail  nor  be 
discouraged,  till  he  have  set  judgment  in  the  earth  :  and  the  isles 
shall  wait  for  his  law. 

Thus  saith  God  the  Lord,  he  that  created  the  heavens,  and 
stretched  them  out  ;  he  that  spread  forth  the  earth,  and  that 
which  Cometh  out  of  it  ;  he  that  giveth  breath  unto  the  people 
upon  it,  and  spirit  to  them  that  walk  therein  :  I  the  Lord  have 
called  thee  in  righteousness,  and  will  hold  thine  hand,  and  will 
keep  thee,  and  give  thee  for  a  covenant  of  the  people,  for  a  light 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  475 

of  the  Gentiles  ;  to  open  the  blind  eyes,  to  bring  out  the  prisoners 
from  the  prison,  and  them  that  sit  in  darkness  out  of  the  prison 
house.  I  am  the  Lord  ;  that  is  my  name  :  and  my  glory  will  I 
not  give  to  another,  neither  my  praise  to  graven  images.  Behold, 
the  former  things  are  come  to  pass,  and  new  things  do  I  declare  : 
before  they  spring  forth  I  tell  you  of  them. 

See  where  the  Sun  of  righteousness 

Unfolds  the  gates  of  day, 
Go  meet  Him  in  His  glorious  dress, 

And  quaff  the  orient  ray  ! 
There,  where  ten  thousand  seraphs  stand 

To  crown  the  circling  hours, 
Soar  thou,  and  from  that  blissful  land 

Bring  down  unfading  flowers. 

The  people  that  walked  in  darkness  have  seen  a  great  light : 
they  that  dwell  in  the  land  of  the  shadow  of  death,  upon  them 
hath  the  light  shined.  Thou  hast  multiplied  the  nation,  and  not 
increased  the  joy :  they  joy  before  thee  according  to  the  joy  in 
harvest,  and  as  men  rejoice  when  they  divide  the  spoil.  For 
thou  hast  broken  the  yoke  of  his  burden,  and  the  staff  of  his 
shoulder,  the  rod  of  his  oppressor,  as  in  the  day  of  Midian. 
For  every  battle  of  the  warrior  is  with  confused  noise,  and  gar- 
ments rolled  in  blood  ;  but  this  shall  be  with  burning  and  fuel 
of  fire.  For  unto  us  a  child  is  born,  unto  us  a  son  is  given  : 
and  the  government  shall  be  upon  his  shoulder  :  and  his  name 
shall  be  called  Wonderful,  Counsellor,  The  mighty  God,  The 
everlasting  Father,  The  Prince  of  Peace.  Of  the  increase  of  his 
government  and  peace  there  shall  be  no  end,  upon  the  throne 
of  David,  and  upon  his  kingdom,  to  order  it,  and  to  establish  it 
with  judgment  and  with  justice  from  henceforth  even  for  ever. 
The  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  will  perform  this. 

To  us  a  child  of  hope  is  born,  to  us  a  Son  is  given  ; 
Him  shall  the  tribes  of  earth  obey.  Him  all  the  hosts  of  heaven. 
His  name  shall  be  the  Prince  of  Peace,  for  evermore  adored ; 
The  Wonderful,  the  Counsellor,  the  great  and  mighty  Lord  ! 


476  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

CHAPTER   CXCVI. 

CHRIST    IN    PROPHECY. HIS    SUFFERINGS    FORETOLD. 

I  WILL  go  and  pray  our  God  to-day 

To  teach  thee  how  to  scan 
His  work  divine,  for  human  use 

Since  earth  on  axle  ran  ! 
To  teach  thee  to  discern  as  plain 
His  grief  divine  —  the  blood-drop's  stain 

He  left  there,  MAN  for  man. 

THE  Lord  God  hath  given  me  the  tongue  of  the  learned,  that 
I  should  know  how  to  speak  a  word  in  season  to  him  that 
is  weary :  he  wakeneth  morning  by  morning,  he  wakeneth  mine 
ear  to  hear  as  the  learned.  The  Lord  God  hath  opened  mine 
ear,  and  I  was  not  rebellious,  neither  turned  away  back.  I  gave 
my  back  to  the  smiters,  and  my  cheeks  to  them  that  plucked  off 
the  hair :  I  hid  not  my  face  from  shame  and  spitting.  For  the 
Lord  God  will  help  me  ;  therefore  shall  I  not  be  confounded  : 
therefore  have  I  set  my  face  like  a  flint,  and  I  know  that  I  shall 
not  be  ashamed. 

Behold,  my  servant  shall  deal  prudently,  he  shall  be  exalted 
and  extolled,  and  be  very  high.  As  many  were  astonished  at 
thee  ;  his  visage  was  so  marred  more  than  any  man,  and  his 
form  more  than  the  sons  of  men  :  so  shall  he  sprinkle  many 
nations  ;  the  kings  shall  shut  their  mouths  at  him  :  for  that 
which  had  not  been  told  them  shall  they  see  ;  and  that  which 
they  had  not  heard  shall  they  consider. 

Drop,  drop,  slow  tears,  and  bathe  those  beauteous  feet. 

Which  brought  from  heaven  the  news  and  Prince  of  Peace: 

Cease  not,  wet  eyes,  His  mercies  to  entreat ; 

To  cry  for  vengeance  sin  doth  never  cease  : 

In  your  deep  floods  drown  all  my  faults  and  fears  ; 

Nor  let  His  eye  see  sin,  but  through  thy  tears. 

Who  hath  believed  our  report  ?  and  to  whom  is  the  arm  of  the 
Lord  revealed  .?  For  he  shall  grow  up  before  him  as  a  tender 
plant,  and  as  a  root  out  of  a  dry  ground  ;  he  hath  no  form  nor 
comeliness  ;  and  when  we  shall  see  him,  there  is  no  beauty  that 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  477 

we  should  desire  him.  He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men  ;  a 
man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief :  and  we  hid  as  it 
were  our  faces  from  him  ;  he  was  despised,  and  we  esteemed 
him  not.  Surely  he  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sor- 
rows :  yet  we  did  esteem  him  stricken,  smitten  of  God,  and 
afflicted.  But  he  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  he  was 
bruised  for  our  iniquities  :  the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was 
upon  him  ;  and  with  his  stripes  we  are  healed.  All  we  like 
sheep  have  gone  astray  ;  we  have  turned  every  one  to  his  own 
way ;  and  the  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.  He 
was  oppressed,  and  he  was  afflicted,  yet  he  opened  not  his 
mouth  :  he  is  brought  as  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter,  and  as  a  sheep 
before  her  shearers  is  dumb,  so  he  openeth  not  his  mouth.  He 
was  taken  from  prison  and  from  judgment:  and  who  shall 
declare  his  generation  .''  for  he  was  cut  off  out  of  the  land  of  the 
living :  for  the  transgression  of  my  people  was  he  stricken.  And 
he  made  his  grave  with  the  wicked,  and  with  the  rich  in  his 
death  ;  because  he  had  done  no  violence,  neither  was  any  deceit 
in  his  mouth. 

Silent  art  Thou,  O  my  Lord, 

Bowing  down  thy  stricken  head  ! 

Fearest  Thou,  a  groan  of  Thine 
Would  make  the  pulse  of  Thy  creation  fail, 
As  Thine  own  pulse  ?  —  would  rend  the  veil 
Of  visible  things,  and  let  the  flood 
Of  the  unseen  hght,  the  essential  God, 
Rush  in  to  whelm  the  undivine  ? 

Yet  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him  ;  he  hath  put  him  to 
grief :  when  thou  shalt  make  his  soul  an  offering  for  sin,  he  shall 
see  his  seed,  he  shall  prolong  his  days,  and  the  pleasure  of  the 
Lord  shall  prosper  in  his  hand.  He  shall  see  of  the  travail  of 
his  soul,  and  shall  be  satisfied  :  by  his  knowledge  shall  my  right- 
eous servant  justify  many  ;  for  he  shall  bear  their  iniquities. 
Therefore  will  I  divide  him  a  portion  with  the  great,  and  he  shall 
divide  the  spoil  with  the  strong ;  because  he  hath  poured  out 
his  soul  unto  death :  and  he  was  numbered  with  the  transgress- 
ors ;  and  he  bare  the  sin  of  many,  and  made  intercession  for  the 
transgressors. 

Behold,  my  serv-ant  shall  deal  prudently,  he  shall  be  exalted 
and  extolled,  and  be  very  high.     As  many  were  astonished  at 


478  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

thee  ;  his  visage  was  so  marred  more  than  any  man,  and  his 
form  more  than  the  sons  of  men  :  so  shall  he  sprinkle  many 
nations  ;  the  kings  shall  shut  their  mouths  at  him  :  for  that 
which  had  not  been  told  them  shall  they  see  ;  and  that  which 
they  had  not  heard  shall  they  consider. 

How  strange  and  marvellous  was  this  correction  ! 
Falls  the  good  Shepherd  in  his  sheep's  protection ; 
The  servants'  debt  behold  the  Master  paying, 
For  them  obeying. 

Say  !  wherefore  thus  by  woes  wast  Thou  surrounded  ? 
Ah  !  Lord,  for  my  transgressions  Thou  wast  wounded : 
God  took  the  guilt  from  me,  who  should  have  paid  it, 
On  Thee  He  laid  it. 


CHAPTER   CXCVII. 

Messiah's  messenger  foretold.  —  reproofs.  —  judg- 
ments.   BLESSINGS. EXHORTATIONS. 

He  that  from  dross  would  win  the  precious  ore. 

Bends  o'er  the  crucible  an  earnest  eye, 
The  subtle  searching  process  to  explore, 

Lest  the  one  briUiant  moment  should  pass  by, 
When  in  the  molten  silver's  virgin  mass, 
He  meets  his  pictured  face,  as  in  a  glass. 

Thus  in  God's  furnace  are  His  people  tried  ; 

Thrice  happ  "  they  who  to  the  end  endure  ! 
But  who  the  fiery  trial  may  abide  ? 

Who  from  the  crucible  come  forth  so  pure. 
That  He,  whose  eye  of  flame  looks  through  the  whole, 
May  see  His  image  perfect  in  his  soul  ? 

BEHOLD,  I  will  send  my  messenger,  and  he  shall  prepare  the 
way  before  me  :  and  the  Lord,  whom  ye  seek,  shall  sud- 
denly come  to  his  temple,  even  the  messenger  of  the  covenant, 
whom  ye  delight  in :  behold,  he  shall  come,  saith  the  Lord  of 
hosts.  But  who  may  abide  the  day  of  his  coming.^  and  who 
shall  stand  when  he  appeareth  t  for  he  is  like  a  refiner's  fire, 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  479 

and  like  fullers'  soap :  and  he  shall  sit  as  a  refiner  and  purifier  of 
silver :  and  he  shall  purify  the  sons  of  Levi,  and  purjj^c  them  as 
gold  and  silver,  that  they  may  offer  unto  the  Lord  an  offering  in 
righteousness.  Then  shall  the  offering  of  Judah  and  Jerusalem 
be  pleasant  unto  the  Lord,  as  in  the  days  of  old,  and  as  in  former 
years.  And  I  will  come  near  to  you  to  judgment ;  and  I  will  be 
a  swift  witness  against  the  sorcerers,  and  against  the  adulterers, 
and  against  false  swearers,  and  against  those  that  oppress  the 
hireling  in  his  wages,  the  widow,  and  the  fatherless,  and  that 
turn  aside  the  stranger  from  his  right,  and  fear  not  me,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts.  For  I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not  ;  therefore 
ye  sons  of  Jacob  are  not  consumed.  Even  from  the  days  of 
your  fathers  ye  are  gone  away  from  mine  ordinances,  and  have 
not  kept  them.  Return  unto  me,  and  I  will  return  unto  you, 
saith  the  Lord  of  hosts.     But  ye  said,  Wherein  shall  we  return? 

Long  as  the  moon  her  course  shall  run, 
Or  man  behold  the  circling  sun, 

Oh,  still  may  God  amid  us  reign  ! 
Crown  our  just  counsels  with  success, 
With  peace  and  joy  our  borders  bless, 

And  all  our  sacred  rights  maintain. 

Will  a  man  rob  God  .-•  Yet  ye  have  robbed  me.  But  ye  say, 
Wherein  have  we  robbed  thee  .-*  In  tithes  and  offerings.  Ye 
are  cursed  with  a  curse  :  for  ye  have  robbed  me,  even  this  whole 
nation.  Bring  ye  all  the  tithes  into  the  storehouse,  that  there 
may  be  meat  in  mine  house,  and  prove  me  now  herewith,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts,  if  I  will  not  open  you  the  windows  of  heaven, 
and  pour  you  out  a  blessing,  that  there  shall  not  be  room  enough 
to  receive  it.  And  I  will  rebuke  the  devourer  for  your  sakes, 
and  he  shall  not  destroy  the  fruits  of  your  ground  ;  neither  shall 
your  vine  cast  her  fruit  before  the  time  in  the  field,  saith  the 
Lord  of  hosts.  And  all  nations  shall  call  you  blessed  :  for  ye 
shall  be  a  delightsome  land,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

But  who  shall  see  the  glorious  day 

When,  throned  on  Zion's  brow, 
The  Lord  shall  rend  that  vail  away 

Which  hides  the  nations  now  ? 
When  earth  no  more  beneath  the  fear 

Of  His  rebuke  shall  lie  ; 
When  pain  shall  cease,  and  every  tear 

Be  wiped  from  every  eye. 


480  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Then  they  that  feared  the  Lord  spake  often  one  to  another : 
and  the  Lord  hearkened,  and  heard  it,  and  a  book  of  remem- 
brance was  written  before  him  for  them  that  feared  the  Lord, 
and  that  thought  upon  his  name.  And  they  shall  be  mine,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts,  in  that  day  when  I  make  up  my  jewels  ;  and 
I  will  spare  them,  as  a  man  spareth  his  own  son  that  serveth 
him.  Then  shall  ye  return,  and  discern  between  the  righteous 
and  the  wicked,  between  him  that  serveth  God  and  him  that 
serveth  him  not. 

Call  them  into  Thy  wondrous  light, 
Worthy  to  walk  with  Thee  in  white  : 
Make  up  Thy  jewels  Lord,  and  show 
Thy  glorious,  spotless  church  below, 
From  every  sinful  wrinkle  free. 
Redeemed  from  all  iniquity  ; 
The  fellowship  of  saints  make  known, 
And  O,  my  God,  may  I  be  one  ! 

For,  behold,  the  day  cometh,  that  shall  burn  as  an  oven  ;  and 
all  the  proud,  yea,  and  all  that  do  wickedly,  shall  be  stubble  : 
and  the  day  that  cometh  shall  burn  them  up,  saith  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  that  it  shall  leave  them  neither  root  nor  branch.  But 
unto  you  that  fear  my  name  shall  the  Sun  of  righteousness  arise 
with  healing  in  his  wings  ;  and  ye  shall  go  forth,  and  grow  up 
as  calves  of  the  stall.  And  ye  shall  tread  down  the  wicked  ; 
for  they  shall  be  ashes  under  the  souls  of  your  feet  in  the  day 
that  I  shall  do  this,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

Behold,  I  will  send  you  Elijah  the  prophet  before  the  coming 
of  the  great  and  dreadful  day  of  the  Lord  :  and  he  shall  turn 
the  heart  of  the  fathers  to  the  children,  and  the  heart  of  the 
children  to  their  fathers,  lest  I  come  and  smite  the  earth  with  a 
curse. 

We  wait  in  faith,  and  turn  our  face  to  where  the  daylight  springs  ; 
Till  He  shall  come  earth's  gloom  to  chase,  with  healing  in  His  wings. 
And  even  now,  amid  the  gray,  the  East  is  brightening  fast. 
And  kindling  to  that  perfect  day  which  never  shall  be  past. 


PERIOD    VII. 

THE    GOSPEL;     OR,   THE    LIFE    AND    WORKS    OF 
OUR   LORD   AND   SAVIOUR  JESUS    CHRIST. 

B.C.    5-A.D.    30. 


CHAPTER   CXCVin. 


THE  HARBINGER  HERALDED. THE  ADVENT  OF  JESUS 

ANNOUNCED. 

The  Baptist,  of  whose  birth  I  oft  had  heard, 
Not  knew  by  sight,  now  come,  who  was  to  come 
Before  Messiah,  and  His  way  prepare. 

THERE  was  in  the  days  of  Herod,  the  king  of  Judea,  a  certain 
priest  named  Zacharias,  of  the  course  of  Abia :  and  his 
wife  was  of  the  daughters  of  Aaron,  and  her  name  was  EHsabeth. 
And  they  were  both  righteous  before  God,  walking  in  all  the 
commandments  and  ordinances  of  the  Lord  blameless.  And 
they  had  no  child,  because  that  Elisabeth  was  barren ;  and  they 
both  were  now  well  stricken  in  years.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that, 
while  he  executed  the  priest's  office  before  God  in  the  order  of 
his  course,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  priest's  office,  -his  lot 
was  to  burn  incense  when  he  went  into  the  temple  of  the  Lord. 
And  the  whole  multitude  of  the  people  were  praying  without  at 
the  time  of  incense.  And  there  appeared  unto  him  an  angel 
of  the  Lord  standing  on  the  right  side  of  the  altar  of  incense. 
And  when  Zacharias  saw  him,  he  was  troubled,  and  fear  fell 
upon  him.  But  the  angel  said  unto  him,  Fear  not,  Zacharias : 
for  thy  prayer  is  heard  ;  and  thy  wife  Elisabeth  shall  bear  thee 
a  son,  and  thou  shalt  call  his  name  John.  And  thou  shalt  have 
joy  and  gladness  ;  and  many  shall  rejoice  at  his  birth.  For  he 
shall  be  great  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and  shall  drink  neither 

31 


482  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

wine  nor  strong  drink ;  and  he  shall  be  filled  with  the  Holy- 
Ghost,  even  from  his  mother's  womb.  And  many  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  shall  he  turn  to  the  Lord  their  God.  And  he 
shall  go  before  him  in  the  spirit  and  power  of  Elias,  to  turn 
the  hearts  of  the  fathers  to  the  children,  and  the  disobedient  to 
the  wisdom  of  the  just ;  to  make  ready  a  people  prepared  for  the 
Lord.  And  Zacharias  said  unto  the  angel.  Whereby  shall  I 
know  this .''  for  I  am  an  old  man,  and  my  wife  well  stricken  in 
years.  And  the  angel  answering  said  unto  him,  I  am  Gabriel, 
that  stand  in  the  presence  of  God  ;  and  am  sent  to  speak  unto 
thee,  and  to  shew  thee  these  glad  tidings.  And,  behold,  thou 
shalt  be  dumb,  and  not  able  to  speak,  until  the  day  that  these 
things  shall  be  performed,  because  thou  believest  not  my  words, 
which  shall  be  fulfilled  in  their  season.  And  the  people  waited 
for  Zacharias,  and  marvelled  that  he  tarried  so  long  in  the  tem- 
ple. And  when  he  came  out,  he  could  not  speak  unto  them : 
and  they  perceived  that  he  had  seen  a  vision  in  the  temple ;  for 
he  beckoned  unto  them,  and  remained  speechless.  And  it  came 
to  pass,  that,  as  soon  as  the  days  of  his  ministration  were  ac- 
complished, he  departed  to  his  own  house. 

In  the  set  noon  of  time,  shall  one  from  Heaven, 
An  angel  fresh  from  looking  upon  God, 
Descend  before  a  woman,  blessing  her 
With  perfect  benediction  of  pure  love, 
For  all  the  world  in  all  its  elements, 
For  all  the  creatures  of  earth,  air,  and  sea, 
For  all  men  in  the  body  and  in  the  soul, 
Unto  all  ends  of  glory  and  sanctity. 

And  in  the  sixth  month  the  angel  Gabriel  was  sent  from  God 
unto  a  city  of  Galilee,  named  Nazareth,  to  a  virgin  espoused  to 
a  man  whose  name  was  Joseph,  of  the  house  of  David  ;  and  the 
virgin's  name  was  Mary.  And  the  angel  came  in  unto  her,  and 
said.  Hail,  thou  that  art  highly  favoured,  the  Lord  is  with  thee : 
blessed  art  thou  among  women.  And  when  she  saw  him,  she 
was  troubled  at  his  saying,  and  cast  in  her  mind  what  manner 
of  salutation  this  should  be.  And  the  angel  said  unto  her,  Fear 
not,  Mary  :  for  thou  hast  found  favour  with  God.  And,  behold, 
thou  shalt  bring  forth  a  son,  and  shalt  call  his  name  JESUS. 
He  shall  be  great,  and  shall  be  called  the  Son  of  the  Highest ; 
and  the  Lord  God  shall  give  unto  him  the  throne  of  his  father 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  483 

David  :  and  he  shall  reign  over  the  house  of  Jacob  for  ever  ;  and 
of  his  kingdom  there  shall  be  no  end.  Then  said  Mary  unto  the 
angel,  How  shall  this  be,  seeing  I  know  not  a  man  ?  And  the 
angel  answered  and  said  unto  her,  The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come 
upon  thee,  and  the  power  of  the  Highest  shall  overshadow  thee : 
therefore  also  that  holy  thing  which  shall  be  born  of  thee,  shall 
be  called  the  Son  of  God.  And,  behold,  thy  cousin  Elisabeth, 
she  hath  also  conceived  a  son  in  her  old  age  ;  and  this  is  the 
sixth  month  with  her,  who  was  called  barren.  For  with  God 
nothing  shall  be  impossible.  And  Mary  said.  Behold  the  hand- 
maid of  the  Lord  ;  be  it  unto  me  according  to  thy  word.  And 
the  angel  departed  from  her. 

Wake  !  the  welcome  day  approachetli, 
How  with  joy  our  hearts  it  cheereth  ! 
Wake  !  the  Lord's  great  year  behold  ! 
That  which  holy  men  of  old,  — 
Those  who  throng  the  sacred  pages,  — 
Waited  for  through  countless  ages  ; 

Hallelujah!     Hallelujah! 


CHAPTER   CXCIX. 

THE  BIRTH  OF  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST. HIS  CIRCUMCISION. 

THE    PROPHECY    OF    ZACHARIAS. 

Because  the  world  might  not  pretend 

It  knew  not  of  Thy  coming  day. 
Thou  didst,  O  Christ,  before  Thee  send 

A  Crier,  to  prepare  Thy  way : 
Thy  Kingdom  was  the  bliss  he  brought, 
Repentance  was  the  way  he  taught. 

NOW  Elisabeth's  full  time  came  that  she  should  be  delivered  ; 
and  she  brought  forth  a  son.  And  her  neighbours  and 
her  cousins  heard  how  the  Lord  shewed  great  mercy  upon  her ; 
and  they  rejoiced  with  her.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  on  the 
eighth  day  they  came  to  circumcise  the  child  ;  and  they  called 
him  Zacharias,  after  the  name  of  his  father.  And  his  mother 
answered  and  said,  Not  so ;  but  he  shall  be  called  John.     And 


484  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

they  said  unto  her,  There  is  none  of  thy  kindred  that  is  called 
by  this  name.  And  they  made  signs  to  his  father,  how  he  would 
have  him  called.  And  he  asked  for  a  writing  table,  and  wrote, 
saying.  His  name  is  John.  And  they  marvelled  all.  And  his 
mouth  was  opened  immediately,  and  his  tongue  loosed,  and  he 
spake,  and  praised  God.  And  fear  came  on  all  that  dwelt  round 
about  them :  and  all  these  sayings  were  noised  abroad  through- 
out all  the  hill  country  of  Judea.  And  all  they  that  heard  them 
laid  them  up  in  their  hearts,  saying,  What  manner  of  child  shall 
this  be !  And  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  with  him.  And  his 
father  Zacharias  was  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  prophesied, 
saying,  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel ;  for  he  hath  visited 
and  redeemed  his  people,  and  hath  raised  up  a  horn  of  salva- 
tion for  us  in  the  house  of  his  servant  David  ;  as  he  spake  by 
the  mouth  of  his  holy  prophets,  which  have  been  since  the  world 
began  :  that  we  should  be  saved  from  our  enemies,  and  from  the 
hand  of  all  that  hate  us  ;  to  perform  the  mercy  promised  to  our 
fathers,  and  to  remember  his  holy  covenant  ;  the  oath  which  he 
sware  to  our  father  Abraham,  that  he  would  grant  unto  us,  that 
we,  being  delivered  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  might  serve 
him  without  fear,  in  holiness  and  righteousness  before  him,  all 
the  days  of  our  life.  And  thou,  child,  shalt  be  called  the  prophet 
of  the  Highest  :  for  thou  shalt  go  before  the  face  of  the  Lord 
to  prepare  his  ways  ;  to  give  knowledge  of  salvation  unto  his 
people  by  the  remission  of  their  sins,  through  the  tender  mercy 
of  our  God  ;  whereby  the  dayspring  from  on  high  hath  visited  us, 
to  give  light  to  them  that  sit  in  darkness  and  in  the  shadow  of 
death,  to  guide  our  feet  into  the  way  of  peace.  And  the  child 
grew,  and  waxed  strong  in  spirit,  and  was  in  the  deserts  till  the 
day  of  his  shewing  unto  Israel. 

O  Zion  !  lift  thy  raptured  eye  ; 
The  long  expected  hour  is  nigh  ; 
The  joys  of  nature  rise  again  ; 
The  Prince  of  Salem  comes  to  reign  ! 

He  comes  to  cheer  the  trembling  heart ! 
Bids  Satan  and  his  host  depart : 
Again  the  Day-star  gilds  the  gloom, 
Again  the  flowers  of  Eden  bloom ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  485 


CHAPTER   CC. 

JESUS    IS     BORN. THE     SONG    OF    ANGELS. THE    VISIT    OF 

THE    SHEPHERDS. SIMEONS    PROPHECY. 

This  is  the  month,  and  this  the  happy  morn, 
Wherein  the  Son  of  heaven's  eternal  King, 
Of  wedded  Maid,  and  Virgin  Mother  born. 
Our  great  redemption  from  above  did  bring  ; 
For  so  the  holy  sages  once  did  sing. 
That  He  our  deadly  forfeit  should  release. 
And  with  his  Father  work  us  a  perpetual  peace. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  that  there  went  out  a 
decree  from  Cesar  Augustus,  that  all  the  world  should  be 
taxed.  And  this  taxing  was  first  made  when  Cyrenius  was  gov- 
ernor of  Syria.  And  all  went  to  be  taxed,  every  one  into  his 
own  city.  And  Joseph  also  went  up  from  Galilee,  out  of  the  city 
of  Nazareth,  into  Judea,  unto  the  city  of  David,  which  is  called 
Bethlehem,  (because  he  was  of  the  house  and  lineage  of  David,) 
to  be  taxed  with  Mary  his  espoused  wife,  being  great  with  child. 
And  so  it  was,  that,  while  they  were  there,  the  days  were  accom- 
plished that  she  should  be  delivered.  And  she  brought  forth 
her  first-born  son,  and  wrapped  him  in  swaddling  clothes,  and  laid 
him  in  a  manger  ;  because  there  was  no  room  for  them  in  the  inn. 
And  there  were  in  the  same  country  shepherds  abiding  in  the 
field,  keeping  watch  over  their  flock  by  night.  And,  lo,  the 
angel  of  the  Lord  came  upon  them,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
shone  round  about  them  ;  and  they  were  sore  afraid.  And  the 
angel  said  unto  them,  Fear  not  :  for,  behold,  I  bring  you  good 
tidings  of  great  joy,  which  shall  be  to  all  people.  For  unto  you 
is  born  this  day  in  the  city  of  David  a  Saviour,  which  is  Christ 
the  Lord.  And  this  shall  be  a  sign  unto  you  ;  Ye  shall  find  the 
babe  wrapped  in  swaddling  clothes,  lying  in  a  manger. 

Welcome  !  all  wonders  in  one  sight 

Eternity  shut  in  a  span  ; 
Summer  in  winter,  day  in  night, 
Heaven  in  earth,  and  God  in  man. 
Great  Little  One  !  whose  all-embracing  birth 
Lifts  earth  to  heaven,  stoops  heaven  to  earth. 


486  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  suddenly  there  was  with  the  angel  a  multitude  of  the 
heavenly  host  praising  God,  and  saying,  Glory  to  God  in  the 
highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good  will  toward  men.  And  it 
came  to  pass,  as  the  angels  were  gone  away  from  them  into 
heaven,  the  shepherds  said  one  to  another,  Let  us  now  go  even 
unto  Bethlehem,  and  see  this  thing  which  is  come  to  pass,  which 
the  Lord  hath  made  known  unto  us.  And  they  came  with 
haste,  and  found  Mary  and  Joseph,  and  the  babe  lying  in  a 
manger. 

They  told  her  how  a  glorious  light, 

Streaming  from  a  heavenly  throng, 
Around  them  shone,  suspending  night ! 
While  sweeter  than  a  mother's  song, 
Blest  Angels  heralded  the  Saviour's  birth, 
Glory  to  God  on  high  !  and  Peace  on  Earth. 

And  when  they  had  seen  it,  they  made  known  abroad  the 
saying  which  was  told  them  concerning  this  child.  And  all 
they  that  heard  it  wondered  at  those  things  which  were  told 
them  by  the  shepherds.  But  Mary  kept  all  these  things,  and 
pondered  them  in  her  heart.  And  the  shepherds  returned, 
glorifying  and  praising  God  for  all  the  things  that  they  had 
heard  and  seen,  as  it  was  told  unto  them.  And  when  eight  days 
were  accomplished  for  the  circumcising  of  the  child,  his  name 
was  called  JESUS. 

The  simple  shepherds  from  the  star-lit  brooks  brought  visionary  looks, 
As  yet  in  their  astonied  hearing  rung  the  strange,  sweet  angel-tongue. 
The  magi  of  the  East,  in  sandals  worn,  knelt  reveient  sweeping  round, 
With  long  pale  beards,  their  gifts  upon  the  ground, 
The  incense,  myrrh,  and  gold  these  baby  hands  were  impotent  to  hold. 

And  when  the  days  of  her  purification  according  to  the  Jaw 
of  Moses  were  accomplished,  they  brought  him  to  Jerusalem,  to 
present  him  to  the  Lord  ;  and  to  offer  a  sacrifice  according  to 
that  which  is  said  in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  A  pair  of  turtle-doves, 
or  two  young  pigeons.  And,  behold,  there  was  a  man  in  Jeru- 
salem, whose  name  was  Simeon  ;  and  the  same  man  was  just 
and  devout,  waiting  for  the  consolation  of  Israel :  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  was  upon  him.  And  it  was  revealed  unto  him  by  the 
Holy  Ghost,  that  he  should  not  see  death,  before  he  had  seen 
the  Lord's  Christ.  And  he  came  by  the  Spirit  into  the  temple : 
and  when  the  parents  brought  in  the  child  Jesus,  to  do  for  him 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS.  487 

after  the  custom  of  the  law,  then  took  he  him  up  in  his  arms, 
and  blessed  God,  and  said.  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant 
depart  in  peace,  according  to  thy  word  :  for  mine  eyes  have  seen 
thy  salvation,  which  thou  hast  prepared  before  the  face  of  all 
people  ;  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  and  the  glory  of  thy 
people  Israel.  And  Joseph  and  his  mother  marvelled  at  those 
things  which  were  spoken  of  him.  And  Simeon  blessed  them, 
and  said  unto  Mary  his  mother,  Behold,  this  child  is  set  for  the 
fall  and  rising  again  of  many  in  Israel ;  and  for  a  sign  which 
shall  be  spoken  against  ;  (yea,  a  sword  shall  pierce  through  thy 
own  soul  also  ; )  that  the  thoughts  of  many  hearts  may  be  re- 
vealed. And  there  was  one  Anna,  a  prophetess,  the  daughter 
of  Phanuel,  of  the  tribe  of  Aser :  and  she  was  a  widow  of  about 
fourscore  and  four  years,  which  departed  not  from  the  temple, 
but  served  God  with  fastings  and  prayers  night  and  day.  And 
she  coming  in  that  instant  gave  thanks  likewise  unto  the  Lord,  and 
spake  of  him  to  all  them  that  looked  for  redemption  in  Jerusalem. 

O  unexampled  love, 
Love,  nowhere  to  be  found  less  than  Divine  ! 
Hail  Son  of  God,  Saviour  of  men,  Thy  name 
Shall  be  the  copious  matter  of  my  song 
Henceforth,  and  never  shall  my  harp  Thy  praise 
Forget,  nor  from  Thy  Father's  praise  disjoin  ] 


CHAPTER   CCL 

THE    VISIT. THE    FLIGHT. THE    SLAUGHTER. THE 

RETURN. 

See  how  from  far  upon  the  eastern  road 

The  star-led  wizards  haste  with  odours  sweet : 

O  run,  prevent  them  with  thy  humble  ode, 

And  lay  it  lowly  at  His  blessM  feet ; 

Have  thou  the  honour  first  thy  Lord  to  greet. 

And  join  thy  voice  unto  the  Angel  quire, 

From  out  His  secret  altar  touched  with  hallowed-fire. 

NOW  when  Jesus  was  born  in  Bethlehem  of  Judea  in  the  days 
of  Herod  the  king,  behold,  there  came  wise  men  from  the 
east  to  Jerusalem,  saying,  Where  is  he  that  is  born  King  of  the 


488  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Jews  ?  for  we  have  seen  his  star  in  the  east,  and  are  come  to 
worship  him.  When  Herod  the  king  had  heard  these  things, 
he  was  troubled,  and  all  Jerusalem  with  him.  And  when  he  had 
gathered  all  the  chief  priests  and  scribes  of  the  people  together, 
he  demanded  of  them  where  Christ  should  be  born.  And  they 
said  unto  him,  In  Bethlehem  of  Judea :  for  thus  it  is  written  by 
the  prophet,  And  thou  Bethlehem,  in  the  land  of  Judah,  art  not 
the  least  among  the  princes  of  Judah  :  for  out  of  thee  shall  come 
a  Governor,  that  shall  rule  my  people  Israel. 

Brightest  and  best  of  the  sons  of  the  morning  ! 
Dawn  on  our  darkness,  and  lend  us  thine  aid  ; 
Star  of  the  East,  the  horizon  adorning, 
Guide  where  our  infant  Redeemer  is  laid. 

Say,  shall  we  yield  Him,  in  costly  devotion, 
Odours  of  Edom,  and  offerings  divine  ? 
Gems  of  the  mountain,  and  pearls  of  the  ocean. 
Myrrh  from  the  forest,  and  gold  from  the  mine  ? 

Then  Herod,  when  he  had  privily  called  the  wise  men,  inquired 
of  them  diligently  what  time  the  star  appeared.  And  he  sent  them 
to  Bethlehem,  and  said.  Go  and  search  diligently  for  the  young 
child  ;  and  when  ye  have  found  him,  bring  me  word  again,  that 
I  may  come  and  worship  him  also.  When  they  had  heard  the 
king,  they  departed  ;  and,  lo,  the  star,  which  they  saw  in  the 
east,  went  before  them,  till  it  came  and  stood  over  where 
the  young  child  was.  When  they  saw  the  star,  they  rejoiced  with 
exceeding  great  joy.  And  when  they  were  come  into  the  house, 
they  saw  the  young  child  with  Mary  his  mother,  and  fell  down, 
and  worshipped  him  :  and  when  they  had  opened  their  treasures, 
they  presented  unto  him  gifts  ;  gold,  and  frankincense,  and 
myrrh.  And  being  warned  of  God  in  a  dream  that  they  should 
not  return  to  Herod,  they  departed  into  their  own  country  an- 
other way.  And  when  they  were  departed,  behold,  the  angel  of 
the  Lord  appeareth  to  Joseph  in  a  dream,  saying,  Arise,  and  take 
the  young  child  and  his  mother,  and  flee  into  Egypt,  and  be  thou 
there  until  I  bring  thee  word  :  for  Herod  will  seek  the  young 
child  to  destroy  him.  When  he  arose,  he  took  the  young  child 
and  his  mother  by  night,  and  departed  into  Egypt  :  and  was 
there  until  the  death  of  Herod  :  that  it  might  be  fulfilled  which 
was  spoken  of  the  Lord  by  the  prophet,  saying.  Out  of  Egypt 
have  I  called  my  son. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  489 

Yes  !  —  from  the  despot's  fell  decree, 
To  seek  a  foreign  home  they  fly ; 
And,  Egypt,  once  again  in  thee 
Shall  dwell  the  Holy  Family, 
Where  erst  in  bitter  slavery 
Sad  Israel  mourned  his  joyless  doom; 
There  shall  he  now  his  Light  descry  ; 
Thence  shall  his  God,  his  Glory  come ! 

Then  Herod,  when  he  saw  that  he  was  mocked  of  the  wise 
men,  was  exceeding  wroth,  and  sent  forth,  and  slew  all  the  chil- 
dren that  were  in  Bethlehem,  and  in  all  the  coasts  thereof,  from 
two  years  old  and  under,  according  to  the  time  which  he  had 
diligently  inquired  of  the  wise  men.  Then  was  fulfilled  that 
which  was  spoken  by  Jeremy  the  prophet,  saying,  In  Ramah 
was  there  a  voice  heard,  lamentation,  and  weeping,  and  great 
mourning,  Rachel  weeping  for  her  children,  and  would  not  be 
comforted,  because  they  are  not. 

The  brows  now  pallid,  dimmed  and  fading 
Those  closed  and  joyless  eyes  are  shading. 

Whose  rays  pure  lustre  once  had  given, 
Like  stars  ;  and  with  their  playful  light, 
Ere  covered  with  death's  cloud  of  night, 

Transformed  the  visage  to  a  heaven. 

Then,  Rachel,  haunt  not  spots  once  cherished ; 
Thy  children  even  as  martyrs  perished  : 

Those  first-loved  fruits  that  sprang  from  thee. 
From  which  thy  heart  was  doomed  to  sever. 
In  praise  of  God,  shall  bloom  for  ever, 

Unhurt  —  untouched  by  tyranny. 

But  when  Herod  was  dead,  behold,  an  angel  of  the  Lord  ap- 
peareth  in  a  dream  to  Joseph  in  Egypt,  saying.  Arise,  and  take 
the  young  child  and  his  mother,  and  go  into  the  land  of  Israel  : 
for  they  are  dead  which  sought  the  young  child's  life.  And  he 
arose,  and  took  the  young  child  and  his  mother,  and  came  into 
the  land  of  Israel.  But  when  he  heard  that  Archelaus  did  reign 
in  Judea  in  the  room  of  his  father  Herod,  he  was  afraid  to  go 
thither  :  notwithstanding,  being  warned  of  God  in  a  dream,  he 
turned  aside  into  the  parts  of  Galilee  :  and  he  came  and  dwelt  in 
a  city  called  Nazareth  :  that  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken 
by  the  prophets,  He  shall  be  called  a  Nazarene. 


490  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

When  marshalled  on  the  nightly  plain, 
The  glittering  host  bestud  the  sky, 

One  star  alone,  of  all  the  train, 

Can  fix  the  sinner's  wandering  eye. 

Hark  !  hark  !  to  God  the  chorus  breaks, 
From  every  host,  from  every  gem ; 

But  one  alone,  the  Saviour  speaks  — 
It  is  the  Star  of  Bethlehem. 


CHAPTER   ecu. 

John's  ministry. — jesus  baptized.  —  his  temptation. 

Oh,  blest  beyond  the  Prophet's  of  old  time  ! 
They  of  the  Saviour  sang  that  was  to  be  : 
Him  present  to  announce,  and  show  to  all. 
Was  granted  but  to  thee. 

Through  the  wide  earth  was  never  mortal  man 
Born  holier  than  John  ;  to  whom  was  given 
The  guilty  world's  Baptizer  to  baptize, 
And  ope  the  door  of  Heaven, 

IN  those  days  came  John  the  Baptist,  preaching  in  the  wilder- 
ness of  Judea,  and  saying,  Repent  ye :  for  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  at  hand.  For  this  is  he  that  was  spoken  of  by  the 
prophet  Esaias,  saying,  The  voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wilderness, 
Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make  his  paths  straight.  Every 
valley  shall  be  filled,  and  every  mountain  and  hill  shall  be  brought 
low  ;  and  the  crooked  shall  be  made  straight,  and  the  rough  ways 
shall  be  made  smooth  ;  and  all  flesh  shall  see  the  salvation  of 
God.  And  the  same  John  had  his  raiment  of  camel's  hair,  and 
a  leathern  girdle  about  his  loins  ;  and  his  meat  was  locusts  and 
wild  honey.  Then  went  out  to  him  Jerusalem,  and  all  Judea, 
and  all  the  region  round  about  Jordan,  and  were  baptized  of  him 
in  Jordan,  confessing  their  sins. 

But  when  he  saw  many  of  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees  come 
to  his  baptism,  he  said  unto  them,  O  generation  of  vipers,  who 
hath  warned  you  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come  .-*  Bring  forth 
therefore  fruits  meet  for  repentance  :  and  think  not  to  say  within 
yourselves.  We  have  Abraham  to  our  father :  for  I  say  unto  you. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  49 1 

that  God  is  able  of  these  stones  to  raise  up  children  unto  Abra- 
ham. And  now  also  the  axe  is  laid  unto  the  root  of  the  trees : 
therefore  every  tree  which  bringeth  not  forth  good  fruit  is  hewn 
down,  and  cast  into  the  fire. 

And  the  people  asked  him,  saying,  What  shall  we  do  then  } 
He  answereth  and  saith  unto  them,  He  that  hath  two  coats,  let 
him  impart  to  him  that  hath  none  ;  and  he  that  hath  meat,  let 
him  do  likewise.  Then  came  also  publicans  to  be  baptized,  and 
said  unto  him,  Master,  what  shall  we  do .-'  And  he  said  unto 
them,  Exact  no  more  than  that  which  is  appointed  you.  And 
the  soldiers  likewise  demanded  of  him,  saying,  And  what  shall 
we  do  .''  And  he  said  unto  them.  Do  violence  to  no  man,  neither 
accuse  any  falsely  ;  and  be  content  with  your  wages. 

Now  had  the  great  Proclaimer,  with  a  voice 
More  awful  than  the  sound  of  trumpet,  cried 
Repentance,  and  heaven's  kingdom  nigh  at  hand 
To  all  baptized :  to  his  great  baptism  flocked, 
With  awe,  the  regions  round,  and  with  them  came 
From  Nazareth  the  Son  of  Joseph  deemed, 
To  the  flood  Jordan  ;  came,  as  then  obscure. 
Unmarked,  unknown  ;  but  Him  the  Baptist  soon 
Descried,  divinely  warned,  and  witness  bore 
As  to  his  worthier,  and  would  have  resigned 
To  Him  his  heavenly  office,  nor  was  long 
His  witness  unconfirmed  :  on  Him  baptized 
Heaven  opened,  and  in  likeness  of  a  dove 
The  Spirit  descended,  while  the  Father's  voice 
From  heaven  pronounced  Him  His  beloved  Son. 

And  as  the  people  were  in  expectation,  and  all  men  mused  in 
their  hearts  of  John,  whether  he  were  the  Christ,  or  not ;  John 
answered,  saying  unto  them  all :  I  indeed  baptize  you  with  water 
unto  repentance  :  but  he  that  cometh  after  me  is  mightier  than 
I,  whose  shoes  I  am  not  worthy  to  bear :  he  shall  baptize  you 
with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  with  fire :  whose  fan  is  in  his  hand, 
and  he  will  thoroughly  purge  his  floor,  and  gather  his  wheat  into 
the  garner  ;  but  he  will  burn  up  the  chaff  with  unquenchable  fire. 
And  many  other  things  in  his  exhortation  preached  he  unto  the 
people. 

Then  cometh  Jesus  from  Galilee  to  Jordan  unto  John,  to  be 
baptized  of  him.  But  John  forbade  him,  saying,  I  have  need 
to  be  baptized  of  thee,  and  comest  thou  to  me  ?  And  Jesus 
answering  said  unto  him,  Suffer  it  to  be  so  now :  for  thus  it 


49-  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

becometh  us  to  fulfil  all  righteousness.  Then  he  suffered  him. 
And  Jesus,  when  he  was  baptized,  went  up  straightway  out  of 
the  water  :  and,  lo,  the  heavens  were  opened  unto  him,  and  he 
saw  the  Spirit  of  God  descending  like  a  dove,  and  lighting  upon 
him  :  and  lo  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying.  This  is  my  beloved 
Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased. 

Victory  and  triumph  to  the  Son  of  God, 

Now  entering  his  great  duel,  not  of  arms, 

But  to  vanquish  by  wisdom  hellish  wiles.' 

The  Father  knows  the  Son  ;  therefore  secure 

Ventures  his  filial  virtue,  though  untried, 

Against  whate'er  may  tempt,  whate'er  seduce, 

Allure,  or  terrify,  or  undermine. 

Be  frustrate  all  ye  stratagems  of  hell, 

And  devilish  machinations  come  to  nought ! 

Then  was  Jesus  led  up  of  the  Spirit  into  the  wilderness  to  be 
tempted  of  the  devil.  And  when  he  had  fasted  forty  days  and 
forty  nights,  he  was  afterward  an  hungered.  And  when  the 
tempter  came  to  him,  he  said.  If  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  com- 
mand that  these  stones  be  made  bread.  But  he  answered  and 
said.  It  is  written,  Man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by 
every  word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth  of  God.  Then  the 
devil  taketh  him  up  into  the  holy  city,  and  setteth  him  on  a  pin- 
nacle of  the  temple,  and  saith  unto  him.  If  thou  be  the  Son  of 
God,  cast  thyself  down  :  for  it  is  written,  He  shall  give  his  angels 
charge  concerning  thee :  and  in  their  hands  they  shall  bear  thee 
up,  lest  at  any  time  thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone.  Jesus 
said  unto  him.  It  is  written  again.  Thou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord 
thy  God.  Again,  the  devil  taketh  him  up  into  an  exceeding  high 
mountain,  and  sheweth  him  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world,  and 
the  glory  of  them  ;  and  saith  unto  him,  All  these  things  will  I 
give  thee,  if  thou  wilt  fall  down  and  worship  me.  Then  saith 
Jesus  unto  him,  Get  thee  hence,  Satan :  for  it  is  written,  Thou 
shalt  worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve. 
Then  the  devil  leaveth  him,  and,  behold,  angels  came  and  min- 
istered unto  him. 

He  can  cite  Scripture  for  his  purpose. 
•An  evil  soul,  producing  holy  witness, 
Is  like  a  villain  with  a  smiling  cheek  ; 
A  goodly  apple  rotten  at  the  heart ; 
O,  what  a  goodly  outside  falsehood  hath  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  493 


CHAPTER   CCIII. 

CHRIST    THE    WORD. THE    BAPTIST's    TESTIMONY. 

Before  there  was  a  light,  there  was  a  Light 
Which  saw  the  world,  the  world  could  never  see ; 
From  which  the  world  receives  its  brightest  sight, 
Yet  cannot  see  what  brightness  there  may  be. 
From  this  fair  Light  there  came  a  living  love, 
A  love,  which  gives- the  hving  all  their  seeing; 
And  in  the  life  of  all  their  seeing  prove 
The  only  essence  of  their  only  being. 

IN  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  was  with  God, 
and  the  Word  was  God.  The  same  was  in  the  beginning 
with  God.  All  things  were  made  by  him  ;  and  without  him  was 
not  any  thing  made  that  was  made.  In  him  was  Hfe  ;  and  the 
life  was  the  hght  of  men.  And  the  light  shineth  in  darkness  ; 
and  the  darkness  comprehended  it  not. 

There  was  a  man  sent  from  God,  whose  name  was  John.  The 
same  came  for  a  witness,  to  bear  witness  of  the  Light,  that  all 
men  through  him  might  believe.  He  was  not  that  Light,  but 
was  sent  to  bear  witness  of  that  Light.  That  was  the  true  Light, 
which  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world.  He  was 
in  the  world,  and  the  world  was  made  by  him,  and  the  world 
knew  him  not.  He  came  unto  his  own,  and  his  own  received 
him  not.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he  power 
to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on  his 
name  :  which  were  born,  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  flesh, 
nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but  of  God.  And  the  Word  was  made 
flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us,  and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as 
of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father,  full  of  grace  and  truth.  John 
bare  witness  of  him,  and  cried,  saying.  This  was  he  of  whom  I 
spake,  He  that  cometh  after  me  is  preferred  before  me  ;  for  he 
was  before  me.  And  of  his  fulness  have  all  we  received,  and 
grace  for  grace.  For  the  law  was  given  by  Moses,  but  grace 
and  truth  came  by  Jesus  Christ.  No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any 
time  ;  the  only  begotten  Son,  which  is  in  the  bosom  of  the 
Father,  he  hath  declared  him. 


494  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

All  ye  gentile  lands,  awake  ! 

Thou,  O  Salem,  rise  and  shine  ! 
See  the  day-spring  o'er  you  break, 

Heralding  a  morn  divine, 
Telling,  God  hath  called  to  mind 
Those  who  long  in  darkness  pined. 

Lo  !  the  shadows  flee  away, 

For  our  Light  is  come  at  length, 
Brighter  than  all  earthly  day, 

Source  of  being,  life,  and  strength  ! 
Whoso  on  this  Light  would  gaze. 
Must  forsake  all  evil  ways. 

And  this  is  the  record  of  John,  when  the  Jews  sent  priests  and 
Levites  from  Jerusalem  to  ask  him,  Who  art  thou  ?  And  he 
confessed,  and  denied  not ;  but  confessed,  I  am  not  the  Christ. 
And  they  asked  him.  What  then  ?  Art  thou  Ehas .''  And  he 
saith,  I  am  not.  Art  thou  that  Prophet  .'*  And  he  answered, 
No.  Then  said  they  unto  him,  Who  art  thou  .-*  that  we  may 
give  an  answer  to  them  that  sent  us.  What  sayest  thou  of  thy- 
self }  He  said,  I  am  the  voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wilderness, 
Make  straight  the  way  of  the  Lord,  as  said  the  prophet  Esaias. 
And  they  which  were  sent  were  of  the  Pharisees.  And  they 
asked  him,  and  said  unto  him.  Why  baptizest  thou  then,  if  thou 
be  not  that  Christ,  nor  Elias,  neither  that  Prophet }  John 
answered  them,  saying,  I  baptize  with  water :  but  there  standeth 
one  among  you,  whom  ye  know  not ;  he  it  is,  who  coming  after 
me  is  preferred  before  me,  whose  shoe's  latchet  I  am  not  worthy 
to  unloose.  These  things  were  done  in  Bethabara  beyond  Jor- 
dan, where  John  was  baptizing. 

The  next  day  John  seeth  Jesus  coming  unto  him,  and  saith, 
Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the 
world !  This  is  he  of  whom  I  said,  After  me  cometh  a  man 
which  is  preferred  before  me  ;  for  he  was  before  me.  And  I 
knew  him  not :  but  that  he  should  be  made  manifest  to  Israel, 
therefore  am  I  come  baptizing  with  water.  And  John  bare  record, 
saying,  I  saw  the  Spirit  descending  from  heaven  like  a  dove,  and 
it  abode  upon  him.  And  I  knew  him  not :  but  he  that  sent  me 
to  baptize  with  water,  the  same  said  unto  me,  Upon  whom  thou 
shalt  see  the  Spirit  descending,  and  remaining  on  him,  the  same 
is  he  which  baptizeth  with  the  Holy  Ghost.  And  I  saw,  and 
bare  record  that  this  is  the  Son  of  God. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  495 

Oh,  that  a  dying  world  might  know 

The  glory  of  His  name  ; 
My  voice  shall  His  salvation  show, 

And  cry  —  Behold  the  Lamb  ! 


CHAPTER   CCIV. 

THE    MESSIAH    FOUND. DISCIPLES    CALLED. THE    FIRST 

MIRACLE    OF    JESUS. 

Yea,  He  doth  come  —  the  mighty  champion  comes, 

Whose  potent  spear  shall  give  thee  thy  death-wound. 

Shall  crush  the  conqueror  of  conquerors 

And  desolate  stern  desolation's  lord. 

Lo  !  where  He  cometh  !  the  Messiah  comes  ! 

The  King!  the  Comforter!  the  Christ!  —  He  comes 

To  burst  the  bonds  of  death,  and  overturn 

The  power  of  Time. 

AGAIN  the  next  day  after,  John  stood,  and  two  of  his  disci- 
ples ;  and  looking  upon  Jesus  as  he  walked,  he  saith, 
Behold  the  Lamb  of  God  !  And  the  two  disciples  heard  him 
speak,  and  they  followed  Jesus.  Then  Jesus  turned,  and  saw 
them  following,  and  saith  unto  them.  What  seek  ye  ?  They  said 
unto  him.  Rabbi,  (which  is  to  say,  being  interpreted.  Master,) 
where  dwellest  thou.^  He  saith  unto  them,  Come  and  see. 
They  came  and  saw  where  he  dwelt,  and  abode  with  him  that 
day :  for  it  was  about  the  tenth  hour.  One  of  the  two  which 
heard  John  speak,  and  followed  him,  was  Andrew,  Simon  Peter's 
brother.  He  first  findeth  his  own  brother  Simon,  and  saith  unto 
him.  We  have  found  the  Messias,  which  is,  being  interpreted, 
the  Christ.  And  he  brought  him  lo  Jesus,  And  when  Jesus 
beheld  him,  he  said.  Thou  art  Simon  the  son  of  Jona :  thou  shalt 
be  called  Cephas,  which  is  by  interpretation,  A  stone. 

The  day  following  Jesus  would  go  forth  into  Galilee,  and 
findeth  Philip,  and  saith  unto  him.  Follow  me.  Now  Philip  was 
of  Bethsaida,  the  city  of  Andrew  and  Peter.  Philip  findeth 
Nathanael,  and  saith  unto  him,  We  have  found  him,  of  whom 


49^  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Moses  in  the  law,  and  the  prophets,  did  write,  Jesus  of  Nazareth, 
the  son  of  Joseph.  And  Nathanael  said  unto  him.  Can  there 
any  good  thing  come  out  of  Nazareth  ?  PhiHp  saith  unto  him, 
Come  and  see.  Jesus  saw  Nathanael  coming  to  him,  and  saith 
of  him,  Behold  an  Israelite  indeed,  in  whom  is  no  guile  ! 
Nathanael  saith  unto  him,  Whence  knowest  thou  me  .-*  Jesus 
answered  and  said  unto  him,  Before  that  Philip  called  thee,  when 
thou  wast  under  the  fig  tree,  I  saw  thee.  Nathanael  answered 
and  saith  unto  him.  Rabbi,  thou  art  the  Son  of  God  ;  thou  art 
the  King  of  Israel.  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him,  Because 
I  said  unto  thee,  I  saw  thee  under  the  fig  tree,  believest  thou  ? 
thou  shalt  see  greater  things  than  these.  And  he  saith  unto 
him.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  Hereafter  ye  shall  see  heaven 
open,  and  the  angels  of  God  ascending  and  descending  upon  the 
Son  of  man. 

But  happy  they  !  the  happiest  of  their  kind ! 
Whom  gentler  stars  unite,  and  in  one  fate 
Their  hearts,  their  fortunes,  and  their  beings  blend. 
'Tis  not  the  coarser  tie  of  human  laws, 
Unnatural  oft,  and  foreign  to  the  mind, 
That  binds  their  peace,  but  harmony  itself 
Attuning  all  their  passions  into  love. 

And  the  third  day  there  was  a  marriage  in  Cana  of  Galilee ; 
and  the  mother  of  Jesus  was  there :  and  both  Jesus  was  called, 
and  his  disciples,  to  the  marriage.  And  when  they  wanted  wine, 
the  mother  of  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  They  have  no  wine.  Jesus 
saith  unto  her.  Woman,  what  have  I  to  do  with  thee .''  mine  hour 
is  not  yet  come.  His  mother  saith  unto  the  servants.  Whatso- 
ever he  saith  unto  you,  do  it.  And  there  were  set  there  six 
waterpots  of  stone,  after  the  manner  of  the  purifying  of  the  Jews, 
containing  two  or  three  firkins  apiece.  Jesus  saith  unto  them. 
Fill  the  waterpots  with  water.  And  they  filled  them  up  to  the 
brim.  And  he  saith  unto  them,  Draw  out  now,  and  bear  unto 
the  governor  of  the  feast.  And  they  bare  it.  When  the  ruler 
of  the  feast  had  tasted  the  water  that  was  made  wine,  and  knew 
not  whence  it  was,  (but  the  servants  which  drew  the  water  knew,) 
the  governor  of  the  feast  called  the  bridegroom,  and  saith  unto 
him.  Every  man  at  the  beginning  doth  set  forth  good  wine  ;  and 
when  men  have  well  drunk,  then  that  which  is  worse  :  but  thou 
hast  kept  the  good  wine  until  now.     This  beginning  of  miracles 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  497 

did  Jesus  in  Cana  of  Galilee,  and  manifested  forth  his  glory ; 
and  his  disciples  believed  on  him. 

The  conscious  water  saw  its  God  and  blushed ! 

Thou  water  turn'st  to  wine,  fair  Friend  of  life ; 
Thy  foe,  to  cross  the  sweet  arts  of  Thy  reign. 
Distils  from  thence  the  tears  of  wrath  and  strife, 
And  so  turns  wine  to  water  back  again. 


CHAPTER    CCV. 

THE    PUBLIC    MINISTRY    OF  JESUS    BEGUN. NICODEMUS   CON- 
FESSING.  WHAT    THE   BRAZEN    SERPENT    SYMBOLIZED. 

FROM  that  time  Jesus  began  to  preach,  and  to  say,  Repent : 
for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand. 

And  Jesus  went  about  all  Galilee,  teaching  in  their  synagogues, 
and  preaching  the  gospel  of  the  kingdom,  and  healing  all  manner 
of  sickness  and  all  manner  of.  disease  among  the  people.  And 
his  fame  went  throughout  all  Syria :  and  they  brought  unto  him 
all  sick  people  that  were  taken  with  divers  diseases  and  torments, 
and  those  which  were  possessed  with  devils,  and  those  which 
were  lunatic,  and  those  that  had  the  palsy ;  and  he  healed  them. 
And  there  followed  him  great  multitudes  of  people  from  Galilee, 
and  from  Decapolis,  and  from  Jerusalem,  and  from  Judea,  and 
from  beyond  Jordan. 

And  the  Jews'  passover  was  at  hand,  and  Jesus  went  up  to 
Jerusalem,  and  found  in  the  temple  those  that  sold  oxen,  and 
sheep,  and  doves,  and  the  changers  of  money,  sitting  :  and  when 
he  had  made  a  scourge  of  small  cords,  he  drove  them  all  out  of 
the  temple,  and  the  sheep,  and  the  oxen  ;  and  poured  out  the 
changers'  money,  and  overthrew  the  tables  ;  and  said  unto  them 
that  sold  doves.  Take  these  things  hence  :  make  not  my  Father's 
house  an  house  of  merchandise.  And  his  disciples  remembered 
that  it  was  written.  The  zeal  of  thine  house  hath  eaten  me  up. 

Then  answered  the  Jews,  and  said  unto  him,  What  sign  shewest 
thou  unto  us,  seeing  that  thou  doest  these  things .-'    Jesus  an- 

32 


498  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

swered  and  said  unto  them,  Destroy  this  temple,  and  in  three 
days  I  will  raise  it  up.  Then  said  the  Jews,  Forty  and  six  years 
was  this  temple  in  building,  and  wilt  thou  rear  it  up  in  three 
days  ?  But  he  spake  of  the  temple  of  his  body.  When  there- 
fore he  was  risen  from  the  dead,  his  disciples  remembered  that 
he  had  said  this  unto  them  :  and  they  believed  the  scripture,  and 
the  word  which  Jesus  had  said. 

Now  when  he  was  in  Jerusalem  at  the  passover,  in  the  feast 
day,  many  believed  in  his  name,  when  they  saw  the  miracles 
which  he  did. 

Though  Christ  a  thousand  times  in  Bethlehem  be  born 
Yet  if  not  born  in  thee,  thy  soul  is  still  forlorn. 

There  was  a  man  of  the  Pharisees,  named  Nicodemus,  a  ruler 
of  the  Jews  :  the  same  came  to  Jesus  by  night,  and  said  unto 
him.  Rabbi,  we  know  that  thou  art  a  teacher  come  from  God  : 
for  no  man  can  do  these  miracles  that  thou  doest,  except  God  be 
with  him.  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him.  Verily,  verily,  I 
say  unto  thee.  Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the 
kingdom  of  God.  Nicodemus  saith  unto  him.  How  can  a  man 
be  born  when  he  is  old }  can  he  enter  the  second  time  into  his 
mother's  womb,  and  be  born  .''  Jesus  answered,  Verily,  verily, 
I  say  unto  thee.  Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit, 
he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God.  That  which  is  born 
of  the  flesh  is  flesh  ;  and  that  which  is  born  of  the  Spirit  is  spirit. 
Marvel  not  that  I  said  unto  thee,  Ye  must  be  born  again.  The 
wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  and  thou  hearest  the  sound  thereof, 
but  canst  not  tell  whence  it  cometh,  and  whither  it  goeth :  so  is 
every  one  that  is  born  of  the  Spirit.  Nicodemus  answered  and 
said  unto  him.  How  can  these  things  be?  Jesus  answered 
and  said  unto  him,  Art  thou  a  master  of  Israel,  and  knowest. 
not  these  things  .-•  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  We  speak  that 
we  do  know,  and  testify  that  we  have  seen  ;  and  ye  receive  not 
our  witness.  If  I  have  told  you  earthly  things,  and  ye  believe 
not,  how  shall  ye  believe,  if  I  tell  you  of  heavenly  things .?  And 
no  man  hath  ascended  up  to  heaven,  but  he  that  came  down 
from  heaven,  even  the  Son  of  man  which  is  in  heaven. 

A  new  and  contrite  heart  create 
In  me,  Thou  God  compassionate  ; 
Shut  close  the  gate,  and  keep  the  door, 
That  sin  may  enter  in  no  more. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  499 

To  Thee  my  soul  I  open  wide, 
Come,  Jesus  !  and  therein  abide  ; 
And  from  Thy  temple,  Lord,  my  heart. 
Bid  all  unrighteousness  depart. 

And  as  Moses  lifted  up  the  serpent  in  the  wilderness,  even  so 
must  the  Son  of  man  be  lifted  up :  that  whosoever  believeth  in 
him  should  not  perish,  but  have  eternal  life.  For  God  so  loved 
the  world  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever 
believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life. 
For  God  sent  not  his  Son  into  the  world  to  condemn  the  world  ; 
but  that  the  world  through  him  might  be  saved.  He  that  be- 
lieveth on  him  is  not  condemned  :  but  he  that  believeth  not  is 
condemned  already,  because  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name 
of  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God.  And  this  is  the  condemnation, 
that  light  is  come  into  the  world,  and  men  loved  darkness  rather 
than  light,  because  their  deeds  were  evil.  For  every  one  that 
doeth  evil  hateth  the  light,  neither  cometh  to  the  light,  lest  his 
deeds  should  be  reproved.  But  he  that  doeth  truth  cometh  to 
the  light,  that  his  deeds  may  be  made  manifest,  that  they  are 

wrought  in  God. 

In  My  brow 
Of  kingly  whiteness,  shall  be  crowned  anew 
Your  discrowned  human  nature.     Look  on  Me  ! 
As  I  shall  be  upHfted  on  a  cross 
In  darkness  of  eclipse  and  anguish  dread. 
So  shall  I  lift  up  in  My  piercM  hands. 
Not  into  dark,  but  light  —  not  unto  death, 
But  life,  —  beyond  the  reach  of  guilt  and  grief, 
The  whole  creation.     Henceforth  in  My  name 
Take  courage,  O  thou  woman,  —  man,  take  hope  ! 


CHAPTER   CCVI. 

THE' BAPTIST  DECLARES  HIS   INFERIORITY  TO   CHRIST.  —  OUR 
LORD    DISCOURSING    AT    JACOb's    WELL. 

Let  me  not  deem  that  I  was  made  in  vain, 

Or  that  my  being  was  an  accident. 
Each  drop  uncounted  in  a  storm  of  rain 

Hath  its  own  mission,  and  is  duly  sent 


500  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

To  its  own  leaf  or  blade,  not  idly  spent 
'Mid  myriad  dimples  on  the  shipless  main. 
The  very  shadow  of  an  insect's  wing, 

For  which  the  violet  cared  not  while  it  stayed, 
Yet  felt  the  lighter  for  its  vanishing. 

Proved  that  the  sun  was  shining  by  its  shade. 

THEN  there  arose  a  question  between  some  of  John's  disci- 
ples and  the  Jews  about  purifying.  And  they  came  unto 
John,  and  said  unto  him,  Rabbi,  he  that  was  with  thee  beyond 
Jordan,  to  whom  thou  barest  witness,  behold,  the  same  baptizeth, 
and  all  men  come  to  him.  John  answered  and  said,  A  man  can 
receive  nothing,  except  it  be  given  him  from  heaven.  Ye  your- 
selves bear  me  witness,  that  I  said,  I  am  not  the  Christ,  but  that 
I  am  sent  before  him.  He  that  hath  the  bride  is  the  bridegroom : 
but  the  friend  of  the  bridegroom,  which  standeth  and  heareth 
him,  rejoiceth  greatly  because  of  the  bridegroom's  voice  :  this  my 
joy  therefore  is  fulfilled.  He  must  increase,  but  I  must  decrease. 
He  that  cometh  from  above  is  above  all :  he  that  is  of  the  earth 
is  earthly,  and  speaketh  of  the  earth  :  he  that  cometh  from  heaven 
is  above  all.  And  what  he  hath  seen  and  heard,  that  he  testifieth  ; 
and  no  man  receiveth  his  testimony.  He  that  hath  received  his 
testimony  hath  set  to  his  seal  that  God  is  true.  For  he  whom 
God  hath  sent  speaketh  the  words  of  God  :  for  God  giveth  not 
the  Spirit  by  measure  unto  him.  The  Father  loveth  the  Son,  and 
hath  given  all  things  into  his  hand.  He  that  believeth  on  the  Son 
hath  everlasting  life  :  and  he  that  believeth  not  the  Son  shall  not 
see  life  ;  but  the  wrath  of  God  abideth  on  him. 

O  blessed  Well  of  Love  !  O  Floure  of  Grace ! 

O  glorious  Morning-Starre  !  O  Lampe  of  Light ! 

Most  lovely  image  of  the  Father's  face, 

Eternal  King  of  Glorie,  Lord  of  Might, 

Meeke  Lambe  of  God,  before  all  worlds  behight, 

How  can  we  Thee  requite  for  all  this  good  ? 

Or  what  can  prize  that  Thy  most  precious  blood  ? 

When  therefore  the  Lord  knew  how  the  Pharisees  had  heard 
that  Jesus  made  and  baptized  more  disciples  than  John,  he  left 
Judea,  and  departed  again  into  Galilee.  And  he  must  needs  go 
through  Samaria.  Then  cometh  he  to  a  city  of  Samaria,  which 
is  called  Sychar,  near  to  the  parcel  of  ground  that  Jacob  gave  to 
his  son  Joseph.  Now  Jacob's  well  was  there.  Jesus  therefore, 
being  wearied  with  his  journey,  sat  thus  on  the  well,  and  it  was 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  50 1 

about  the  sixth  hour.  There  cometh  a  woman  of  Samaria  to 
draw  water  :  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Give  me  to  drink.  For  his 
disciples  were  gone  away  unto  the  city  to  buy  meat.  Then  saith 
the  woman  of  Samaria  unto  him,  How  is  it  that  thou,  being  a 
Jew,  askest  drink  of  me,  which  am  a  woman  of  Samaria  .''  for  the 
Jews  have  no  dealings  with  the  Samaritans.  Jesus  answered  and 
said  unto  her.  If  thou  knewest  the  gift  of  God,  and  who  it  is  that 
saith  to  thee.  Give  me  to  drink,  thou  wouldest  have  asked  of  him, 
and  he  would  have  given  thee  living  water.  The  woman  saith 
unto  him.  Sir,  thou  hast  nothing  to  draw  with,  and  the  well  is 
deep  :  from  whence  then  hast  thou  that  living  water  }  Art  thou 
greater  than  our  father  Jacob,  which  gave  us  the  well,  and  drank 
thereof  himself,  and  his  children,  and  his  cattle  .''  Jesus  answered 
and  said  unto  her.  Whosoever  drinketh  of  this  water  shall  thirst 
again  :  but  whosoever  drinketh  of  the  water  that  I  shall  give  him 
shall  never  thirst ;  but  the  water  that  I  shall  give  him  shall  be  in 
him  a  well  of  water  springing  up  into  everlasting  life.  The  woman 
saith  unto  him.  Sir,  give  me  this  water,  that  I  thirst  not,  neither 
come  hither  to  draw.  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Go,  call  thy  hus- 
band, and  come  hither.  The  woman  answered  and  said,  I  have 
no  husband.  Jesus  said  unto  her,  Thou  hast  well  said,  I  have  no 
husband  :  for  thou  hast  had  five  husbands  ;  and  he  v/hom  thi;u 
now  hast  is  not  thy  husband  :  in  that  saidst  thou  truly.  The 
woman  saith  unto  him.  Sir,  I  perceive  that  thou  art  a  prophet. 
Our  fathers  worshipped  in  this  mountain  ;  and  ye  say,  that  in 
Jerusalem  is  the  place  where  men  ought  to  worship.  Jesus  saith 
unto  her,  Woman,  believe  me,  the  hour  cometh,  when  ye  shall 
neither  in  this  mountain,  nor  yet  at  Jerusalem,  worship  the 
Father.  Ye  worship  ye  know  not  what :  we  know  what  we 
worship  ;  for  salvation  is  of  the  Jews.  But  the  hour  cometh,  and 
now  is,  when  the  true  worshippers  shall  worship  the  Father  in 
spirit  and  in  truth  ;  for  the  Father  seeketh  such  to  worship  him. 
God  is  a  spirit :  and  they  that  worship  him  must  worship  him  in 
spirit  and  in  truth.  The  woman  saith  unto  him,  I  know  that  Mes- 
sias  cometh,  which  is  called  Christ :  when  he  is  come,  he  will  tell 
us  all  things.     Jesus  saith  unto  her,  I  that  speak  unto  thee  am  he. 

I  heard  the  voice  of  Jesus  say.  Behold,  I  freely  give 

The  living  water  —  thirsty  one,  stoop  down,  and  drink,  and  live. 

I  came  to  Jesus  and  I  drank  of  that  life-giving  stream, 

My  thirst  was  quenched,  my  soul  revived,  and  now  I  live  in  Him. 


502  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  upon  this  came  his  disciples,  and  marvelled  that  he  talked 
with  the  woman  :  yet  no  man  said,  What  seekest  thou  ?  or,  Why 
talkest  thou  with  her  ?  The  woman  then  left  her  waterpot,  and 
went  her  way  into  the  city,  and  saith  to  the  men,  Come,  see 
a  man,  which  told  me  all  things  that  ever  I  did :  is  not  this  the 
Christ  ? 

And  many  of  the  Samaritans  of  that  city  believed  on  him 
for  the  saying  of  the  woman,  which  testified.  He  told  me  all 
that  ever  I  did.  So  when  the  Samaritans  were  come  unto  him, 
they  besought  him  that  he  would  tarry  with  them  :  and  he  abode 
there  two  days.  And  many  more  believed  because  of  his  own 
word ;  and  said  unto  the  woman,  Now  we  believe,  not  because 
of  thy  saying :  for  we  have  heard  him  ourselves,  and  know  that 
this  is  indeed  the  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  the  world. 

Sweeter,  O  Lord,  than  rest  to  Thee,  while  seated  by  the  well, 
Was  Thine  own  task  of  love,  to  all  of  grace  and  peace  to  tell. 
One  thoughtless  heart  that  never  knew  the  pulse  of  hfe  before, 
There  learned  to  love  —  was  taught  to  sigh  for  earthly  joys  no  more. 


CHAPTER   CCVII. 

THE    nobleman's    SON    HEALED.  —  THE    MESSIAH    REJECTED 

AT    NAZARETH. 

Oh,  where  is  He  that  trod  the  sea  ? 

Oh,  where  is  he  that  spake, 
And  lepers  from  their  pains  are  free, 

The  dead  from  slumber  wake  ? 
The  lame  and  palsied  freely  rise, 

With  joy  the  dumb  do  sing  ; 
And,  on  the  darkened,  blinded  eyes, 

Glad  beams  of  morning  spring  ! 

NOW  after  two  days  he  departed  thence,  and  went  into 
Galilee.  For  Jesus  himself  testified,  that  a  prophet  hath 
no  honour  in  his  own  country.  Then  when  he  was  come  into 
Galilee,  the  Galileans  received  him,  having  seen  all  the  things 
that  he  did  at  Jerusalem  at  the  feast :  for  they  also  went  unto 
the  feast.  So  Jesus  came  again  into  Cana  of  Galilee,  where  he 
made  the  water  wine.     And  there  was  a  certain  nobleman,  whose 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  503 

son  was  sick  at  Capernaum.  When  he  heard  that  Jesus  was 
come  out  of  Judea  into  Galilee,  he  went  unto  him,  and  besought 
him  that  he  would  come  down,  and  heal  his  son :  for  he  was  at 
the  point  of  death.  Then  said  Jesus  unto  him,  Except  ye  see 
signs  and  wonders,  ye  will  not  believe.  The  nobleman  saith 
unto  him.  Sir,  come  down  ere  my  child  die.  Jesus  saith  unto 
him.  Go  thy  way :  thy  son  liveth.  And  the  man  believed  the 
word  that  Jesus  had  spoken  unto  him,  and  he  went  his  way. 
And  as  he  was  now  going  down,  his  servants  met  him,  and 
told  him,  saying.  Thy  son  liveth.  Then  inquired  he  of  them 
the  hour  when  he  began  to  amend.  And  they  said  unto  him, 
Yesterday  at  the  seventh  hour  the  fever  left  him.  So  the  father 
knew  that  it  was  at  the  same  hour,  in  the  which  Jesus  said  unto 
him.  Thy  son  liveth :  and  himself  believed,  and  his  whole  house. 
This  is  again  the  second  miracle  that  Jesus  did,  when  he  was 
come  out  of  Judea  into  Galilee. 

Why  didst  Thou  leave  Thy  throne, 

O  Jesus,  what  could  bring 
Thee  to  a  world  where  e'en  Thine  own 

Knew  not  their  rightful  King? 

Thy  love  beyond  all  thought, 

Stronger  than  Death  or  Hell, 
And  my  deep  woe  this  wonder  wrought, 

That  Thou  on  earth  dost  dwell. 

And  he  came  to  Nazareth,  where  he  had  been  brought  up : 
and,  as  his  custom  was,  he  went  into  the  synagogue  on  the 
sabbath  day,  and  stood  up  for  to  read.  And  there  was  delivered 
unto  him  the  book  of  the  prophet  Esaias.  And  when  he  had 
opened  the  book,  he  found  the  place  where  it  was  written,  The 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon  me,  because  he  hath  anointed  me  to 
preach  the  gospel  to  the  poor ;  he  hath  sent  me  to  heal  the 
broken-hearted,  to  preach  deliverance  to  the  captives,  and  re- 
covering of  sight  to  the  blind,  to  set  at  liberty  them  that  are 
bruised,  to  preach  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord.  And  he 
closed  the  book,  and  he  gave  it  again  to  the  minister,  and  sat 
down.  And  the  eyes  of  all  them  that  were  in  the  synagogue 
were  fastened  on  him.  And  he  began  to  say  unto  them,  This 
day  is  this  Scripture  fulfilled  in  your  ears.  And  all  bare  him 
witness,  and  wondered  at  the  gracious  words  which  proceeded 
out  of  his   mouth.     And  they  said,  Is  not  this  Joseph's  son.? 


504  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  he  said  unto  them,  Ye  will  surely  say  unto  me  this  proverb, 
Physician,  heal  thyself :  whatsoever  we  have  heard  done  in 
Capernaum,  do  also  here  in  thy  country.  And  he  said.  Verily 
I  say  unto  you,  No  prophet  is  accepted  in  his  own  country.  But 
I  tell  you  of  a  truth,  many  widows  were  in  Israel  in  the  days  of 
Elias,  when  the  heaven  was  shut  up  three  years  and  six  months, 
when  great  famine  was  throughout  all  the  land  ;  but  unto  none 
of  them  was  Elias  sent,  save  unto  Sarepta,  a  city  of  Sidon,  unto 
a  woman  that  was  a  widow.  And  many  lepers  were  in  Israel  in 
the  time  of  Eliseus  the  prophet ;  and  none  of  them  was  cleansed, 
saving  Naaman  the  Syrian.  And  all  they  in  the  synagogue, 
when  they  heard  these  things,  were  filled  with  wrath,  and  rose 
up,  and  thrust  him  out  of  the  city,  and  led  him  unto  the  brow 
of  the  hill  whereon  their  city  was  built,  that  they  might  cast 
him  down  headlong.  But  he,  passing  through  the  midst  of  them, 
went  his  way. 

The  heavens  in  their  quiet  beauty 

Praise  Thy  essential  majesty  ! 
The  heights  rejoice  from  whence  Thou  earnest, 

The  depths  spring  up  to  welcome  Thee  1 
The  sea  exults  to  feel  Thy  footsteps, 

The  land  Thy  tread,  Lord,  knoweth  well ; 
And  all  the  starry  hosts  of  heaven. 

In  festive  robes  of  light  arrayed. 
Shall  bring  their  festive  hymns,  as  offerings 

To  Him  who  all  so  fair  has  made. 


CHAPTER   CCVIII. 

DISCIPLES    CALLED. MIRACLES    WROUGHT    AT    CAPERNAUM. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  that,  as  the  people  pressed  upon  him 
to  hear  the  word  of  God,  he  stood  by  the  lake  of  Gen- 
nesaret,  and  saw  two  ships  standing  by  the  lake :  but  the  fisher- 
men were  gone  out  of  them,  and  were  washing  their  nets.  And 
he  entered  into  one  of  the  ships,  which  was  Simon's,  and  prayed 
him  that  he  would  thrust  out  a  Httle  from  the  land.     And  he 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  505 

sat  down,  and  taught  the  people  out  of  the  ship.  Now  when 
he  had  left  speaking,  he  said  unto  Simon,  Launch  out  into  the 
deep,  and  let  down  your  nets  for  a  draught.  And  Simon  an- 
swering said  unto  him,  Master,  we  have  toiled  all  the  night,  and 
have  taken  nothing :  nevertheless  at  thy  word  I  will  let  down 
the  net.  And  when  they  had  this  done,  they  inclosed  a  great 
multitude  of  fishes  :  and  their  net  brake.  And  they  beckoned 
unto  their  partners,  which  were  in  the  other  ship,  that  they 
should  come  and  help  them.  And  they  came,  and  filled  both 
the  ships,  so  that  they  began  to  sink.  When  Simon  Peter  saw 
it,  he  fell  down  at  Jesus'  knees,  saying.  Depart  from  me  ;  for  I 
am  a  sinful  man,  O  Lord.  For  he  was  astonished,  and  all  that 
were  with  him,  at  the  draught  of  the  fishes  which  they  had 
taken :  and  so  was  also  James,  and  John,  the  sons  of  Zebedee, 
which  were  partners  with  Simon.  And  Jesus  said  unto  Simon, 
Fear  not ;  from  henceforth  thou  shalt  catch  men.  And  when 
they  had  brought  their  ships  to  land,  they  forsook  all,  and  fol- 
lowed him. 

Would  God  we  were  prepared  so  to  follow  Christ  when  He  doth  call. 
And  could  as  readily  forego  those  nets  which  we  are  snared  withal ! 

And  they  went  into  Capernaum  ;  and  straightway  on  the 
sabbath  day  he  entered  into  the  synagogue,  and  taught.  And 
they  were  astonished  at  his  doctrine :  for  he  taught  them  as  one 
that  had  authority,  and  not  as  the  scribes.  And  there  was  in 
their  synagogue  a  man  with  an  unclean  spirit ;  and  he  cried  out. 
Saying,  let  us  alone  ;  what  have  we  to  do  with  thee,  thou  Jesus 
of  Nazareth  }  art  thou  come  to  destroy  us  .-•  I  know  thee  who 
thou  art,  the  Holy  One  of  God.  And  Jesus  rebuked  him,  saying, 
Hold  thy  peace,  and  come  out  of  him.  And  when  the  unclean 
spirit  had  torn  him,  and  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  he  came'  out  of 
him.  And  they  were  all  amazed,  insomuch  that  they  questioned 
among  themselves,  saying,  What  thing  is  this  .-*  what  new  doc- 
trine is  this  .''  for  with  authority  commandeth  he  even  the  unclean 
spirits,  and  they  do  obey  him.  And  immediately  his  fame  spread 
abroad  throughout  all  the  region  round  about  Galilee. 

But  there  are  storms  within 
That  heave  the  strujjgling  heart  with  wilder  din  ; 

And  there  are  power  and  love 
The  maniac's  rushing  frenzy  to  reprove  ; 


506  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  when  he  takes  his  seat, 
Clothed  and  in  calmness,  at  the  Saviour's  feet, 
Is  not  the  power  as  strange,  the  love  as  blest, 
As  when  He  said,  be  still,  and  ocean  sank  to  rest  ? 

And  forthwith,  when  they  were  come  out  of  the  synagogue, 
they  entered  into  the  house  of  Simon  and  Andrew,  with  James 
and  John.  But  Simon's  wife's  mother  lay  sick  of  a  fever ;  and 
anon  they  tell  him  of  her.  And  he  came  and  took  her  by  the 
hand,  and  lifted  her  up ;  and  immediately  the  fever  left  her,  and 
she  ministered  unto  them.  And  at  even,  when  the  sun  did  set, 
they  brought  unto  him  all  that  were  diseased,  and  them  that 
were  possessed  with  devils.  And  all  the  city  was  gathered 
together  at  the  door.  And  he  healed  many  that  were  sick  of 
divers  diseases,  and  cast  out  many  devils  ;  and  suffered  not  the 
devils  to  speak,  because  they  knew  him.  And  in  the  morning, 
rising  up  a  great  while  before  day,  he  went  out,  and  departed 
into  a  solitary  place,  and  there  prayed. 

Jesus,  and  didst  Thou  condescend,  when  vailed  in  human  clay, 
To  heal  the  sick,  the  lame,  the  bhnd,  and  drive  disease  away .'' 
Didst  Thou  regard  the  beggar's  cry,  and  give  the  bhnd  to  see .'' 
Jesus,  Thou  Son  of  David,  hear  —  have  mercy  too  on  me  ! 

And,  behold,  they  brought  to  him  a  man  sick  of  the  palsy, 
lying  on  a  bed  :  and  Jesus  seeing  their  faith  said  unto  the  sick 
of  the  palsy ;  Son,  be  of  good  cheer ;  thy  sins  be  forgiven  thee. 
And,  behold,  certain  of  the  scribes  said  within  themselves.  This 
man  blasphemeth.  And  Jesus  knowing  their  thoughts  said, 
Wherefore  think  ye  evil  in  your  hearts  .-*  For  whether  is  easier 
to  say,  Thy  sins  be  forgiven  thee :  or  to  say,  Arise,  and  walk  ? 
But  that  ye  may  know  that  the  Son  of  man  hath  power  on  earth 
to  forgive  sins,  (then  saith  he  to  the  sick  of  the  palsy,)  Arise, 
take  up  thy  bed,  and  go  unto  thine  house.  And  he  arose,  and 
departed  to  his  house.  But  when  the  multitudes  saw  it,  they  mar- 
velled, and  glorified  God,  which  had  given  such  power  unto  men. 

And  as  Jesus  passed  forth  from  thence,  he  saw  a  man,  named 
Matthew,  sitting  at  the  receipt  of  custom  :  and  he  saith  unto 
him.  Follow  me.     And  he  arose,  and  followed  him. 

O,  what  a  scale  of  miracles  is  here  — 
Its  lowest  round  high  planted  in  the  skies  ; 
Its  towering  summit  lost,  beyond  the  thought 
Of  man  or  angel ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  507 


CHAPTER   CCIX. 

THE   APOSTLES    CHOSEN.  —  THE    SERMON    BEGUN. 

Life's  course  must  recommence  to-day — 

Another  path  be  trodden  ; 
With  heart  new-strung  I  take  my  way, 

Like  patient  pilgrim  plodding  ; 
With  prayer  and  song  n)y  road  I  tread, 
Thou,  Lord,  my  steps  wilt  safely  lead, 

I  walk  no  ill  foreboding. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days  that  he  went  out  into  a 
mountain  to  pray,  and  continued  all  night  in  prayer  to 
God.  And  when  it  was  day,  he  called  unto  him  his  disciples  : 
and  of  them  he  chose  twelve,  whom  also  he  named  apostles  ; 
Simon,  whom  he  also  named  Peter,  and  Andrew  his  brother, 
James  and  John,  Philip  and  Bartholomew,  Matthew  and  Thomas, 
James  the  son  of  Alpheus,  and  Simon  called  Zelotes,  and  Judas 
the  brother  of  James,  and  Judas  Iscariot,  which  also  was  the 
traitor.    , 

And  he  came  down  with  them,  and  stood  in  the  plain,  and  the 
company  of  his  disciples,  and  a  great  multitude  of  people  out  of 
all  Judea  and  Jerusalem,  and  from  the  sea  coast  of  Tyre  and 
Sidon,  which  came  to  hear  him,  and  to  be  healed  of  their  diseases  ; 
and  they  that  were  vexed  with  unclean  spirits  :  and  they  were 
healed.  And  the  whole  multitude  sought  to  touch  him  :  for 
there  went  virtue  out  of  him,  and  healed  them  all. 

O  Thou  pure  Light  of  souls  that  love,  true  joy  of  every  human  breast. 
Sower  of  life's  immortal  seed,  our  Saviour  and  Redeemer  blest  1 
Be  Thou  our  guide  ;  be  Thou  our  goal ;  be  Thou  our  pathway  to  the  skies  ; 
Our  joy,  when  sorrow  fills  the  soul ;  in  death  our  everlasting  prize. 

And  seeing  the  multitudes,  he  went  up  into  a  mountain  :  and 
when  he  was  set,  his  disciples  came  unto  him  :  and  he  opened 
his  mouth,  and  taught  them,  saying,  Blessed  are  the  poor  in 
spirit :  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Blessed  are  they 
that  mourn  :  for  they  shall  be  comforted.  Blessed  are  the  meek  : 
for  they  shall  inherit  the  earth.  Blessed  are  they  which  do 
hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness  :  for  they  shall  be  rilled. 


508  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Blessed  are  the  merciful :  for  they  shall  obtain  mercy.  Blessed 
are  the  pure  in  heart :  for  they  shall  see  God.  Blessed  are  the 
peacemakers  :  for  they  shall  be  called  the  children  of  God.  Blessed 
are  they  which  are  persecuted  for  righteousness'  sake :  for  theirs 
is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Blessed  are  ye,  when  men  shall 
revile  you,  and  persecute  you,  and  shall  say  all  manner  of  evil 
against  you  falsely,  for  my  sake.  Rejoice,  and  be  exceeding 
glad  :  for  great  is  your  reward  in  heaven  :  for  so  persecuted  they 
the  prophets  which  were  before  you. 

Rejoice  in  Christ  alway  ;  when  earth  looks  heavenly  bright, 

When  joy  makes  glad  the  livelong  day,  and  peace  shuts  in  the  night ; 

Rejoice  when  care  and  woe  the  fainting  soul  oppress  ; 

When  tears  at  wakeful  midnight  flow,  and  morn  brings  heaviness. 

When  should  they  not  rejoice,  whom  Christ  His  brethren  calls  ; 

Who  hear  and  know  His  guiding  voice,  when  on  their  hearts  it  falls  ? 

Ye  are  the  salt  of  the  earth  :  but  if  the  salt  have  lost  his 
savour,  wherewith  shall  it  be  salted .-'  it  is  thenceforth  good  for 
nothing,  but  to  be  cast  out,  and  to  be  trodden  underfoot  of  men. 
Ye  are  the  light  of  the  world.  A  city  that  is  set  on  a  hill  cannot 
be  hid.  Neither  do  men  light  a  candle,  and  put  it  under  a 
bushel,  but  on  a  candlestick  ;  and  it  giveth  light  unto  all  that 
are  in  the  house.  Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they 
may  see  your  good  works,  and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in 
heaven. 

Heaven  doth  with  us,  as  we  with  torches  do, 
Not  light  them  for  themselves  ;  for  if  our  virtues 
Did  not  go  forth  of  us,  'twere  all  alike 
As  if  we  had  them  not. 

Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy  the  law,  or  the  prophets  : 
I  am  not  come  to  destroy,  but  to  fulfil.  For  verily  I  say  unto 
you.  Till  heaven  and  earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall  in  no 
wise  pass  from  the  law,  till  all  be  fulfilled.  Whosoever  therefore 
shall  break  one  of  these  least  commandments,  and  shall  teach 
men  so,  he  shall  be  called  the  least  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven  : 
but  whosoever  shall  do  and  teach  them,  the  same  shall  be  called 
great  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  For  I  say  unto  you.  That  ex- 
cept your  righteousness  shall  exceed  the  righteousness  of  the 
scribes  and  Pharisees,  ye  shall  in  no  case  enter  into  the  kingdom 
of  heaven. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  509 

And  now,  what  were  you,  if  none  did  for  you 
What  you  ne'er  did  and  ne'er  can  do  for  him  ? 
For  what  can  you  return  to  God  for  all  ? 
Your  very  spirit  means  His  Spirit  —  given  — 
Then,  like  that  Spirit,  freely,  purely,  truly, 
Divinely,  do  for  every  one  your  best. 
Thus  only  can  you  live  in  righteousness, 
In  heavenly  peace,  joyful,  and  free  from  care  ; 
Thus  will  you  live  even  as  His  Spirit  lives  ; 
Thus  will  you  in  His  very  kingdom  dwell. 
Do  all  for  men  that  they  do  not  for  you  ! 

Ye  have  heard  that  it  hath  been  said,  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbour,  and  hate  thine  enemy.  But  I  say  unto  you,  Love 
your  enemies,  bless  them  that  curse  you,  do  good  to  them  that 
hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which  despitefully  use  you,  and  per- 
secute you  ;  that  ye  may  be  the  children  of  your  Father  which  is 
in  heaven  ;  for  he  maketh  his  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  on  the 
good,  and  sendeth  rain  on  the  just  and  on  the  unjust.  For  if  ye 
love  them  which  love  you,  what  reward  have  ye }  do  not  even 
the  publicans  the  same  .'*  And  if  ye  salute  your  brethren  only, 
what  do  ye  more  than  others  .''  do  not  even  the  publicans  so .-' 
Be  ye  therefore  perfect,  even  as  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven 
is  perfect. 

Take  heed  that  ye  do  not  your  alms  before  men,  to  be  seen  of 
them :  otherwise  ye  have  no  reward  of  your  Father  which  is  in 
heaven.  Therefore  when  thou  doest  thine  alms,  do  not  sound  a 
trumpet  before  thee,  as  the  hypocrites  do  in  the  synagogues  and 
in  the  streets,  that  they  may  have  glory  of  men.  Verily  I  say 
unto  you,  They  have  their  reward.  But  when  thou  doest  alms, 
let  not  thy  left  hand  know  what  thy  right  hand  doeth  :  that  thine 
alms  may  be  in  secret :  and  thy  Father  which  seeth  in  secret 
himself  shall  reward  thee  openly. 

How  many, 
In  the  devoted  temple  of  their  God, 
With  hypocritic  eye,  from  which  the  tear 
Of  penitential  anguish  seems  to  flow, 
Pour  forth  their  vows,  and  by  affected  zeal 
Preeminent  devotion  boast ;  while  vice 
Within  the  guilty  breast  rankles  unseen ! 


510  THE  BIBLE  AND  THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER  CCX. 

THE   SERMON    ON    THE    MOUNT   CONTINUED. 

O  Lord  !  how  happy  should  we  be, 
If  we  should  leave  our  cares  to  Thee ; 

If  we  from  self  could  rest ; 
And  feel  at  heart  that  One  above, 
In  perfect  wisdom,  perfect  love, 

Is  working  for  the  best. 

For  when  we  kneel  and  cast  our  care 
Upon  our  God,  in  humble  prayer, 

With  strenj^thened  souls  we  rise. 
Sure  that  our  Father,  who  is  nigh 
To  hear  the  ravens  when  they  cry. 

Will  hear  His  children's  cries. 

AND  when  thou  prayest,  thou  shalt  not  be  as  the  hypocrites 
are  :  for  they  love  to  pray  standing  in  the  synagogues  and 
in  the  corners  of  the  streets,  that  they  may  be  seen  of  men. 
Verily  I  say  unto  you,  They  have  their  reward.  But  thou,  when 
thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy  closet,  and  when  thou  hast  shut 
thy  door,  pray  to  thy  Father  which  is  in  secret ;  and  thy  Father 
which  seeth  in  secret  shall  reward  thee  openly.  But  when  ye 
pray,  use  not  vain  repetitions,  as  the  heathen  do  :  for  they  think 
that  they  shall  be  heard  for  their  much  speaking.  Be  not  ye 
therefore  like  unto  them  :  for  your  Father  knoweth  what  things 
ye  have  need  of,  before  ye  ask  him.  After  this  manner  therefore 
pray  ye  :  Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven.  Hallowed  be  thy  name. 
Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven. 
Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as 
we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but 
deliver  us  from  evil :  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power, 
and  the  glory,  for  ever.  Amen.  For  if  ye  forgive  men  their 
trespasses,  your  heavenly  Father  will  also  forgive  you  :  but  if  ye 
forgive  not  men  their  trespasses,  neither  will  your  Father  forgive 
your  trespasses. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  51 1 

Our  Father,  which  in  heaven  art,  we  sanctify  Thy  name : 

Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy  will  be  done :  in  heaven  and  earth  the  same : 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread :  and  us  forgive  Tliou  so. 

As  we  on  them  that  thus  offend  forgiveness  do  bestow : 

Into  temptation  lead  us  not,  but  us  from  evil  free : 

For  Thine  the  kingdom,  power,  and  praise  is,  and  shall  ever  be. 

Lay  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  upon  earth,  where  moth 
and  rust  doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  break  through  and  steal : 
but  lay  up  for  yourselves  treasures  in  heaven,  where  neither  moth 
nor  rust  doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  do  not  break  through 
nor  steal:  for  where  your  treasure  is,  there  will  your  heart  be 
also.  The  light  of  the  body  is  the  eye :  if  therefore  thine  eye 
be  single,  thy  whole  body  shall  be  full  of  light.  But  if  thine 
eye  be  evil,  thy  whole  body  shall  be  full  of  darkness.  If  there- 
fore the  light  that  is  in  thee  be  darkness,  how  great  is  that 
darkness ! 

Observe  the  rising  lily's  snowy  grace, 

Observe  the  various  vegetable  race  ; 

They  neither  toil,  nor  spin,  but  careless  grow, 

Yet  see  how  warm  they  blush  !  how  bright  they  glow  ! 

What  regal  vestments  can  with  them  compare  } 

What  king  so  shining  ?  or  what  queen  so  fair  1 

If  thus  the  fowls  of  heaven  He  feeds. 

If  o'er  the  fields  such  lucid  robes  He  spreads  : 

Will  He  not  care  for  you,  ye  faithless,  say  } 

Is  He  unwise  ?  or  are  ye  less  than  they  ? 

No  man  can  serve  two  masters  :  for  either  he  will  hate  the 
one,  and  love  the  other;  or  else  he  will  hold  to  the  one,  and 
despise  the  other.  Ye  cannot  serve  God  and  mammon.  There- 
fore I  say  unto  you.  Take  no  thought  for  your  life,  what  ye  shall 
eat,  or  what  ye  shall  drink;  nor  yet  for  your  body,  what  ye 
shall  put  on.  Is  not  the  life  more  than  meat,  and  the  body  than 
raiment }  Behold  the  fowls  of  the  air :  for  they  sow  not,  neither 
do  they  reap,  nor  gather  into  barns  ;  yet  your  heavenly  Father 
feedeth  them.  Are  ye  not  much  better  than  they.  Which 
of  you  by  taking  thought  can  add  one  cubit  unto  his  stature  ? 
And  why  take  ye  thought  for  raiment }  Consider  the  lilies  of 
the  field,  how  they  grow  ;  they  toil  not,  neither  do  they  spin : 
and  yet  I  say  unto  you.  That  even  Solomon  in  all  his  glory 
was  not  arrayed  like  one  of  these.  Wherefore,  if  God  so  clothe 
the  grass  of   the  field,  which  to-day  is,  and  to-morrow  is  cast 


512  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

into  the  oven,  shall  he  not  much  more  clothe  you,  O  ye  of  little 
faith  ? 

Relics  ye  are  of  Eden's  bowers, 

As  pure,  as  fragrant  and  as  fair, 
As  when  ye  crowned  the  sunshine  hours, 

Of  happy  wanderers  there. 
Fallen  all  beside  :  —  the  world  of  life, 
How  is  it  stained  with  fear  and  strife  ! 
In  reason's  world  what  storms  are  rife  ! 

What  passions  range  and  glare  ! 

Alas  !  of  thousand  bosoms  kind, 

That  daily  court  you  and  caress, 
How  few  the  happy  secret  find 

Of  your  calm  loveliness  ! 
Live  for  to-day  !  to-morrow's  light 
To-morrow's  cares  shall  bring  to  sight ; 
Go  sleep  like  closing  flowers  at  night, 

And  Heaven  thy  morn  will  bless  ! 

Therefore  take  no  thought,  saying,  What  shall  we  eat  ?  or, 
What  shall  we  drink  ?  or.  Wherewithal  shall  we  be  clothed  ? 
(For  after  all  these  things  do  the  Gentiles  seek :)  for  your  heav- 
enly Father  knoweth  that  ye  have  need  of  all  these  things.  But 
seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  his  righteousness  ;  and  all 
these  things  shall  be  added  unto  you.  Take  therefore  no  thought 
for  the  morrow :  for  the  morrow  shall  take  thought  for  the  things 
of  itself.     Sufficient  unto  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof. 

To-morrow  you  will  live,  you  always  cry : 
In  what  far  country  does  this  morrow  lie, 
That  'tis  so  mighty  long  ere  it  arrive  ? 
Beyond  the  Indies  does  this  morrow  live  ? 

'Tis  so  far  fetched  this  morrow,  that  I  fear 
'Twill  be  both  very  old  and  very  dear. 
To-morrow  I  will  live,  the  fool  does  say : 
To-day  itself 's  too  late  ;  the  wise  lived  yesterday ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  513 


CHAPTER   CCXI. 

THE    SERMON    ON    THE    MOUNT    ENDED. 

When  He  that  ruled  them  with  a  shepherd's  rod, 

In  form  a  man,  in  dignity  a  God, 

Came  not  expected  in  that  humble  guise. 

To  sift,  and  search  them  with  unerring  eyes, 

He  found,  concealed  beneath  their  fair  outside, 

The  filth  of  rottenness  and  worm  of  pride, 

Their  piety  a  system  of  deceit, 

Scripture  employed  to  sanctify  the  cheat, 

The  Pharisee  the  dupe  of  his  own  art. 

Self-idolized,  and  yet  a  knave  at  heart. 

JUDGE  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged.  For  with  what  judgment 
ye  judge,  ye  shall  be  judged :  and  with  what  measure  ye 
mete,  it  shall  be  measured  to  you  again.  And  why  beholdest 
thou  the  mote  that  is  in  thy  brother's  eye,  but  considerest  not 
the  beam  that  is  in  thine  own  eye  .''  Or  how  wilt  thou  say  to 
thy  brother.  Let  me  pull  out  the  mote  out  of  thine  eye ;  and, 
behold,  a  beam  is  in  thine  own  eye  }  Thou  hypocrite,  first  cast 
out  the  beam  out  of  thine  own  eye  ;  and  then  shalt  thou  see 
clearly  to  cast  out  the  mote  out  of  thy  brother's  eye. 

The  jewel  that  we  find,  we  stoop  and  take  it, 
Because  we  see  it ;  but  what  we  do  not  see 
We  tread  upon,  and  never  think  of  it. 

Give  not  that  which  is  holy  unto  the  dogs,  neither  cast  ye 
your  pearls  before  swine,  lest  they  trample  them  under  their 
feet,  and  turn  again  and  rend  you. 

Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you  ;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find ;  knock, 
and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you  :  for  every  one  that  asketh 
receiveth ;  and  he  that  seeketh  findeth ;  and  to  him  that 
knocketh  it  shall  be  opened.  Or  what  man  is  there  of  you, 
whom  if  his  son  ask  bread,  will  he  give  him  a  stone  .-'  Or  if  he 
ask  a  fish,  will  he  give  him  a  serpent  ?  If  ye  then,  being  evil, 
know  how  to  give  good  gifts  unto  your  children,  how  much 
more  shall  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven  give  good  things  to 
them  that  ask  him  "i     Therefore  all  things  whatsoever  ye  would 

33 


514  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them  :  for  this  is 
the  law  and  the  prophets. 

The  new  religion  —  final,  perfect,  pure  — 

Was  that  of  Christ  and  love.     His  great  command  — 

His  all  sufficing  precept  —  was't  not  love  ? 

Truly  to  love  ourselves  we  must  love  God,  — 

To  love  God  we  must  all  his  creatures  love,  — 

To  love  his  creatures,  both  ourselves  and  Him. 

Thus  love  is  all  that's  wise,  fair,  good,  and  happy  ! 

Enter  ye  in  at  the  strait  gate :  for  wide  is  the  gate,  and  broad 
is  the  way,  that  leadeth  to  destruction,  and  many  there  be  which 
go  in  thereat :  because  strait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow  is  the  way, 
which  leadeth  unto  life,  and  few  there  be  that  find  it. 

He,  who  would  reign  with  Christ  above, 
Must  here,  in  patient  faith  and  love, 
First  tread  that  rough  and  thorny  road, 
Which  Christ  before  him  meekly  trod. 

Beware  of  false  prophets,  which  come  to  you  in  sheep's  cloth- 
ing, but  inwardly  they  are  ravening  wolves.  Ye  shall  know  them 
by  their  fruits.  Do  men  gather  grapes  of  thorns,  or  figs  of 
thistles  .''  Even  so  every  good  tree  bringeth  forth  good  fruit ; 
but  a  corrupt  tree  bringeth  forth  evil  fruit.  A  good  tree  cannot 
bring  forth  evil  fruit,  neither  can  a  corrupt  tree  bring  forth  good 
fruit.  Every  tree  that  bringeth  not  forth  good  fruit  is  hewn 
down,  and  cast  into  the  fire.  Wherefore  by  their  fruits  ye  shall 
know  them. 

Life's  more  than  breath  and  the  quick  round  of  blood, 
'Tis  a  great  spirit  and  a  busy  heart. 
We  live  in  deeds,  not  years  ;  in  thoughts,  not  breaths  ; 
In  feelings,  not  in  figures  on  a  dial. 
We  should  count  time  by  heart-throbs.     He  most  lives 
Who  thinks  most  —  feels  the  noblest  — acts  the  best; 
And  he  whose  heart  beats  quickest,  lives  the  longest  — 
Lives  in  one  hour  more  than  in  years  do  some 
Whose  fat  blood  sleeps,  as  it  slips  along  their  veins. 
Life's  but  a  means  unto  an  end  —  that  end, 
Beginning,  mean,  and  end  to  all  things  —  God. 
The  dead  have  all  the  glory  of  the  world  ! 

Not  every  one  that  saith  unto  me.  Lord,  Lord,  shall  enter  into 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  my  Father 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  515 

which  is  in  heaven.  Many  will  say  to  me  in  that  day,  Lord, 
Lord,  have  we  not  prophesied  in  thy  name  ?  and  in  thy  name 
have  cast  out  devils  ?  and  in  thy  name  done  many  wonderful 
works  ?  And  then  will  I  profess  unto  them,  I  never  knew  you  : 
depart  from  me,  ye  that  work  iniquity. 

Therefore  whosoever  heareth  these  sayings  of  mine,  and  doeth 
them,  I  will  liken  him  unto  a  wise  man,  which  built  his  house 
upon  a  rock :  and  the  rain  descended,  and  the  floods  came,  and 
the  winds  blew,  and  beat  upon  that  house  ;  and  it  fell  not  :  for 
it  was  founded  upon  a  rock.  And  every  one  that  heareth  these 
sayings  of  mine,  and  doeth  them  not,  shall  be  likened  unto  a 
foolish  man,  which  built  his  house  upon  the  sand  :  and  the  rain 
descended,  and  the  floods  came,  and  the  winds  blew,  and  beat 
upon  that  house  ;  and  it  fell :  and  great  was  the  fall  of  it.  And 
it  came  to  pass,  when  Jesus  had  ended  these  sayings,  the  people 
were  astonished  at  his  doctrine:  for  he  taught  them  as  one  hav- 
ing authority,  and  not  as  the  scribes. 


CHAPTER   CCXn. 

MIRACLES. THE    LEPER. THE    CENTURIOn's    SERVANT. 

THE    widow's    son. 

"  Room  for  the  leper  !  "     And  aside  they  stood  — 
Matron  and  child,  and  pitiless  manhood,  —  all 
Who  met  him  on  his  way  —  and  let  him  pass. 
And  onward  through  the  open  gate  he  came, 
A  leper  with  the  ashes  on  his  brow, 
Sackcloth  about  his  loins,  and  on  his  lip 
A  covering,  stepping  painfully  and  slow, 
And  with  a  difficult  utterance,  like  one 
Whose  heart  is  with  an  iron  nerve  put  down, 
Crying,  Unclean  !   Unclean  ! 

WHEN  he  was  come  down  from  the  mountain,  great  multi- 
tudes followed  him.  And,  behold,  there  came  a  leper  and 
worshipped  him,  saying,  Lord,  if  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  make  me 
clean.  And  Jesus  put  forth  his  hand,  and  touched  him,  say- 
ing, I  will ;  be  thou  clean.     And  immediately  his  leprosy  was 


5l6  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

cleansed.  And  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  See  thou  tell  no  man  ; 
but  go  thy  way,  shew  thyself  to  the  priest,  and  offer  the  gift 
that  Moses  commanded,  for  a  testimony  unto  them. 

And  when  Jesus  was  entered  into  Capernaum,  a  certain  cen- 
turion's servant,  who  was  dear  unto  him,  was  sick,  and  ready  to 
die.  And  when  he  heard  of  Jesus,  he  sent  unto  him  the  elders 
of  the  Jews,  beseeching  him  that  he  would  come  and  heal  his 
servant.  And  when  they  came  to  Jesus,  they  besought  him 
instantly,  saying,  That  he  was  worthy  for  whom  he  should  do 
this  :  for  he  loveth  our  nation,  and  he  hath  built  us  a  synagogue. 
Then  Jesus  went  with  them.  And  when  he  was  now  not  far 
from  the  house,  the  centurion  sent  friends  to  him,  saying  unto 
him.  Lord,  trouble  not  thyself ;  for  I  am  not  worthy  that  thou 
shouldest  enter  under  my  roof :  wherefore  neither  thought  I 
myself  worthy  to  come  unto  thee :  but  say  in  a  word,  and  my 
servant  shall  be  healed.  For  I  also  am  a  man  set  under  author- 
rity,  having  under  me  soldiers,  and  I  say  unto  one.  Go,  and  he 
goeth  ;  and  to  another.  Come,  and  he  cometh  ;  and  to  my  ser- 
vant. Do  this,  and  he  doeth  it.  When  Jesus  heard  it,  he  mar- 
velled, and  said  to  them  that  followed.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  I 
have  not  found  so  great  faith,  no,  not  in  Israel.  And  I  say  unto 
you,  That  many  shall  come  from  the  east  and  west,  and  shall  sit 
down  with  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  :  but  the  children  of  the  kingdom  shall  be  cast  out  into 
outer  darkness  :  there  shall  be  weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth. 
And  they  that  were  sent,  returning  to  the  house,  found  the  ser- 
vant whole  that  had  been  sick. 

Though  great  our  sins,  and  sore  our  wounds, 

And  deep  and  dark  our  fall, 
His  helping  mercy  hath  no  bounds, 
•  His  love  surpasseth  all. 
Our  trusty,  loving  shepherd  He, 
Who  shall  at  last  set  Israel  free 

From  all  their  sin  and  sorrow. 

And  it  came  to  pass  the  day  after,  that  he  went  into  a  city 
called  Nain  ;  and  many  of  his  disciples  went  with  hijn,  and  much 
people.  Now  when  he  came  nigh  to  the  gate  of  the  city,  behold, 
there  was  a  dead  man  carried  out,  the  only  son  of  his  mother, 
and  she  was  a  widow  :  and  much  people  of  the  city  was  with 
her.     And  when  the  Lord  saw  her,  he  had  compassion  on  her, 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  517 

and  said  unto  her,  Weep  not.  And  he  came  and  touched  the 
bier :  and  they  that  bare  him  stood  still.  And  he  said,  Young 
man,  I  say  unto  thee,  Arise.  And  he  that  was  dead  sat  up,  and 
began  to  speak.  And  he  delivered  him  to  his  mother.  And 
there  came  a  fear  on  all :  and  they  glorified  God,  saying,  That  a 
great  prophet  is  risen  up  among  us  ;  and.  That  God  hath  visited 
his  people.  And  this  rumour  of  him  went  forth  throughout  all 
Judea,  and  throughout  all  the  region  round  about.  And  the 
disciples  of  John  shewed  him  of  all  these  things. 

He  that  was  dead  rose  up  and  spoke,  —  He  spoke  ! 

Was  it  of  that  majestic  world  unknown  ? 
Those  words,  which  first  the  bier's  dread  silence  broke, 

Came  they  with  revelation  in  each  tone  ? 
Were  the  far  cities  of  the  nations  gone, 

The  solemn  halls  of  consciousness  or  sleep, 
For  man  uncurtained  by  that  spirit  lone, 

Back  from  their  portal  summoned  o'er  the  deep  ? 
Be  hushed,  my  soul !  the  veil  of  darkness  lay 
Still  drawn  :  — thy  Lord  called  back  the  voice  departed, 
To  spread  His  truth,  to  comfort  His  weak-hearted, 
Not  to  reveal  the  mysteries  of  its  way. 
Oh  !  take  that  lesson  home  in  silent  faith, 
Put  on  submissive  strength  to  meet,  not  question  death  ! 


CHAPTER   CCXIII. 

JESUS    FEASTED    BY   A    PHARISEE,    AND    ANOINTED    BY   A 

SINNER. 

Self-boasting  Pharisee  !  how  blind 

A  judge  wert  thou,  and  how  unkind  ! 

It  was  impossible  that  thou. 

Who  wert  all  false,  shouldst  true  grief  know. 

Is't  just  to  judge  her  faithful  tears 

By  that  foul  rheum  thy  false  eye  wears .'' 

This  woman,  sayest  thou,  is  a  sinner  ! 
And  sate  there  none  such  at  thy  dinner  ? 
Go,  leper,  go  !  wash  till  thy  flesh 
Comes  like  a  child's,  spotless  and  fresh ; 
He  is  still  leprous  that  still  paints  : 
Who  saint  themselves,  they  are  no  saints  ! 


5l8  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

AND  one  of  the  Pharisees  desired  him  that  he  would  eat 
with  him.  And  he  went  into  the  Pharisee's  house,  and 
sat  down  to  meat.  And,  behold,  a  woman  in  the  city,  which 
was  a  sinner,  when  she  knew  that  Jesus  sat  at  meat  in  the 
Pharisee's  house,  brought  an  alabaster  box  of  ointment,  and  stood 
at  his  feet  behind  him  weeping,  and  began  to  wash  his  feet 
with  tears,  and  did  wipe  them  with  the  hairs  of  her  head,  ami 
kissed  his  feet,  and  anointed  them  with  the  ointment.  Now 
when  the  Pharisee  which  had  bidden  him  saw  it,  he  spake  within 
himself,  saying,  This  man,  if  he  were  a  prophet,  would  have 
known  who  and  what  manner  of  woman  this  is  that  toucheth 
him  ;  for  she  is  a  sinner.  And  Jesus  answering  said  unto 
him,  Simon,  I  have  somewhat  to  say  unto  thee.  And  he  saith, 
Master,  say  on.  There  was  a  certain  creditor  which  had  two 
debtors :  the  one  owed  five  hundred  pence,  and  the  other  fifty. 
And  when  they  had  nothing  to  pay,  he  frankly  forgave  them 
both.  Tell  me  therefore,  which  of  them  will  love  him  most } 
Simon  answered  and  said,  I  suppose  that  he,  to  whom  he  for- 
gave most.  And  he  said  unto  him.  Thou  hast  rightly  judged. 
And  he  turned  to  the  woman,  and  said  unto  Simon,  Seest  thou 
this  woman  .-*  I  entered  into  thine  house,  thou  gavest  me  no 
water  for  my  feet :  but  she  hath  washed  my  feet  with  tears,  and 
wiped  them  with  the  hairs  of  her  head.  Thou  gavest  me  no 
kiss  :  but  this  woman,  since  the  time  I  came  in,  hath  not  ceased 
to  kiss  my  feet.  My  head  with  oil  thou  didst  not  anoint :  but 
this  woman  hath  anointed  my  feet  with  ointment.  Wherefore  I 
say  unto  thee.  Her  sins,  which  are  many,  are  forgiven  ;  for  she 
loved  much :  but  to  whom  little  is  forgiven,  the  same  loveth 
little.  And  he  said  unto  her,  Thy  sins  are  forgiven.  And  they 
that  sat  at  meat  with  him  began  to  say  within  themselves.  Who 
is  this  that  forgiveth  sins  also  }  And  he  said  to  the  woman, 
Thy  faith  hath  saved  thee  ;    go  in  peace. 

She  being  stained  herself,  why  did  she  strive 

To  make  Him  clean,  who  could  not  be  defiled? 

Why  kept  she  not  her  tears  for  her  own  faults, 

And  not  His  feet  ?     Though  we  could  dive 

In  tears  like  Seas,  our  sins  are  piled 

Deeper  than  they,  in  words,  and  works,  and  thoughts. 


She  sat  and  wept,  and  with  her  untressed  hair 
Still  wiped  the  feet  she  was  so  blest  to  touch  ; 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  519 

And  He  wiped  off  the  soiling  of  despair 
From  her  sweet  soul,  because  she  loved  so  much! 
I  am  a  sinner,  full  of  doubts  and  fears  ; 
Make  me  a  humble  thing  of  love  and  tears  ! 


CHAPTER   CCXIV. 

THE     MESSAGE     OF    JESUS    TO    JOHN.  HIS     REPROOFS    AND 

DENUNCIATIONS. HIS    THANKS    TO    HIS    FATHER. HIS 

LOVING   CALL. 

When  o'er  Judea's  vales  and  hills, 
Or  by  the  olive-shaded  rills, 
Thy  weary  footsteps  went  of  old, 
Or  walked  the  lulling  waters  bold,  — 
How  beauteous  were  the  marks  divine 
That  in  Thy  meekness  used  to  shine. 
That  lit  Thy  lonely  pathway,  trod 
In  wondrous  love,  O  Lamb  of  God  ! 

NOW  when  John  had  heard  in  the  prison  the  works  of  Christ, 
he  sent  two  of  his  disciples,  and  said  unto  him,  Art  thou 
he  that  should  come,  or  do  we  look  for  another  ?  Jesus  answered 
and  said  unto  them,  Go  and  shew  John  again  those  things  which 
ye  do  hear  and  see :  the  blind  receive  their  sight,  and  the  lame 
walk,  the  lepers  are  cleansed,  and  the  deaf  hear,  the  dead  are 
raised  up,  and  the  poor  have  the  gospel  preached  to  them.  And 
blessed  is  he,  whosoever  shall  not  be  offended  in  me. 

Oft  beneath 
The  saintly  vail,  the  votary  of  sin 
May  lurk  unseen,  and  to  that  eye  alone 
Which  penetrates  the  inmost  heart,  revealed. 

And  as  he  spake,  a  certain  Pharisee  besought  him  to  dine 
with  him  ;  and  he  went  in,  and  sat  down  to  meat.  And  when 
the  Pharisee  saw  it,  he  marvelled  that  he  had  not  first  washed 
before  dinner.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Now  do  ye  Phari- 
sees make  clean  the  outside  of  the  cup  and  the  platter  ;  but 
your  inward  part  is  full  of  ravening  and  wickedness.     Ye  fools, 


520  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

did  not  he,  that  made  that  which  is  without,  make  that  which  is 
within  also  ?  But  rather  give  ahns  of  such  things  as  ye  have  ; 
and,  behold,  all  things  are  clean  unto  you.  But  woe  unto  you, 
Pharisees  !  for  ye  tithe  mint  and  rue  and  all  manner  of  herbs, 
and  pass  over  judgment  and  the  love  of  God :  these  ought  ye  to 
have  done,  and  not  to  leave  the  other  undone.  Woe  unto  you, 
Pharisees  !  for  ye  love  the  uppermost  seats  in  the  synagogues, 
and  greetings  in  the  markets.  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Phari- 
sees, hypocrites  !  for  ye  are  as  graves  which  appear  not,  and  the 
men  that  walk  over  them  are  not  aware  of  them. 

Hypocrisy,  detest  her  as  we  may, 
(And  no  man's  hatred  ever  wronged  her  yet) 
May  claim  this  merit  still,  that  she  admits 
The  worth  of  what  she  mimics  with  such  care, 
And  thus  gives  virtue  indirect  applause  ! 

Then  answered  one  of  the  lawyers,  and  said  unto  him.  Master, 
thus  saying  thou  reproachest  us  also.  And  he  said.  Woe  unto 
you  also,  ye  lawyers  !  for  ye  lade  men  with  burdens  grievous  to 
be  borne,  and  ye  yourselves  touch  not  the  burdens  with  one  of 
your  fingers.  Woe  unto  you  !  for  ye  build  the  sepulchres  of  the 
prophets,  and  your  fathers  killed  them.  Truly  ye  bear  witness 
that  ye  allow  the  deeds  of  your  fathers  :  for  they  indeed  killed 
them,  and  ye  build  their  sepulchres.  Therefore  also  said  the 
wisdom  of  God,  I  will  send  them  prophets  and  apostles,  and  some 
of  them  they  shall  slay  and  persecute  :  that  the  blood  of  all  the 
prophets,  which  was  shed  from  the  foundation  of  the  world,  may 
be  required  of  this  generation  ;  from  the  blood  of  Abel  unto  the 
blood  of  Zacharias,  which  perished  between  the  altar  and  the 
temple :  verily  I  say  unto  you.  It  shall  be  required  of  this  gener- 
ation. Woe  unto  you,  lawyers  !  for  ye  have  taken  away  the  key 
of  knowledge :  ye  entered  not  in  yourselves,  and  them  that  were 
entering  in  ye  hindered.  And  as  he  said  these  things  unto  them, 
the  scribes  and  the  Pharisees  began  to  urge  him  vehemently,  and 
to  provoke  him  to  speak  of  many  things  :  laying  wait  for  him, 
and  seeking  to  catch  something  out  of  his  mouth,  that  they  might 
accuse  him. 

Ay,  Justice,  who  evades  her  ?  her  scales  reach  every  heart ; 

The  action  and  the  motive,  she  weigheth  each  apart ; 

And  none,  who  swerve  from  right  and  truth,  can  'scape  her  penalty. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  52 1 

Then  began  he  to  upbraid  the  cities  wherein  most  of  his  mighty- 
works  were  done,  because  they  repented  not :  Woe  unto  thee, 
Chorazin !  woe  unto  thee,  Bethsaida !  for  if  the  mighty  works, 
which  were  done  in  you,  had  been  done  in  Tyre  and  Sidon,  they 
would  have  repented  long  ago  in  sackcloth  and  ashes.  But  I  say 
unto  you,  It  shall  be  more  tolerable  for  Tyre  and  Sidon  at  the 
day  of  judgment,  than  for  you.  And  thou,  Capernaum,  which  art 
exalted  unto  heaven,  shall  be  brought  down  to  hell  :  for  if  the 
mighty  works,  which  have  been  done  in  thee,  had  been  done  in 
Sodom,  it  would  have  remained  until  this  day.  But  I  say  unto 
you,  That  it  shall  be  more  tolerable  for  the  land  of  Sodom  in  the 
day  of  judgment,  than  for  thee. 

At  that  time  Jesus  answered  and  said,  I  thank  thee,  O  Father, 
Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things 
from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them  unto  babes. 
Even  so,  Father ;  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy  sight.  All  things 
are  delivered  unto  me  of  my  Father :  and  no  man  knoweth  the 
Son,  but  the  Father ;  neither  knoweth  any  man  the  Father,  save 
the  Son,  and  he  to  whomsoever  the  Son  will  reveal  him. 

Come,  freely  come,  by  sin  oppressed ; 

Unburden  here  thy  weighty  load  ; 
Here  find  thy  refuge  and  thy  rest, 

And  trust  the  mercy  of  thy  God : 
Thy  God's  thy  Saviour  —  glorious  word  ! 
For  ever  love  and  praise  the  Lord. 

Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I 
will  give  you  rest.  Take  my  yoke  upon  you,  and  learn  of  me  ; 
for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart :  and  ye  shall  find  rest  unto 
your  souls.     For  my  yoke  is  easy,  and  my  burden  is  light. 

I  rest  with  Thee  !     With  Thee,  whose  wondrous  love 
Descends  to  seek  the  lost,  the  fallen  raise  ; 

Oh  !  that  my  whole  of  future  life  might  prove 
One  hallelujah,  one  glad  song  of  praise  ! 

So  shall  I  sing,  as  time's  last  moments  flee, 

Now,  and  for  ever,  Lord,  I  rest  with  Thee  ! 


522  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POSTS. 


CHAPTER  CCXV. 

THE    PARABLE    OF   THE    SOWER. 

Nothing  but  leaves  ;  no  garnered  sheaves 

Of  life's  fair,  ripened  grain  ; 
Words,  idle  words,  for  earnest  deeds  ; 
We  sow  our  seeds  —  lo  !  tares  and  weeds  j 

We  reap  with  toil  and  pain 
Nothing  but  leaves  ! 

THE  same  day  went  Jesus  out  of  the  house,  and  sat  by  the 
sea  side.  And  great  multitudes  were  gathered  together 
unto  him,  so  that  he  went  into  a  ship,  and  sat ;  and  the  whole 
multitude  stood  on  the  shore.  And  he  spake  many  things  unto 
them  in  parables,  saying,  Behold,  a  sower  went  forth  to  sow ; 
and  when  he  sowed,  some  seeds  fell  by  the  way-side,  and  the 
fowls  came  and  devoured  them  up :  some  fell  upon  stony  places, 
where  they  had  not  much  earth :  and  forthwith  they  sprung  up, 
because  they  had  no  deepness  of  earth :  and  when  the  sun  was 
up,  they  were  scorched ;  and  because  they  had  no  root,  they 
withered  away.  And  some  fell  among  thorns  ;  and  the  thorns 
sprung  up,  and  choked  them  :  but  others  fell  into  good  ground, 
and  brought  forth  fruit,  some  a  hundred-fold,  some  sixty-fold, 
some  thirty-fold.  Who  hath  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear.  And 
the  disciples  came,  and  said  unto  him.  Why  speakest  thou  unto 
them  in  parables  .■*  He  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Because 
it  is  given  unto  you  to  know  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven,  but  to  them  it  is  not  given.  For  whosoever  hath,  to 
him  shall  be  given,  and  he  shall  have  more  abundance :  but 
whosoever  hath  not,  from  him  shall  be  taken  away  even  that 
he  hath.  Therefore  speak  I  to  them  in  parables  :  because  they 
seeing  see  not ;  and  hearing  they  hear  not,  neither  do  they  un- 
derstand. And  in  them  is  fulfilled  the  prophecy  of  Esaias,  which 
saith,  By  hearing  ye  shall  hear,  and  shall  not  understand  ;  and 
seeing  ye  shall  see,  and  shall  not  perceive :  for  this  people's 
heart  is  waxed  gross,  and  their  ears  are  dull  of  hearing,  and 
their  eyes  they  have  closed  ;  lest  at  any  time  they  should  see 
with  their  eyes,  and  hear  with  their  ears,  and  should  under- 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  523 

Stand  with  their  heart,  and  should  be  converted,  and  I  should 
heal  them.  But  blessed  are  your  eyes,  for  they  see :  and  your 
ears,  for  they  hear.  For  verily  I  say  unto  you,  That  many 
prophets  and  righteous  men  have  desired  to  see  those  things 
which  ye  see,  and  have  not  seen  them  ;  and  to  hear  those  things 
which  ye  hear,  and  have  not  heard  them. 

Sower  Divine  !  sow  the  good  seed  in  me,  seed  for  eternity. 
'Tis  a  rough  and  barren  soil,  yet,  by  Thy  care  and  toil, 
Make  it  a  fruitful  field  an  hundred  told  to  yield. 
Sower  Divine,  plow  up  this  heart  of  mine  ! 

Hear  ye  therefore  the  parable  of  the  sower.  When  any  one 
heareth  the  word  of  the  kingdom,  and  understandeth  it  not,  then 
Cometh  the  wicked  one,  and  catcheth  away  that  which  was  sown 
in  his  heart.  This  is  he  which  received  seed  by  the  way-side. 
But  he  that  received  the  seed  into  stony  places,  the  same  is  he 
that  heareth  the  word,  and  anon  with  joy  receiveth  it ;  yet  hath 
he  not  root  in  himself,  but  dureth  for  a  while  :  for  when  tribula- 
tion or  persecution  ariseth  because  of  the  word,  by  and  by  he  is 
offended.  He  also  that  received  seed  among  the  thorns  is  he 
that  heareth  the  word  ;  and  the  care  of  this  world,  and  the  de- 
ceitfulness  of  riches,  choke  the  word,  and  he  becometh  unfruit- 
ful. But  he  that  received  seed  into  the  good  ground  is  he  that 
heareth  the  word,  and  understandeth  it ;  which  also  beareth 
fruit,  and  bringeth  forth,  some  a  hundred-fold,  some  sixty,  some 
thirty. 

The  Son  of  God  in  doing  good, 

Was  fain  to  look  to  Heaven  and  sigh 
And  shall  the  heirs  of  sinful  blood 

Seek  joy  unmixed  in  charity  ? 
God  will  not  let  love's  work  impart 

Full  solace,  lest  it  steal  the  heart; 
Be  thou  content  in  tears  to  sow, 
Blessing,  like  Jesus,  in  thy  woe. 


524  THE  BIBLE  AND  THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CCXVI. 

THE    PARABLE    OF   THE    TARES. ITS   EXPLANATION. 

Sow  in  the  morn  thy  seed, 

At  eve  hold  not  thine  hand  — 
To  doubt  and  fear  give  thou  no  heed  — 

Broad-cast  it  o'er  the  land. 
And  duly  shall  appear, 

In  verdure,  beauty,  strength. 
The  tender  blade,  the  stalk,  the  ear, 

And  the  full  corn  at  length. 
Thou  canst  not  toil  in  vain  — 

Cold,  heat,  and  moist,  and  dry 
Shall  foster,  and  mature  the  grain 

For  garners  in  the  sky. 

ANOTHER  parable  put  he  forth  unto  them,  saying,  The 
kingdom  of  heaven  is  Hkenecl  unto  a  man  which  sowed 
good  seed  in  his  field  :  but  while  men  slept,  his  enemy  came 
and  sowed  tares  among  the  wheat,  and  went  his  way.  But 
when  the  blade  was  sprung  up,  and  brought  forth  fruit,  then 
appeared  the  tares  also.  So  the  servants  of  the  householder 
came  and  said  unto  him.  Sir,  didst  not  thou  sow  good  seed  in 
thy  .field  .''  from  whence  then  hath  it  tares  .''  He  said  unto  them, 
An  enemy  hath  done  this.  The  servants  said  unto  him,  Wilt 
thou  then  that  we  go  and  gather  them  up  }  But  he  said,  Nay  ; 
lest  while  ye  gather  up  the  tares,  ye  root  up  also  the  wheat  with 
them.  Let  both  grow  together  until  the  harvest :  and  in  the  time 
of  harvest  I  will  say  to  the  reapers,  Gather  ye  together  first  the 
tares,  and  bind  them  in  bundles  to  burn  them  :  but  gather  the 
wheat  into  my  barn. 

Even  in  the  joy  of  Harvest,  see.  His  brand 
.    Over  the  chaff  is  kindling  ;  sheaves  for  food 
And  tares  for  fire,  He  binds  in  equal  band. 
At  vintage  time  His  robes  are  rolled  in  blood. 

Then  Jesus  sent  the  multitude  away,  and  went  into  the  house  : 
and  his  disciples  came  unto  him,  saying,  Declare  unto  us  the 
parable  of  the  tares  of  the  field.  He  answered  and  said  unto 
them,  He  that  soweth  the  good  seed  is  the  Son  of  man  ;    the 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  525 

field  is  the  world  ;  the  good  seed  are  the  children  of  the  king- 
dom ;  but  the  tares  are  the  children  of  the  wicked  one ;  the 
enemy  that  sowed  them  is  the  devil ;  the  harvest  is  the  end  of 
the  world  ;  and  the  reapers  are  the  angels.  As  therefore  the 
tares  are  gathered  and  burned  in  the  fire  ;  so  shall  it  be  in  the 
end  of  this  world.  The  Son  of  man  shall  send  forth  his  angels, 
and  they  shall  gather  out  of  his  kingdom  all  things  that  offend, 
and  them  which  do  iniquity  ;  and  shall  cast  them  into  a  furnace 
of  fire :  there  shall  be  wailing  and  gnashing  of  teeth.  Then 
shall  the  righteous  shine  forth  as  the  sun  in  the  kingdom  of 
their  Father,     Who  hath  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear. 

We  shape  ourselves  the  joy  or  fear 

Of  which  the  coming  Hfe  is  made, 
And  fill  our  future's  atmosphere 

With  sunshine  or  with  shade. 
The  tissue  of  the  life  to  be 

We  weave  with  colours  all  our  own, 
And  in  the  field  of  destiny 

We  reap  as  we  have  sown. 


CHAPTER   CCXVII. 

PARABLE  OF  THE  RICH  FOOL. THE  OTHER  VIEW. 

AND  one  of  the  company  said  unto  him,  Master,  speak  to  my 
brother,  that  he  divide  the  inheritance  with  me.  And  he 
said  unto  him,  Man,  who  made  me  a  judge  or  a  divider  over  you  } 
And  he  said  unto  them.  Take  heed,  and  beware  of  covetousness : 
for  a  man's  life  consisteth  not  in  the  abundance  of  the  things 
which  he  possesseth. 

Crown  thyself,  worm,  and  worship  thine  own  lusts  !  — 

No  coarse  and  blockish  God  of  acreage 

Stands  at  thy  gate  for  thee  to  grovel  to  — 

Thy  God  is  far  diffused  in  noble  groves 

And  princely  halls,  and  farms,  and  flowing  lawns, 

And  heaps  of  living  gold  that  daily  grow. 

And  title-scrolls  and  gorgeous  heraldries  : 

In  such  a  shape  dost  thou  behold  thy  God. 

And  he  spake  a  parable  unto  them,  saying,  The  ground  of  a 
certain    rich    man   brought  forth    plentifully :   and   he   thought 


526  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

within  himself,  saying,  What  shall  I  do,  because  I  have  no  room 
where  to  bestow  my  fruits  ?  And  he  said.  This  will  I  do  :  I  will 
pull  down  my  barns,  and  build  greater ;  and  there  will  I  bestow 
all  my  fruits  and  my  goods.  And  I  will  say  to  my  soul.  Soul, 
thou  hast  much  goods  laid  up  for  many  years  ;  take  thine  ease, 
eat,  drink,  and  be  merry.  But  God  said  unto  him.  Thou  fool, 
this  night  thy  soul  shall  be  required  of  thee :  then  whose  shall 
those  things  be,  which  thou  hast  provided  t  So  is  he  that  layeth 
up  treasure  for  himself,  and  is  not  rich  toward  God. 

By  Nature's  law,  what  may  be,  may  be  now ; 

There's  no  prerogative  in  human  hours  : 

In  human  hearts  what  bolder  thought  can  rise, 

Than  man's  presumption  on  to-morrow's  dawn  1 

Where  is  to-morrow  .''     In  another  world. 

For  numbers  this  is  certain ;  the  reverse 

Is  sure  to  none ;  and  yet  on  this  perhaps, 

This  peradventure,  infamous  for  lies, 

As  on  a  rock  of  adamant  we  build 

Our  mountain  hopes  ;  spin  out  eternal  schemes, 

And,  big  with  life's  futurities,  expire. 

Let  your  loins  be  girded  about,  and  your  lights  burning ;  and 
ye  yourselves  like  unto  men  that  wait  for  their  lord,  when  he  will 
return  from  the  wedding ;  that,  when  he  cometh  and  knocketh, 
they  may  open  unto  him  immediately.  Blessed  are  those  servants, 
whom  the  lord  when  he  cometh  shall  find  watching :  verily  I  say 
unto  you,  that  he  shall  gird  himself,  and  make  them  to  sit  down 
to  meat,  and  will  come  forth  and  serve  them.  And  if  he  shall 
come  in  the  second  watch,  or  come  in  the  third  watch,  and  find 
them  so,  blessed  are  those  servants.  And  this  know,  that  if  the 
goodman  of  the  house  had  known  what  hour  the  thief  would 
come,  he  would  have  watched,  and  not  have  suffered  his  house  to 
be  broken  through.  Be  ye  therefore  ready  also  :  for  the  Son  of 
man  cometh  at  an  hour  when  ye  think  not. 

To-morrow,  and  to-morrow,  and  to-morrow, 
Creeps  in  this  petty  pace  from  day  to  day, 
To  the  last  syllable  of  recorded  time  ; 
And  all  our  yesterdays  have  lighted  fools 
The  way  to  dusty  death.     Out,  out.  brief  candle  ! 
Life's  but  a  walking  shadow  ;  a  poor  player, 
That  struts  and  frets  his  hour  upon  the  stage, 
And  then  is  heard  no  more. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  527 

Then  Peter  said  unto  him,  Lord,  speakest  thou  this  parable 
unto  us,  or  even  to  all  ?  And  the  Lord  said,  Who  then  is  that 
faithful  and  wise  steward,  whom  his  lord  shall  make  ruler  over 
his  household,  to  give  them  their  portion  of  meat  in  due  season  ? 
Blessed  is  that  servant,  whom  his  lord  when  he  cometh  shall 
find  so  doing.  Of  a  truth  I  say  unto  you,  that  he  will  make  him 
ruler  over  all  that  he  hath.  But  and  if  that  servant  say  in  his 
heart.  My  lord  delayeth  his  coming  ;  and  shall  begin  to  beat  the 
men-servants  and  maidens,  and  to  eat  and  drink,  and  to  be 
drunken  ;  the  lord  of  that  servant  will  come  in  a  day  when  he 
looketh  not  for  him,  and  at  an  hour  when  he  is  not  aware,  and 
will  cut  him  in  sunder,  and  will  appoint  him  his  portion  with 
the  unbelievers.  And  that  servant,  which  knew  his  lord's  will, 
and  prepared  not  himself,  neither  did  according  to  his  will,  shall 
be  beaten  with  many  stripes.  But  he  that  knew  not,  and  did 
commit  things  worthy  of  stripes,  shall  be  beaten  with  few  stripes. 
For  unto  whomsoever  much  is  given,  of  him  shall  be  much  re- 
quired ;  and  to  whom  men  have  committed  much,  of  him  they  will 
ask  the  more. 


CHAPTER   CCXVIIL 

THE   TWELVE   APOSTLES    TAUGHT    AND    SENT    FORTH. 

Brave  conquerors  !  for  so  ye  are. 
That  war  against  your  own  affections, 
And  the  huge  army  of  the  world's  desires. 

AND  when  he  had  called  unto  him  his  twelve  disciples,  he 
gave  them  power  against  unclean  spirits,  to  cast  them  out, 
and  to  heal  all  manner  of  sickness  and  all  manner  of  disease. 
These  twelve  Jesus  sent  forth,  and  commanded  them,  saying, 
Go  not  into  the  way  of  the  Gentiles,  and  into  any  city  of  the 
Samaritans  enter  ye  not :  but  go  rather  to  the  lost  sheep  of  the 
house  of  Israel.  And  as  ye  go,  preach,  saying,  The  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  at  hand.  Heal  the  sick,  cleanse  the  lepers,  raise  the 
dead,  cast  out  devils  :  freely  ye  have  received,  freely  give.  Pro- 
vide neither  gold,  nor  silver,  nor  brass  in  your  purses  ;  nor  scrip 
for  your  journey,   neither  two   coats,   neither  shoes,   nor  yet 


528  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

staves  :  for  the  workman  is  worthy  of  his  meat.  And  into 
whatsoever  city  or  town  ye  shall  enter,  inquire  who  in  it  is 
worthy  ;  and  there  abide  till  ye  go  thence.  And  when  ye  come 
into  a  house,  salute  it.  And  if  the  house  be  worthy,  let  your 
peace  come  upon  it :  but  if  it  be  not  worthy,  let  your  peace 
return  to  you.  And  whosoever  shall  not  receive  you,  nor  hear 
your  words,  when  ye  depart  out  of  that  house  or  city,  shake  off 
the  dust  of  your  feet.  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  It  shall  be  more 
tolerable  for  the  land  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  in  the  day  of 
judgment,  than  for  that  city. 

Do  not,  as  some  ungracious  pastors  do, 
Show  me  the  steep  and  thorny  way  to  Heaven, 
Whilst,  Hke  a  puffed  and  reckless  libertine. 
Himself  the  primrose-path  of  dalliance  treads, 
And  recks  not  his  own  read. 

Behold,  I  send  you  forth  as  sheep  in  the  midst  of  wolves  :  be 
ye  therefore  wise  as  serpents,  and  harmless  as  doves.  But 
beware  of  men :  for  they  will  deliver  you  up  to  the  councils,  and 
they  will  scourge  you  in  their  synagogues  ;  and  ye  shall  be 
brought  before  governors  and  kings  for  my  sake,  for  a  testimony 
against  them  and  the  Gentiles.  But  when  they  deliver  you  up, 
take  no  thought  how  or  what  ye  shall  speak :  for  it  shall  be 
given  you  in  that  same  hour  what  ye  shall  speak.  For  it  is  not 
ye  that  speak,  but  the  Spirit  of  your  Father  which  speaketh  in 
you.  And  the  brother  shall  deliver  up  the  brother  to  death,  and 
the  father  the  child  :  and  the  children  shall  rise  up  against  their 
parents,  and  cause  them  to  be  put  to  death.  And  ye  shall  be 
hated  of  all  men  for  my  name's  sake :  but  he  that  endureth  to 
the  end  shall  be  saved.  But  when  they  persecute  you  in  this 
city,  flee  ye  into  another :  for  verily  I  say  unto  you,  Ye  shall  not 
have  gone  over  the  cities  of  Israel,  till  the  Son  of  man  be  come. 
The  disciple  is  not  above  his  master,  nor  the  serv'ant  above  his 
lord.  It  is  enough  for  the  disciple  that  he  be  as  his  master,  and 
the  servant  as  his  lord.  If  they  have  called  the  master  of  the 
house  Beelzebub,  how  much  more  shall  they  call  them  of  his 
household  >  Fear  them  not  therefore :  for  there  is  nothing 
covered,  that  shall  not  be  revealed  ;  and  hid,  that  shall  not  be 
known.  What  I  tell  you  in  darkness,  that  speak  ye  in  light : 
and  what  ye  hear  in  the  ear,  that  preach  ye  upon  the  housetops. 
And  fear  not  them  which  kill  the  body,  but  are  not  able  to  kill 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  529 

the  soul  :  but  rather  fear  him  which  is  able  to  destroy  both  soul 
and  body  in  hell.  Are  not  two  sparrows  sold  for  a  farthing  ? 
and  one  of  them  shall  not  fall  on  the  ground  without  your 
Father.  But  the  very  hairs  of  your  head  are  all  numbered. 
Fear  ye  not  therefore,  ye  are  of  more  value  than  many  sparrows. 

What  single  thing  that  wealth  can  buy 

Do  ye  for  Christ  forget  "i 
"  To  bear  thy  cross,  thyself  deny  "  — 
Know  ye  these  words  .''    Were  they  to  die, 

Or  are  they  living  yet  ? 

Whosoever  therefore  shall  confess  me  before  men,  him  will  I 
confess  also  before  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven.  But  whoso- 
ever shall  deny  me  before  men,  him  will  I  also  deny  before  my 
Father  which  is  in  heaven.  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  send 
peace  on  earth :  I  came  not  to  send  peace,  but  a  sword.  For  I 
am  come  to  set  a  man  at  variance  against  his  father,  and  the 
daughter  against  her  mother,  and  the  daughter-in-law  against 
her  mother-in-law.  And  a  man's  foes  shall  be  they  of  his  own 
household.  He  that  loveth  father  or  mother  more  than  me  is 
not  worthy  of  me  :  and  he  that  loveth  son  or  daughter  more 
than  me  is  not  worthy  of  me.  And  he  that  taketh  not  his 
cross,  and  followeth  after  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me.  He  that 
findeth  his  life  shall  lose  it :  and  he  that  loseth  his  life  for  my 
sake  shall  find  it. 

Come,  my  fond  fluttering  heart,  come,  struggle  to  be  free  ; 
Thou  and  the  world  must  part,  however  hard  it  be  : 
My  trembling  spirit  owns  it  just, 
But  cleaves  yet  closer  to  the  dust. 

Ye  tempting  sweets,  forbear !  ye  dearest  idols,  fall ! 
My  love  ye  must  not  share  ;  Jesus  shall-  have  it  all : 
'Tis  bitter  pain,  'tis  cruel  smart. 
But  ah  !  thou  must  consent,  my  heart. 

He  that  receiveth  you  receiveth  me  ;  and  he  that  receiveth 
me  receiveth  him  that  sent  me.  He  that  receiveth  a  prophet  in 
the  name  of  a  prophet  shall  receive  a  prophet's  reward  ;  and  he 
that  receiveth  a  righteous  man  in  the  name  of  a  righteous  man 
shall  receive  a  righteous  man's  reward.  And  whosoever  shall 
give  to  drink  unto  one  of  these  little  ones  a  cup  of  cold  water 
only  in  the  name  of  a  disciple,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  he  shall  in 
no  wise  lose  his  reward. 

34 


530  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CCXIX. 

THE     FIVE     THOUSAND     FED. JESUS     WALKS     ON     THE 

WATER. SEEKERS    TAUGHT. 

See  here  an  easy  feast  that  knows  no  wound, 
That  under  hunger's  teeth  will  needs  be  found : 
A  subtle  harvest  of  unbounded  bread. 
What  would  you  more  ?     Here  food  itself  is  fed. 

AND  the  apostles  gathered  themselves  together  unto  Jesus, 
and  told  him  all  things,  both  what  they  had  done,  and 
what  they  had  taught.  And  he  said  unto  them.  Come  ye  your- 
selves apart  into  a  desert  place,  and  rest  a  while  :  for  there  were 
many  coming  and  going,  and  they  had  no  leisure  so  much  as  to 
eat.  And  they  departed  into  a  desert  place  by  ship  privately. 
And  the  people  saw  them  departing,  and  many  knew  him,  and 
ran  afoot  thither  out  of  all  cities,  and  outwent  them,  and  came 
together  unto  him.  And  Jesus,  when  he  came  out,  saw  much 
people,  and  was  moved  with  compassion  toward  them,  because 
they  were  as  sheep  not  having  a  shepherd  :  and  he  began  to 
teach  them  many  things.  And  when  the  day  was  now  far  spent, 
his  disciples  came  unto  him,  and  said,  This  is  a  desert  place,  and 
now  the  time  is  far  passed  :  send  them  away,  that  they  may  go 
into  the  country  round  about,  and  into  the  villages,  and  buy 
themselves  bread :  for  they  have  nothing  to  eat.  He  answered 
and  said  unto  them.  Give  ye  them  to  eat.  And  they  say  unto 
him.  Shall  we  go  and  buy  two  hundred  pennyworth  of  bread, 
and  give  them  to  eat  .-*  He  saith  unto  them.  How  many  loaves 
have  ye  ?  go  and  see.  And  when  they  knew,  they  say.  Five, 
and  two  fishes.  And  he  commanded  them  to  make  all  sit  down 
by  companies  upon  the  green  grass.  And  they  sat  down  in 
ranks,  by  hundreds,  and  by  fifties.  And  when  he  had  taken  the 
five  loaves  and  the  two  fishes,  he  looked  up  to  heaven,  and 
blessed,  and  brake  the  loaves,  and  gave  them  to  his  disciples  to 
set  before  them  ;  and  the  two  fishes  divided  he  among  them  all. 
And  they  did  all  eat,  and  were  filled.  And  they  took  up  twelve 
baskets  full  of  the  fragments,  and  of  the  fishes.  And  they  that 
did  eat  of  the  loaves  were  about  five  thousand  men. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  53 1 

Now,  Lord,  or  never,  they'll  believe  on  Thee  ; 
•Thou  to  their  teeth  hast  proved  Thy  deity. 

And  straightway  Jesus  constrained  his  disciples  to  get  into 
a  ship,  and  to  go  before  him  unto  the  other  side,  while  he  sent 
the  multitudes  away.  And  when  he  had  sent  the  multitudes 
away,  he  went  up  into  a  mountain  apart  to  pray  :  and  when  the 
evening  was  come,  he  was  there  alone.  But  the  ship  was  now 
in  the  midst  of  the  sea,  tossed  with  waves  :  for  the  wind  was 
contrary.  And  in  the  fourth  watch  of  the  night  Jesus  went 
unto  them,  walking  on  the  sea.  And  when  the  disciples  saw 
him  walking  on  the  sea,  they  were  troubled,  saying,  It  is  a 
spirit ;  and  they  cried  out  with  fear.  But  straightway  Jesus 
spake  unto  them,  saying.  Be  of  good  cheer  ;  it  is  I  ;  be  not 
afraid.  And  Peter  answered  him  and  said.  Lord,  if  it  be  thou, 
bid  me  come  unto  thee  on  the  water.  And  he  said,  Come. 
And  when  Peter  was  come  down  out  of  the  ship,  he  walked  on 
the  \\iater,  to  go  to  Jesus.  But  when  he  saw  the  wind  boister- 
ous, he  was  afraid  ;  and  beginning  to  sink,  he  cried,  saying. 
Lord,  save  me.  And  immediately  Jesus  stretched  forth  his 
hand,  and  caught  him,  and  said  unto  him,  O  thou  of  little  faith, 
wherefore  didst  thou  doubt .-'  And  when  they  were  come  into 
the  ship,  the  wind  ceased.  Then  they  that  were  in  the  ship 
came  and  worshipped  him,  saying.  Of  a  truth  thou  art  the  Son 
of  God. 

Fierce  rolled  the  wild  billows  ;  dark  was  the  night ; 
Oars  laboured  heavily  ;  foam  glimmered  white  ; 
Mariners  trembled  ;  peril  was  nigh  ; 
Then  said  the  God  of  God,  —  "  Peace  !     It  is  I  !  " 

Ridge  of  the  mountain-wave,  lower  thy  crest ! 

Wail  of  Euroclydon,  be  thou  at  rest ! 

Peril  can  none  be,  —  sorrow  must  fly,  — 

Where  saith  the  Light  of  Light,  "  Peace  !     It  is  I !  " 

Jesu,  Deliv-erer  !  come  Thou  to  me  : 
Soothe  Thou  my  voyaging  over  Life's  sea  ! 
Thou,  when  the  storm  of  Death  roars,  sweeping  by, 
Whisper,  O  Truth  of  Truth  !     "  Peace  !     It  is  I !  " 

Jesus  answered  them  and  said.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you, 
Ye  seek  me,  not  because  ye  saw  the  miracles,  but  because  ye  did 
eat  of   the  loaves,  and  were  filled.     Labour  not  for  the  meat 


532  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

which  perisheth,  but  for  that  meat  which  endureth  unto  ever- 
lasting hfe,  which  the  Son  of  man  shall  give  unto  you  :  for  him 
hath  God  the  Father  sealed.  Then  said  they  unto  him,  What 
shall  we  do,  that  we  might  work  the  works  of  God  ?  Jesus 
answered  and  said  unto  them.  This  is  the  work  of  God,  that  ye 
believe  on  him  whom  he  hath  sent.  No  man  can  come  to  me, 
except  the  Father  which  hath  sent  me  draw  him :  and  I  will 
raise  him  up  at  the  last  day.  It  is  written  in  the  prophets,  And 
they  shall  be  all  taught  of  God.  Every  man  therefore  that  hath 
heard,  and  hath  learned  of  the  Father,  cometh  unto  me.  Not 
that  any  man  hath  seen  the  Father,  save  he  which  is  of  God,  he 
hath  seen  the  Father.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  He  that 
believeth  on  me  hath  everlasting  life.  I  am  that  bread  of  life. 
Your  fathers  did  eat  manna  in  the  wilderness,  and  are  dead. 
This  is  the  bread  which  cometh  down  from  heaven,  that  a  man 
may  eat  thereof,  and  not  die. 

Not  even  Christ  himself 
Can  save  man  else  than  as  he  holds  man's  soul ; 
And  therefore  did  He  come  into  our  flesh, 
As  some  vvise  hunter  creeping  on  his  knees 
With  a  torch,  into  the  blackness  of  some  cave, 
To  face  and  quell  the  beast  there,  —  take  the  soul. 
And  so  possess  the  whole  man,  body  and  soul. 

Many  therefore  of  his  disciples,  when  they  had  heard  this, 
said,  This  is  a  hard  saying ;  who  can  hear  it  .■'  When  Jesus 
knew  in  himself  that  his  disciples  murmured  at  it,  he  said  unto 
them,  Doth  this  offend  you  .-•  What  and  if  ye  shall  see  the  Son 
of  man  ascend  up  where  he  was  before }  It  is  the  Spirit  that 
quickeneth ;  the  flesh  profiteth  nothing :  the  words  that  I  speak 
unto  you,  they  are  spirit,  and  they  are  life. 

From  that  time  many  of  his  disciples  went  back,  and  walked 
no  more  with  him.  Then  said  Jesus  unto  the  twelve.  Will  ye 
also  go  away  1  Then  Simon  Peter  answered  him.  Lord,  to 
whom  shall  we  go }  thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life.  And 
we  believe  and  are  sure  that  thou  art  that  Christ,  the  Son  of  the 
living  God.  Jesus  answered  them,  Have  not  I  chosen  you 
twelve,  and  one  of  you  is  a  devil }  He  spake  of  Judas  Iscariot 
the  son  of  Simon ;  for  he  it  was  that  should  betray  him,  being 
one  of  the  twelve. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  533 


CHAPTER   CCXX. 

OUR    LORD    FORETELLING    HIS    OWN    DEATH. HIS    TRANS- 
FIGURATION. 

O  LEARN  to  scorn  the  praise  of  men  ! 

O  learn  to  lose  with  God  ! 
For  Jesus  won  the  world  through  shame, 

And  beckons  thee  His  road. 
As  He  can  endless  glory  weave 

From  time's  misjudging  shame, 
In  His  own  world  He  is  content 

To  play  a  losing  game. 

FROM  that  time  forth  began  Jesus  to  shew  unto  his  disciples, 
how  that  he  must  go  unto  Jerusalem,  and  suffer  many  things 
of  the  elders  and  chief  priests  and  scribes,  and  be  killed,  and  after 
three  days  rise  again.  And  he  spake  that  saying  openly.  And 
Peter  took  him,  and  began  to  rebuke  him,  saying,  Be  it  far  from 
thee.  Lord  :  this  shall  not  be  unto  thee.  But  he  turned,  and  said 
unto  Peter,  Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan  :  thou  art  an  offence  unto 
me :  for  thou  savourest  not  the  things  that  be  of  God,  but  those 
that  be  of  men. 

Beware  what  earth  calls  happiness  ;  beware 
All  joys  but  joys  that  never  can  expire. 
Who  builds  on  less  than  an  immortal  base, 
Fond  as  he  seems,  condemns  his  joys  to  death. 

Then  said  Jesus  unto  his  disciples.  If  any  man  will  come  after 
me,  let  him  deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross,  and  follow  me. 
For  whosoever  will  save  his  life  shall  lose  it ;  but  whosoever  shall 
lose  his  life  for  my  sake  and  the  gospel's,  the  same  shall  save  it. 
For  what  is  a  man  profited,  if  he  shall  gain  the  whole  world,  and 
lose  his  own  soul  .-*  or  what  shall  a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his 
soul .''  Whosoever  therefore  shall  be  ashamed  of  me  and  of  my 
words,  in  this  adulterous  and  sinful  generation,  of  him  also  shall 
the  Son  of  man  be  ashamed,  when  he  cometh  in  the  glory  of  his 
Father  with  the  holy  angels.     For  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in 


534  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

the  glory  of  his  Father  with  his  angels  ;  and  then  he  shall  reward 
every  man  according  to  his  works.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  There 
be  some  standing  here,  which  shall  not  taste  of  death,  till  they 
see  the  Son  of  man  coming  in  his  kingdom. 

Our  Lord  there  stands,  not  with  a  painful  cross 
Laid  on  his  shoulders,  moving  you  to  loss 
Of  precious  things,  nor  calhng  you  to  bear 
That  burden  which  so  much  base  worldlings  fear. 
Here  are  no  promised  hopes  obscured  with  clouds, 
No  sorrow,  with  dim  vails,  true  pleasure  shrouds ; 
But  perfect  joy,  which  here  discovered  shines, 
To  taste  of  heavenly  light  your  thoughts  inclines. 

And  after  six  days  Jesus  taketh  Peter,  James,  and  John  his 
brother,  and  bringeth  them  up  into  a  high  mountain  apart,  and 
was  transfigured  before  them  :  and  his  face  did  shine  as  the 
sun,  and  his  raiment  was  white  as  the  light.  And,  behold,  there 
appeared  unto  them  Moses  and  Elias  talking  with  him  ;  who 
appeared  in  glory,  and  spake  of  his  decease  which  he  should 
accomplish  at  Jerusalem.  But  Peter  arid  they  that  were  with 
him  were  heavy  with  sleep :  and  when  they  were  awake,  they  saw 
his  glory,  and  the  two  men  that  stood  with  him.  And  it  came  to 
pass,  as  they  departed  from  him,  Peter  said  unto  Jesus,  Master, 
it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here  :  and  let  us  make  three  tabernacles  ; 
one  for  thee,  and  one  for  Moses,  and  one  for  Elias  :  not  knowing 
what  he  said.  While  he  yet  spake,  behold,  a  bright  cloud  over- 
shadowed them  :  and  behold  a  voice  out  of  the  cloud,  which  said, 
This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased ;  hear  ye  him. 
And  when  the  disciples  heard  it,  they  fell  on  their  face,  and  were 
sore  afraid.  And  Jesus  came  and  touched  them,  and  said,  Arise, 
and  be  not  afraid.  And  when  they  had  lifted  up  their  eyes,  they 
saw  no  man,  save  Jesus  only.  And  as  they  came  down  from  the 
mountain,  Jesus  charged  them,  saying,  Tell  the  vision  to  no  man, 
until  the  Son  of  man  be  risen  again  from  the  dead.  And  his 
disciples  asked  him,  s:iying.  Why  then  say  the  scribes  that  Elias 
must  first  come  .-'  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Elias 
truly  shall  first  come,  and  restore  all  things.  But  I  say  unto  you, 
That  Elias  is  come  already,  and  they  knew  him  not,  but  have 
done  unto  him  whatsoever  they  listed.  Likewise  shall  also  the 
Son  of  man  suffer  of  them.  Then  the  disciples  understood  that 
he  spake  unto  them  of  John  the  Baptist. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  535 

Hail !  King  of  glory,  clad  in  robes  of  light, 

Outshining  all  we  here  call  bright ! 

Hail,  hght's  divinest  galaxy  ! 

Hail,  express  image  of  a  Deity  1 

Could  now  Thy  faithful  spouse  Thy  beauties  view, 

How  would  her  wounds  all  bleed  anew  ! 

Lovely  Thou  art  all  o'er  and  bright, 

Thou  Israel's  glory,  and  Thou  Gentile's  light. 


CHAPTER   CCXXI. 

THE    SEVENTY    DISCIPLES    COMMISSIONED    AND    SENT. IMPA- 
TIENCE   REBUKED. THE    REPORT    OF    THE    SEVENTY. 

To  Thee,  O  Jesus  !   I  direct  my  eyes, 

To  Thee,  my  hands,  to  Thee  my  humble  knees ; 

To  Thee  my  heart  shall  offer  sacrifice. 

To  Thee  my  thoughts,  who  my  thoughts  only  sees  ; 

To  Thee  myself — myself  and  all,  I  give  ; 

To  Thee  I  die,  to  Thee  I  only  live. 

AFTER  these  things  the  Lord  appointed  other  seventy  also, 
and  sent  them  two  and  two  before  his  face  into  every  city 
and  place,  whither  he  himself  would  come.  Therefore  said  he 
unto  them,  The  harvest  truly  is  great,  but  the  labourers  are  few : 
pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  would  send 
forth  labourers  into  his  harvest.  Go  your  ways  :  behold,  I  send 
you  forth  as  lambs  among  wolves.  Carry  neither  purse,  nor  scrip, 
nor  shoes  :  and  salute  no  man  by  the  way.  And  into  whatsoever 
house  ye  enter,  first  say.  Peace  be  to  this  house.  And  if  the  son 
of  peace  be  there,  your  peace  shall  rest  upon  it :  if  not,  it  shall 
turn  to  you  again.  And  in  the  same  house  remain,  eating  and 
drinking  such  things  as  they  give :  for  the  labourer  is  worthy 
of  his  hire.  Go  not  from  house  to  house.  And  into  whatsoever 
city  ye  enter,  and  they  receive  you,  eat  such  things  as  are  set 
before  you :  and  heal  the  sick  that  are  therein,  and  say  unto  them, 
The  kingdom  of  God  is  come  nigh  unto  you.  But  into  whatsoever 
city  ye  enter,  and  they  receive  you  not,  go  your  ways  out  into 
the  streets  of  the  same,  and  say.  Even  the  very  dust  of  your  city, 
which  cleaveth  on  us,  we  do  wipe  off  against  you  :  notwithstand- 


536  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

ing,  be  ye  sure  of  this,  that  the  kingdom  of  God  is  come  nigh 
unto  you.  But  I  say  unto  you,  that  it  shall  be  more  tolerable  in 
that  day  for  Sodom,  than  for  that  city.  Woe  unto  thee,  Chorazin! 
woe  unto  thee,  Bethsaida  !  for  if  the  mighty  works  had  been 
done  in  Tyre  and  Sidon,  which  have  been  done  in  you,  they  had 
a  great  while  ago  repented,  sitting  in  sackcloth  and  ashes.  But 
it  shall  be  more  tolerable  for  Tyre  and  Sidon  at  the  judgment, 
than  for  you.  And  thou,  Capernaum,  which  art  exalted  to  heaven, 
shalt  be  thrust  down  to  hell.  He  that  heareth  you  heareth  me  ; 
and  he  that  despiseth  you  despiseth  me ;  and  he  that  despiseth 
me  despiseth  him  that  sent  me. 

Go  !  let  your  deeds  His  praises  prove; 
To  all  make  manifest  His  love  ; 
Like  brethren  live  and  journey  on, 
Preaching  the  truth  of  Him  that's  gone  ! 
Make  known  His  promise  to  the  earth, — 
Bliss  unto  all  of  mortal  birth  ; 
To  you  the  Master  shall  be  nigh. 
For  you  He  has  been  raised  on  High. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  time  was  come  that  he  should 
be  received  up,  he  steadfastly  set  his  face  to  go  to  Jerusalem,  and 
sent  messengers  before  his  face :  and  they  went,  and  entered  into 
a  village  of  the  Samaritans,  to  make  ready  for  him.  And  they 
did  not  receive  him,  because  his  face  was  as  though  he  would  go 
to  Jerusalem.  And  when  his  disciples  James  and  John  saw  this, 
they  said.  Lord,  wilt  thou  that  we  command  fire  to  come  down 
from  heaven,  and  consume  them,  even  as  Elias  did }  But  he 
turned,  and  rebuked  them,  and  said,  Ye  know  not  what  manner 
of  spirit  ye  are  of.  For  the  Son  of  man  is  not  come  to  destroy 
men's  lives,  but  to  save  them.    And  they  went  to  another  village. 

Sun  of  the  soul !  whose  cheerful  ray 

Darts  o'er  this  gloom  of  life  a  smile  ; 
Sweet  Hope,  yet  further  gild  my  way, 

Yet  light  my  weary  steps  a  while, 
Till  thy  fair  lamp  dissolve  in  endless  day. 

And  the  seventy  returned  again  with  joy,  saying.  Lord,  even 
the  devils  are  subject  unto  us  through  thy  name.  And  he  said 
unto  them,  I  beheld  Satan  as  lightning  fall  from  heaven.  Behold, 
I  give  unto  you  power  to  tread  on  serpents  and  scorpions,  and 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  537 

over  all  the  power  of  the  enemy  ;  and  nothing  shall  by  any  means 
hurt  you.  Notwithstanding,  in  this  rejoice  not,  that  the  spirits 
are  subject  unto  you  ;  but  rather  rejoice,  because  your  names  are 
written  in  heaven. 

When  Thou,  O  Lord,  shalt  stand  disclosed  in  majesty  severe, 
And  sit  in  judgment  on  my  soul,  O  !  how  shall  I  appear  ? 

In  that  hour  Jesus  rejoiced  in  spirit,  and  said,  I  thank  thee,  O 
Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  thou  hast  hid  these  things 
from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them  unto  babes  : 
even  so.  Father ;  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy  sight.  All  things 
are  delivered  to  me  of  my  Father :  and  no  man  knoweth  who  the 
Son  is,  but  the  Father  ;  and  who  the  Father  is,  but  the  Son,  and 
he  to  whom  the  Son  will  reveal  him.  And  he  turned  him  unto 
his  disciples,  and  said  privately.  Blessed  are  the  eyes  which  see 
the  things  that  ye  see  :  for  I  tell  you,  that  many  prophets  and 
kings  have  desired  to  see  those  things  which  ye  see,  and  have 
not  seen  them  ;  and  to  hear  those  things  which  ye  hear,  and 
have  not  heard  them. 

Jesus  !  the  very  thought  of  Thee  with  gladness  fills  my  breast ; 
But  dearer  far  Thy  face  to  see,  and  in  Thy  presence  rest. 
Nor  voice  can  sing,  nor  heart  can  frame,  nor  can  the  memory  find 
A  sweeter  sound  than  Thy  blest  name,  O  Saviour  of  mankind ! 


CHAPTER   CCXXII. 

THE    FESTIVAL    OF    TABERNACLES. THE    JEWS    TAUGHT    BY 

JESUS. 

"  Live  while  you  live,"  the  epicure  would  say, 
*'  And  seize  the  pleasures  of  the  present  day  ;  " 
"  Live  while  you  live,"  the  sacred  preacher  cries, 
"And  give  to  God  each  moment  as  it  flies." 
Lord,  in  my  life  let  both  united  be ; 
I  live  in  pleasure,  when  I  live  to  Thee. 

NOW   the   Jews'   feast   of   tabernacles   was    at   hand.      His 
brethren  therefore  said  unto  him.  Depart  hence,  and  go 
into  Judea,  that  thy  disciples  also  may  see  the  works  that  thou 


538  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

doest.  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Go  ye  up  unto  this  feast : 
I  go  not  up  yet  unto  this  feast;  for  my  time  is  _  not  yet  full 
come. 

Now  about  the  midst  of  the  feast  Jesus  went  up  into  the 
temple,  and  taught.  And  the  Jews  marvelled,  saying,  How 
knoweth  this  man  letters,  having  never  learned  t  Jesus  an- 
swered them,  and  said,  My  doctrine  is  not  mine,  but  his  that 
sent  me.  If  any  man  will  do  his  will,  he  shall  know  of  the  doc- 
trine, whether  it  be  of  God,  or  whether  I  speak  of  myself. 

Then  said  some  of  them  of  Jerusalem,  Is  not  this  he,  whom 
they  seek  to  kill }  But,  lo,  he  speaketh  boldly,  and  they  say 
nothing  unto  him.  Do  the  rulers  know  indeed  that  this  is  the 
very  Christ }  Howbeit  we  know  this  man  whence  he  is  :  but 
when  Christ  cometh,  no  man  knoweth  whence  he  is.  Then 
cried  Jesus  in  the  temple  as  he  taught,  saying.  Ye  both  know 
me,  and  ye  know  whence  I  am  :  and  I  am  not  come  of  myself, 
but  he  that  sent  me  is  true,  whom  ye  know  not.  But  I  know 
him  ;  for  I  am  from  him,  and  he  hath  sent  me.  Then  they 
sought  to  take  him  :  but  no  man  laid  hands  on  him,  because 
his  hour  was  not  yet  come.  And  many  of  the  people  believed 
on  him,  and  said.  When  Christ  cometh,  will  he  do  more  miracles 
than  these  which  this  man  hath  done  ? 

Ho  !  ye  that  pant  for  living  streams,  and  pine  away  and  die  ; 
Here  you  may  quench  your  raging  thirst  with  springs  that  never  dry. 
Rivers  of  love  and  mercy  here  in  a  rich  ocean  join  ; 
Salvation  in  abundance  flows,  like  floods  of  milk  and  wine. 

In  the  last  day,  that  great  day  of  the  feast,  Jesus  stood  and 
cried,  saying,  If  any  man  thirst,  let  him  come  unto  me,  and 
drink.  He  that  believeth  on  me,  as  the  Scripture  hath  said, 
out  of  his  belly  shall  flow  rivers  of  living  water.  (But  this  spake 
he  of  the  Spirit,  which  they  that  believe  on  him  should  receive  : 
for  the  Holy  Ghost  was  not  yet  given  ;  because  that  Jesus  was 
not  yet  glorified.) 

Many  of  the  people  therefore,  when  they  heard  this  saying,  said, 
Of  a  truth  this  is  the  Prophet.  Others  said,  This  is  the  Christ. 
But  some  said,  Shall  Christ  come  out  of  Galilee }  Hath  not  the 
Scripture  said.  That  Christ  cometh  of  the  seed  of  David,  and 
out  of  the  town  of  Bethlehem,  where  David  was  1  Then  said 
they  unto  him,  Who  art  thou?     And  Jesus  saith  unto  them, 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  539 

Even  the  same  that  I  said  unto  you  from  the  beginning.  Then 
said  Jesus  unto  them,  When  ye  have  hfted  up  the  Son  of  man, 
then  shall  ye  know  that  I  am  he,  and  that  I  do  nothing  of  my- 
self ;  but  as  my  Father  hath  taught  me,  I  speak  these  things. 
And  he  that  sent  me  is  with  me  :  the  Father  hath  not  left  me 
alone  ;  for  I  do  always  those  things  that  please  him.  As  he 
spake  these  words,  many  believed  on  him.  Then  said  Jesus  to 
those  Jews  which  believed  on  him.  If  ye  continue  in  my  word, 
then  are  ye  my  disciples  indeed  ;  and  ye  shall  know  the  truth, 
and  the  truth  shall  make  you  free. 

Yes  !    Thou  wilt  save  ;  my  soul  is  free  ! 
The  gloom  of  sin  is  fled  away  ; 
My  tongue  breaks  forth  in  praise  to  Thee, 
And  all  my  powers  Thy  word  obey. 

They  answered  him.  We  be  Abraham's  seed-,  and  were  never 
in  bondage  to  any  man  :  how  sayest  thou,  Ye  shall  be  made 
free  .''  Jesus  answered  them.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  Who- 
soever committeth  sin  is  the  servant  of  sin.  And  the  servant 
abideth  not  in  the  house  for  ever :  but  the  Son  abideth  ever. 
If  the  Son  therefore  shall  make  you  free,  ye  shall  be  free  indeed. 
I  know  that  ye  are  Abraham's  seed  ;  but  ye  seek  to  kill  me, 
because  my  word  hath  no  place  in  you.  Verily,  verily,  I  say 
unto  you.  If  a  man  keep  my  saying,  he  shall  never  see  death. 
Then  said  the  Jews  unto  him.  Now  we  know  that  thou  hast  a 
devil.  Abraham  is  dead,  and  the  prophets  ;  and  thou  sayest.  If 
a  man  keep  my  saying,  he  shall  never  taste  of  death.  Art  thou 
greater  than  our  father  Abraham,  which  is  dead  "i  and  the 
prophets  are  dead  :  whom  makest  thou  thyself .''  Jesus  an- 
swered. If  I  honour  myself,  my  honour  is  nothing :  it  is  my 
Father  that  honoureth  me  ;  of  whom  ye  say,  that  he  is  your 
God  :  yet  ye  have  not  known  him  ;  but  I  know  him  :  and  if  I 
should  say,  I  know  him  not,  I  shall  be  a  liar  like  unto  you :  but  I 
know  him,  and  keep  his  saying.  Your  father  Abraham  rejoiced 
to  see  my  day  :  and  he  saw  it,  and  was  glad.  Then  said  the 
Jews  unto  him,  Thou  art  not  yet  fifty  years  old,  and  hast  thou 
seen  Abraham  }  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Verily,  verily,  I  say 
unto  you,  Before  Abraham  was,  I  am.  Then  took  they  up  stones 
to  cast  at  him  :  but  Jesus  hid  himself,  and  went  out  of  the  temple, 
going  through  the  midst  of  them,  and  so  passed  by. 


540  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

What  called  from  heaven  that  flame  divine 
Which  streams  in  glory  from  above ; 

And  bid  it  on  earth's  bosom  shine, 

And  bless  us  with  its  brightness  ?     Love  ! 

Who  humbled  from  the  seats  of  light 
Their  Lord,  all  human  woes  to  prove  ; 

Led  the  great  source  of  day  to  night ; 
And  made  of  God  a  man  ?     'Twas  love  ! 


CHAPTER   CCXXIII. 

THE     GOOD     SAMARITAN. MARTHA     COMPLAINING. MARY 

COMMENDED. 

Why  dost  thou  wound  My  wounds,  O  thou  that  passest  by, 
Handling  and  turning  them  with  an  unwounded  eye  ? 
The  calm  that  cools  thine  eye  doth  shipwreck  Mine,  for  oh  ! 
Unmoved  to  see  one  wretched,  is  to  make  him  so. 

AND,  behold,  a  certain  lawyer  stood  up,  and  tempted  him, 
saying.  Master,  what  shall  I  do  to  inherit  eternal  life  ?  He 
said  unto  him,  What  is  written  in  the  law  ?  how  readest  thou  ? 
And  he  answering  said.  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with 
all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  strength, 
and  with  all  thy  mind  ;  and  thy  neighbour  as  thyself.  And  he 
said  unto  him,  Thou  hast  answered  right :  this  do,  and  thou  shalt 
live.  But  he,  willing  to  justify  himself,  said  unto  Jesus,  And 
who  is  my  neighbour  }  And  Jesus  answering  said,  A  certain 
man  went  down  from  Jerusalem  to  Jericho,  and  fell  among  thieves, 
which  stripped  him  of  his  raiment,  and  wounded  him,  and  de- 
parted, leaving  him  half  dead.  And  by  chance  there  came  down 
a  certain  priest  that  way  ;  and  when  he  saw  him,  he  passed  by  on 
the  other  side.  And  likewise  a  Levite,  when  he  was  at  the 
place,  came  and  looked  on  him,  and  passed  by  on  the  other  side. 
But  a  certain  Samaritan,  as  he  journeyed,  came  where  he  was ; 
and  when  he  saw  him,  he  had  compassion  on  him,  and  went  to 
him,  and  bound  up  his  wounds,  pouring  in  oil  and  wine,  and  set 
him  on  his  own  beast,  and  brought  him  to  an  inn,  and  took  care 
of  him.     And  on  the  morrow  when  he  departed,  he  took  out  two 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  541 

pence,  and  gave  them  to  the  host,  and  said  unto  him,  Take  care 
of  him  :  and  "whatsoever  thou  spendest  more,  when  I  come  again, 
I  will  repay  thee.  Which  now  of  these  three,  thinkest  thou,  was 
neighbour  unto  him  that  fell  among  the  thieves  ?  And  he  said. 
He  that  shewed  mercy  on  him.  Then  said  Jesus  unto  him,  Go, 
and  do  thou  likewise. 

And  there  to  love  him  as  thyself,  is  now  to  you  assigned  — 

A  law  of  love,  which  God  Himself  delivered  to  mankind  ! 

And  be  it  thine,  oh  !  man,  whate'er  the  world  without  may  do,    . 

To  pay  to  him  the  debt  of  love  thy  Maker  laid  on  you  ! 

And  would  you  know  him  'i — go  and  find  the  stranger  left  to  die, 

With  none  to  'suage  the  fever's  thirst,  or  fix  his  faith  on  high  : 

Aye,  go  —  and  give  the  soothing  aid,  and  give  thy  counsels  blest, 

And  so,  with  mercy  on  the  means,  will  Heaven  perform  the  rest. 

Now  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  went,  that  he  entered  into  a  cer- 
tain village  :  and  a  certain  woman  named  Martha  received  him 
into  her  house.  And  she  had  a  sister  called  Mary,  which  also 
sat  at  Jesus'  feet,  and  heard  his  word.  But  Martha  was  cum- 
bered about  much  serving,  and  came  to  him,  and  said.  Lord,  dost 
thou  not  care  that  my  sister  hath  left  me  to  serve  alone  .-'  bid  her 
therefore  that  she  help  me.  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto 
her,  Martha,  Martha,  thou  art  careful  and  troubled  about  many 
things  :  but  one  thing  is  needful ;  and  Mary  hath  chosen  that 
good  part,  which  shall  not  be  taken  away  from  her. 

Oh  !  blest  beyond  all  daughters  of  the  earth  ! 

What  were  the  Orient's  thrones  to  that  low  seat, 
Where  thy  hushed  spirit  drew  celestial  birth  ? 

Mary  !  meek  listener  at  the  Saviour's  feet ! 

No  feverish  cares  to  that  divine  retreat 
Thy  woman's  heart  of  silent  worship  brought, 

But  a  fresh  childhood,  heavenly  truth  to  meet, 
With  love,  and  wonder,  and  submissive  thought. 
Oh  !  for  the  holy  quiet  of  thy  breast. 

Midst  the  world's  eager  tones  and  footsteps  flying  ! 

Thou,  whose  calm  soul  was  like  a  well-spring  lying 
So  deep  and  still  in  its  transparent  rest. 
That  e'en  when  noontide  burns  upon  the  hills. 
Some  one  bright  solemn  star  all  its  lone  mirror  fills  ! 


542  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER  CCXXIV. 

THE  DEATH  AND  RESTORATION  OF  LAZARUS. 

Oh  Thou  who  dry'st  the  mourner's  tear,  how  dark  this  world  would  be, 
If,  when  deceived  and  wounded  here,  we  could  not  fly  to  Thee  ! 
Oh,  who  would  bear  life's  stormy  doom,  did  not  Thy  wing  of  love 
Come  brightly  wafting  through  the  gloom  one  Peace-branch  from  above  ! 
Then  sorrow,  touched  by  Thee,  grows  bright,  with  more  than  rapture's  ray, 
As  darkness  shows  us  worlds  of  light  we  never  saw  by  day. 

NOW  a  certain  man  was  sick,  named  Lazarus,  of  Bethany, 
the  town  of  Mary  and  her  sister  Martha.  Therefore  his 
sisters  sent  unto  him,  saying,  Lord,  behold,  he  whom  thou  lovest 
is  sick.  When  Jesus  heard  that,  he  said.  This  sickness  is  not 
unto  deatli,  but  for  the  glory  of  God,  that  the  Son  of  God  might 
be  glorified  thereby.  Now  Jesus  loved  Martha,  and  her  sister, 
and  Lazarus.  When  he  had  heard  therefore  that  he  was  sick, 
he  abode  two  days  still  in  the  same  place  where  he  was.  Then 
after  that  saith  he  to  his  disciples.  Let  us  go  into  Judea  again. 
His  disciples  say  unto  him.  Master,  the  Jews  of  late  sought  to 
stone  thee,  and  goest  thou  thither  again  }  Jesus  answered.  Are 
there  not  twelve  hours  in  the  day  .-•  If  any  man  walk  in  the  day, 
he  stumbleth  not,  because  he  seeth  the  light  of  this  world.  But 
if  a  man  walk  in  the  night,  he  stumbleth,  because  there  is  no 
light  in  him.  These  things  said  he :  and  after  that  he  saith 
unto  them.  Our  friend  Lazarus  sleepeth ;  but  I  go,  that  I  may 
awake  him  out  of  sleep.  Then  said  his  disciples,  Lord,  if  he 
sleep,  he  shall  do  well.  Howbeit  Jesus  spake  of  his  death :  but 
they  thought  that  he  had  spoken  of  taking  of  rest  in  sleep. 
Then  said  Jesus  unto  them  plainly,  Lazarus  is  dead.  And  I  am 
glad  for  your  sakes  that  I  was  not  there,  to  the  intent  ye  may 
believe ;  nevertheless  let  us  go  unto  him. 

When  some  beloved  voice  that  was  to  you 
Both  sound  and  sweetness,  faileth  suddenly, 
And  silence  against  which  you  dare  not  cry, 
Aches  round  you  like  a  strong  disease  and  new  — 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  543 

What  hope  ?  what  help  ?  what  music  will  undo 
That  silence  to  your  senses  ?    Not  friendship's  sigh, 
Not  reason's  subtle  count.     Not  melody 
Of  viols,  nor  of  pipes  that  Faunus  blew. 
Not  songs  of  poets,  nor  of  nightingales, 
Whose  hearts  leap  upward  through  the  cypress-trees 
To  the  clear  moon  !  nor  yet  the  spheric  laws 
Self-chanted,  —  nor  the  angels'  sweet  All  hails, 
Met  in  tlie  smile  of  God.     Nay,  none  of  these. 
Speak  Thou,  availing  Christ !  —  and  fill  the  pause. 

Then  when  Jesus  came,  he  found  that  he  had  lain  in  the  grave 
four  days  already.  Now  Bethany  was  nigh  unto  Jerusalem, 
about  fifteen  furlongs  off :  and  many  of  the  Jews  came  to  Mar- 
tha and  Mary,  to  comfort  them  concerning  their  brother.  Then 
Martha,  as  soon  she  heard  that  Jesus  was  coming,  went  and  met 
him :  but  Mary  sat  still  in  the  house.  Then  said  Martha  unto 
Jesus,  Lord,  if  thou  hadst  been  here,  my  brother  had  not  died. 
But  I  know,  that  even  now,  whatsoever  thou  wilt  ask  of  God, 
God  will  give  it  thee.  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Thy  brother  shall 
rise  again.  Martha  saith  unto  him,  I  know  that  he  shall  rise 
again  in  the  resurrection  at  the  last  day.  Jesus  said  unto  her,  I 
am  the  resurrection,  and  the  life  :  he  that  believeth  in  me, 
though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live :  and  whosoever  liveth 
and  believeth  in  me  shall  never  die.  Believest  thou  this  .-'  She 
saith  unto  him,  Yea,  Lord  :  I  believe  that  thou  art  the  Christ, 
the  Son  of  God,  which  should  come  into  the  world.  And  when 
she  had  so  said,  she  went  her  way,  and  called  Mary  her  sister 
secretly,  saying,  The  Master  is  come,  and  calleth  for  thee.  As 
soon  as  she  heard  that,  she  arose  quickly,  and  came  unto  him. 
Now  Jesus  was  not  yet  come  into  the  town,  but  was  in  that 
place  where  Martha  met  him.  The  Jews  then  which  were  with 
her  in  the  house,  and  comforted  her,  when  they  saw  Mary,  that 
she  rose  up  hastily  and  went  out,  followed  her,  saying,  She  goeth 
unto  the  grave  to  weep  there.  Then  when  Mary  was  come 
where  Jesus  was,  and  saw  him,  she  fell  down  at  his  feet,  saying 
unto  him.  Lord,  if  thou  hadst  been  here,  my  brother  had  not 
died.  When  Jesus  therefore  saw  her  weeping,  and  the  Jews  also 
weeping  which  came  with  her,  he  groaned  in  the  spirit,  and  was 
troubled,  and  said,  Where  have  ye  laid  him  }  They  said  unto 
him,  Lord,  come  and  see.  Jesus  wept.  Then  said  the  Jews, 
Behold  how  he  loved  him ! 


544  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

My  dear,  Almighty  Lord  !  why  dost  Thou  weep  ? 
Why  dost  Thou  groan  and  groan  again  ? 

And  with  such  deep, 
Repeated  sighs  Thy  kind  heart  pain  ? 
Since  the  same  sacred  breath,  which  thus 

Doth  mourn  for  us. 
Can  maice  man's  dead  and  scattered  bones 
Unite,  and  raise  up  all  that  died  at  once  ? 

And  some  of  them  said,  Could  not  this  man,  which  opened 
the  eyes  of  the  bhnd,  have  caused  that  even  this  man  should  not 
have  died  ?  Jesus  therefore  again  groaning  in  himself  cometh  to 
the  grave.  It  was  a  cave,  and  a  stone  lay  upon  it.  Jesus  said, 
Take  ye  away  the  stone.  Martha,  the  sister  of  him  that  was 
dead,  saith  unto  him,  Lord,  by  this  time  he  stinketh  :  for  he 
hath  been  dead  four  days.  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Said  I  not 
unto  thee,  that,  if  thou  wouldest  believe,  thou  shouldest  see  the 
glory  of  God  .''  Then  they  took  away  the  stone  from  the  place 
where  the  dead  was  laid.  And  Jesus  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and 
said.  Father,  I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  heard  me.  And  I 
knew  that  thou  hearest  me  always  :  but  because  of  the  people 
which  stand  by  I  said  it,  that  they  may  believe  that  thou  hast 
sent  me.  And  when  he  thus  had  spoken,  he  cried  with  a  loud 
voice,  Lazarus,  come  forth.  And  he  that  was  dead  came  forth, 
bound  hand  and  foot  with  grave-clothes  ;  and  his  face  was  bound 
about  with  a  napkin.  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  Loose  him,  and  let 
him  go. 

But  all  God's  angels  come  to  us  disguised,  — 

Sorrow  and  sickness,  poverty  and  death, 

One  after  other  lift  their  frowning  masks, 

And  we  behold  the  seraph's  face  beneath, 

All  radiant  with  the  glory  and  the  calm 

Of  having  looked  upon  the  front  of  God. 

Then  many  of  the  Jews  which  came  to  Mary,  and  had  seen 
the  things  which  Jesus  did,  believed  on  him. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  545 


CHAPTER   CCXXV. 

THE  PARABLE  OF  THE  PRODIGAL  SON. 

From  such  alone, 
The  epicure  took  all  his  meals.     In  choice 
Of  morsels  for  the  body,  nice  he  was, 
And  scrupulous,  and  knew  all  wines  by  smell 
Or  taste,  and  every  composition  knew 
Of  cookery  ;  but  grossly  drank,  unskilled, 
The  cup  of  spiritual  pollution  up, 
That  sickened  his  soul  to  death,  while  yet  his  eyes 
Stood  out  with  fat.     His  feelings  were  his  guide. 
He  ate,  and  drank,  and  slept,  and  took  all  joys, 
Forbid  and  unforbid,  as  impulse  urged 
Or  appetite,  nor  asked  his  reason  why. 
He  said,  he  followed  Nature  still,  but  lied  ; 
For  she  was  temperate  and  chaste,  he,  full 
Of  wine  and  all  adultery  ;  her  face 
Was  holy,  most  unholy  his  ;  her  eye 
Was  pure,  his  shot  unhallowed  fire  ;  her  lips 
Sang  praise  to  God,  his  uttered  oaths  profane  ; 
Her  breath  was  sweet,  his  rank  with  foul  debauch. 

THEN  drew  near  unto  him  all  the  publicans  and  sinners  for 
to  hear  him.  And  he  said,  A  certain  man  had  two  sons  : 
and  the  younger  of  them  said  to  his  father,  Father  give  me  the 
portion  of  goods  that  falleth  to  me.  And  he  divided  unto  them 
his  living. 

Tell  me,  bright  boy,  tell  me,  my  golden  lad. 

Whither  away  so  frolic  t  why  so  glad  ? 
What !  all  thy  wealth  in  council  1  all  thy  state  .? 
Are  husks  so  dear  ?  troth  'tis  a  mighty  rate. 

And  not  many  days  after  the  younger  son  gathered  all  together, 
and  took  his  journey  into  a  far  country,  and  there  wasted  his 
substance  with  riotous  living.  And  when  he  had  spent  all,  there 
arose  a  mighty  famine  in  that  land  ;  and  he  began  to  be  in  want. 
And  he  went  and  joined  himself  to  a  citizen  of  that  country ; 
and  he  sent  him  into  his  fields  to  feed  swine.  And  he  would 
fain  have  filled  his  belly  with  the  husks  that  the  swine  did  eat : 
and  no  man  gave  unto  him.     And  when  he  came  to  himself,  he 

35 


546  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

said,  How  many  hired  servants  of  my  father's  have  bread  enough 
and  to  spare,  and  I  perish  with  hunger ! 

'Tis  he,  'tis  he,  the  younger  son,  how  changed  in  mood  and  frame  ! 

And  now  he  leads  a  sinful  Hfe,  a  sinful  life  of  shame. 

Now  God  have  mercy  in  thy  need  !  with  man  is  little  grace  ; 

For  they  with  whom  thou  spent  thy  gold,  will  mock  thee  to  thy  face. 

I  will  arise  and  go  to  my  father,  and  will  say  unto  him,  Father, 
I  have  sinned  against  heaven,  and  before  thee,  and  am  no  more 
worthy  to  be  called  thy  son  :  make  me  as  one  of  thy  hired 
servants.  And  he  arose,  and  came  to  his  father.  But  when  he 
was  yet  a  great  way  off,  his  father  saw  him,  and  had  compassion, 
and  ran,  and  fell  on  his  neck,  and  kissed  him.  And  the  son 
said  unto  him.  Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven,  and  in  thy 
sight,  and  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son.  But  the 
father  said  to  his  servants.  Bring  forth  the  best  robe,  and  put  it 
on  him  ;  and  put  a  ring  on  his  hand,  and  shoes  on  his  feet :  and 
bring  hither  the  fatted  calf,  and  kill  it ;  and  let  us  eat,  and  be 
merry :  for  this  my  son  was  dead,  and  is  alive  again  ;  he  was 
lost,  and  is  found.  And  they  began  to  be  merry.  Now  his 
elder  son  was  in  the  field  :  and  as  he  came  and  drew  nigh  to 
the  house,  he  heard  music  and  dancing.  And  he  called  one  of 
the  servants,  and  asked  what  these  things  meant.  And  he  said 
unto  him,  Thy  brother  is  come ;  and  thy  father  hath  killed  the 
fatted  calf,  because  he  hath  received  him  safe  and  sound.  And 
he  was  angry,  and  would  not  go  in  :  therefore  came  his  father 
out,  and  entreated  him.  And  he  answering  said  to  his  father, 
Lo,  these  many  years  do  I  serve  thee,  neither  transgressed  I  at 
any  time  thy  commandment  ;  and  yet  thou  never  gavest  me  a 
kid,  that  I  might  make  merry  with  my  friends  :  but  as  soon  as 
this  thy  son  was  come,  which  hath  devoured  thy  living  with 
harlots,  thou  hast  killed  for  him  the  fatted  calf.  And  he  said 
unto  him,  Son,  thou  art  ever  with  me,  and  all  that  I  have  is  thine. 
It  was  meet  that  we  should  make  merry,  and  be  glad  :  for  this 
thy  brother  was  dead,  and  is  alive  again  ;  and  was  lost,  and  is 
found. 

Hark  !  through  the  courts  of  heaven 

Angelic  voices  sound  : 
He  that  was  dead  now  hves  again ; 

He  that  was  lost  is  found. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  547 


CHAPTER   CCXXVI. 

THE    PARABLE    OF    THE    RICH    MAN    AND    LAZARUS. 

All  these  fond  pleasures,  if  fond  things 

Deserve  so  good  a  name, 

Should  not  seduce  a  noble  mind 

To  stain  itself  with  shame. 

The  time  shall  come  when  all  these  same, 

Which  seem  so  rich  with  joy, 

Like  tyrants  shall  torment  thy  mind, 

And  vex  thee  with  annoy. 

THERE  was  a  certain  rich  man,  which  was  clothed  in  purple 
and  fine  linen,  and  fared  sumptuously  every  day  :  and  there 
was  a  certain  beggar  named  Lazarus,  which  was  laid  at  his  gate, 
full  of  sores,  and  desiring  to  be  fed  with  the  crumbs  which  fell 
from  the  rich  man's  table :  moreover  the  dogs  came  and  licked 
his  sores.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  the  beggar  died,  and  was 
carried  by  the  angels  into  Abraham's  bosom. 

O  change,  O  wondrous  change  !  burst  are  the  prison-bars, 
This  moment,  there  so  low,  so  agonized,  and  now 

Beyond  the  stars. 
O  change,  stupendous  change  !  there  hes  the  soulless  clod  : 
The  sun  eternal  breaks,  the  new  immortal  wakes,  — 

Wakes  with  his  God  ! 

The  rich  man  also  died,  and  was  buried.  And  in  hell  he  lifted 
up  his  eyes,  being  in  torments,  and  seeth  Abraham  afar  off,  and 
Lazarus  in  his  bosom.  And  he  cried  and  said,  Father  Abraham, 
have  mercy  on  me,  and  send  Lazarus,  that  he  may  dip  the  tip 
of  his  finger  in  water,  and  cool  my  tongue ;  for  I  am  tormented 
in  this  flame. 

A  drop,  one  drop,  how  sweetly  one  fair  drop 
Would  tremble  on  my  pearl-tipped  finger's  top  ! 
My  wealth  is  gone,  O,  go  it  where  it  will. 
Spare  this  one  jewel,  I'll  be  Dives  still! 

But  Abraham  said,  Son,  remember  that  thou  in  thy  lifetime 
receivedst  thy  good  things,  and  likewise  Lazarus  evil  things : 
but  now  he  is  comforted,  and  thou  art  tormented.  And  beside 
all  this,  between  us  and  you  there  is  a  great  gulf  fixed :  so  that 


548  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

they  which  would  pass  from  hence  to  you  cannot ;  neither  can 
they  pass  to  us,  that  would  come  from  thence.  Then  he  said,  I 
pray  thee  therefore,  father,  that  thou  wouldest  send  him  to  my 
father's  house :  for  I  have  five  brethren  ;  that  he  may  testify 
unto  them,  lest  they  also  come  into  this  place  of  torment. 
Abraham  saith  unto  him,  They  have  Moses  and  the  prophets  ; 
let  them  hear  them.  And  he  said,  Nay,  father  Abraham  :  but 
if  one  went  unto  them  from  the  dead,  they  will  repent.  And  he 
said  unto  him,  If  they  hear  not  Moses  and  the  prophets,  neither 
will  they  be  persuaded,  though  one  rose  from  the  dead. 

Poor  soul,  the  centre  of  my  sinful  earth, 

Foiled  by  those  rebel  powers  that  thee  array, 

Why  dost  thou  pine  within,  and  suffer  dearth, 

Painting  thy  outward  walls  so  costly  gay  ? 

Why  so  large  cost,  having  so  short  a  lease, 

Dost  thou  upon  thy  fading  mansion  spend  ? 

Shall  worms,  inheritors  of  this  excess, 

Eat  up  thy  charge  ?     Is  this  thy  body's  end  ? 

Then,  soul,  live  thou  upon  thy  servant's  loss. 

And  let  that  pine  to  aggravate  thy  store  ! 

Buy  terms  divine  in  selling  hours  of  dross  ! 

Within  be  fed,  without  be  rich  no  more  ! 

So  shalt  thou  feed  on  death,  that  feeds  on  men, 

And,  death  once  dead,  there's  no  more  dying  then. 


CHAPTER   CCXXVII. 

TWO    PARABLES. THE    IMPORTUNATE    WIDOW. THE  PHAR- 
ISEE   AND    PUBLICAN. 

Oh,  hear  that  lonely  widow's  wail ! 
See  her  dim  eye  !  her  aspect  pale  ! 
To  heaven  she  turns  in  deep  despair. 
Her  infants  wonder  at  her  prayer, 
And,  mingling  tears  they  know  not  why, 
Lift  up  their  little  hands  and  cry. 
O  God  !  their  moving  sorrows  see  ! 
Support  them,  sweet  Humanity  ! 

AND  he  spake  a  parable  unto  them  to  this  end,  that  men 
ought  always  to  pray,  and  not  to  faint  ;  saying,  There  was 
in  a  city  a  judge,  which  feared  not  God,  neither  regarded  man  : 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  549 

and  there  was  a  widow  in  that  city  ;  and  she  came  unto  him, 
saying,  Avenge  me  of  mine  adversary.  And  he  would  not  for  a 
while  :  but  afterward  he  said  within  himself,  Though  I  fear  not 
God,  nor  regard  man  ;  yet  because  this  widow  troubleth  me,  I 
will  avenge  her,  lest  by  her  continual  coming  she  weary  me. 
And  the  Lord  said,  Hear  what  the  unjust  judge  saith.  And 
shall  not  God  avenge  his  own  elect,  which  cry  day  and  night  unto 
him,  though  he  bear  long  with  them .'  I  tell  you  that  he  will 
avenge  them  speedily.  Nevertheless,  when  the  Son  of  man 
Cometh,  shall  he  find  faith  on  the  earth .'' 

Lord  !  who  art  merciful  as  well  as  just, 
Incline  Thine  ear  to  me,  a  child  of  dust ! 
Not  what  I  would,  O  Lord  !  I  offer  Thee, 

Alas  !  but  what  I  can. 
Father  Almighty,  who  hath  made  me  man, 
And  bade  me  look  to  heaven,  for  thou  art  there, 
Accept  my  sacrifice  and  humble  prayer. 
Four  things  which  are  not  in  Thy  treasury, 
I  lay  before  Thee,  Lord,  with  this  petition : 

My  nothingness,  my  wants, 

My  sins,  and  my  contrition. 

And  he  spake  this  parable  unto  certain  which  trusted  in  them- 
selves that  they  were  righteous,  and  despised  others  :  Two  men 
went  up  into  the  temple  to  pray ;  the  one  a  Pharisee,  and  the 
other  a  publican.  The  Pharisee  stood  and  prayed  thus  with 
himself,  God,  I  thank  thee,  that  I  am  not  as  other  men  are, 
extortioners,  unjust,  adulterers,  or  even  as  this  publican.  I  fast 
twice  in  the  week,  I  give  tithes  of  all  that  I  possess.  And  the  pub- 
lican, standing  afar  off,  would  not  lift  up  so  much  as  his  eyes  unto 
heaven,  but  smote  upon  his  breast,  saying,  God  be  merciful  to 
me  a  sinner.  I  tell  you,  this  man  went  down  to  his  house  jus- 
tified rather  than  the  other :  for  every  one  that  exalteth  himself 
shall  be  abased  ;  and  he  that  humbleth  himself  shall  be  exalted. 

One  nearer  to  God's  altar  trod  ; 
The  other  to  the  altar's  God. 


550  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CCXXVIII. 

THE    TRIUMPHAL     PROCESSION    TO    JERUSALEM. SCENES    BY 

THE    WAY    AND    IN    THE    TEMPLE. 

Awake  !  why  linger  in  the  gorgeous  town, 
Sworn  legion  of  the  cross  and  thorny  crown  ? 

Up,  from  your  beds  of  sloth,  for  shame, 

Speed  to  the  eastern  mount  like  flame. 
Nor  wonder,  should  you  find  your  King  in  tears, 
Even  with  the  loud  Hosanna  ringing  in  His  ears. 

Alas  !  no  need  to  rouse  them  :  long  ago 
They  are  gone  forth  to  swell  Messiah's  show ; 

With  glittering  robes  and  garlands  sweet 

They  strew  the  ground  beneath  His  feet : 
All  but  your  hearts  are  there  —  O  doomed  to  prove 
The  arrows  winged  in  heaven  for  Faith  that  will  not  love  ! 

AND  when  they  came  nigh  to  Jerusalem,  unto  Bethphage  and* 
Bethany,  at  the  mount  of  Ohves,  he  sendeth  forth  two  of 
his  disciples,  and  saith  unto  them.  Go  your  way  into  the  village 
over  against  you :  and  as  soon  as  ye  be  entered  into  it,  ye  shall 
find  a  colt  tied,  whereon  never  man  sat  ;  loose  him,  and  bring 
him,  And  if  any  man  say  unto  you,  Why  do  ye  this  ?  say  ye 
that  the  Lord  hath  need  of  him  ;  and  straightway  he  will  send 
him  hither.  And  they  went  their  way,  and  found  the  colt  tied 
by  the  door  without  in  a  place  where  two  ways  met ;  and  they 
loose  him.  And  certain  of  them  that  stood  there  said  unto  them. 
What  do  ye,  loosing  the  colt  ?  And  they  said  unto  them  even 
as  Jesus  had  commanded :  and  they  let  them  go.  And  they 
brought  him  to  Jesus  :  and  they  cast  their  garments  upon  the 
colt,  and  they  set  Jesus  thereon. 

He  calls  us  to  a  day  of  gladness,  who  came  to  us  the  King's  own  Son ; 

Go  forth  with  boughs  of  palm  to  meet  Him,  and  Him  with  loud  Hosannas  own. 

To-day  the  forests  are  rejoicing,  each  tree  its  own  sweet  anthem  sings. 

Because  we  wave  their  leafy  branches  as  banners  for  the  King  of  kings. 

To-day  let  all  the  brute  creation,  rejoicing,  be  no  longer  dumb, 

For  lowly  on  the  foal  He  sitteth,  the  Heavenly  One  to  us  hath  come. 

Let  every  village,  every  city,  in  happy  tumult  sing  His  name, 

Since  even  infant  hps  are  shouting,  "  Blessed  is  He,  the  King  who  came  ! " 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  55 1 

All  this  was  done,  that  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken 
by  the  prophet,  saying.  Tell  ye  the  daughter  of  Zion,  Behold, 
thy  King  cometh  unto  thee,  meek,  and  sitting  upon  an  ass,  and 
a  colt  the  foal  of  an  ass.  And  many  spread  their  garments  in  the 
way ;  and  others  cut  down  branches  off  the  trees,  and  strewed 
them  in  the  way.  And  they  that  went  before,  and  they  that 
followed,  cried,  saying,  Hosanna  ;  Blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  :  blessed  be  the  kingdom  of  our  father 
David,  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  :  Hosanna  in  the 
highest. 

Art  Thou  a  King,  then  ?     Come,  His  universe, 

Come,  crown  me  Him  a  King  ! 
Pluck  rays  from  all  such  stars  as  never  fling 

Their  light  where  fell  a  curse. 
And  make  a  crowning  for  His  kingly  brow  ! 

These  things  understood  not  his  disciples  at  the  first :  but  when 
Jesus  was  glorified,  then  remembered  they  that  these  things  were 
written  of  him,  and  that  they  had  done  these  things  unto  him. 
ThB  people  therefore  that  was  with  him  when  he  called  Lazarus 
out  of  his  grave,  and  raised  him  from  the  dead,  bare  record. 
For  this  cause  the  people  also  met  him,  for  that  they  heard  that 
he  had  done  this  miracle.  The  Pharisees  therefore  said  among 
themselves,  Perceive  ye  how  ye  prevail  nothing .''  behold,  the  world 
is  gone  after  him.  And  some  of  the  Pharisees  from  among  the 
multitude  said  unto  him.  Master,  rebuke  thy  disciples.  And  he 
answered  and  said  unto  them,  I  tell  you  that,  if  these  should  hold 
their  peace,  the  stones  would  immediately  cry  out. 

Jerusalem,  Jerusalem  !  enthronM  once  on  high, 
Thou  favoured  home  of  God  on  earth,  thou  heaven  below  the  sky ! 
Now  brought  to  bondage  with  thy  sons,  a  curse  and  grief  to  see, 
Jerusalem,  Jerusalem  !  our  tears  shall  flow  for  thee. 

Oh  !  hadst  thou  known  thy  day  of  grace,  and  flocked  beneath  the  wing 
Of  Him  who  called  thee  lovingly,  thine  own  anointed  King, 
Then  had  the  tribes  of  all  the  world  gone  up  thy  pomp  to  see, 
And  glory  dwelt  within  thy  gates,  and  all  thy  sons  been  free  ! 

And  when  he  was  come  near,  he  beheld  the  city,  and  wept  over 
it,  saying.  If  thou  hadst  known,  even  thou,  at  least  in  this  thy  day, 
the  things  which  belong  unto  thy  peace  !  but  now  they  are  hid 
from  thine  eyes.     For  the  days  shall  come  upon  thee,  that  thine 


552  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

enemies  shall  cast  a  trench  about  thee,  and  compass  thee  round, 
and  keep  thee  in  on  every  side,  and  shall  lay  thee  even  with  the 
ground,  and  thy  children  within  thee  ;  and  they  shall  not  leave 
in  thee  one  stone  upon  another ;  because  thou  knewest  not  the 
time  of  thy  visitation. 

And  when  he  was  come  into  Jerusalem,  all  the  city  was  moved, 
saying,  Who  is  this  ?  And  the  multitude  said,  This  is  Jesus  the 
prophet  of  Nazareth  of  Galilee. 

And  Jesus  went  into  the  temple  of  God,  and  cast  out  all  them 
that  sold  and  bought  in  the  temple,  and  overthrew  the  tables  of 
the  money  changers,  and  the  seats  of  them  that  sold  doves,  and 
said  unto  them.  It  is  written.  My  house  shall  be  called  the  house 
of  prayer  ;  but  ye  have  made  it  a  den  of  thieves.  And  the  blind 
and  the  lame  came  to  him  in  the  temple  ;  and  he  healed  them. 
And  when  the  chief  priests  and  scribes  saw  the  wonderful  things 
that  he  did,  and  the  children  crying  in  the  temple,  and  saying, 
Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David  ;  they  were  sore  displeased,  and 
said  unto  him,  Hearest  thou  what  these  say .-'  And  Jesus  saith 
unto  them.  Yea  ;  have  ye  never  read.  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes 
and  sucklings  thou  hast  perfected  praise  ? 

Salem  is  shouting  with  her  children,  Praise  Him  who  comes,  and  is  to  come  ! 
Hosanna !  here  and  in  the  highest,  be  to  the  Father's  mighty  Son. 
Praise  Him,  who  once  Himself  did  humble  in  love  to  save  our  human  race, 
Praise  Him,  who  all  the  world  doth  gladden  with  God  His  Father's  boundless 
grace. 


CHAPTER   CCXXIX. 

PARABLES. THE    MARRIAGE    FEAST. THE    TRIBUTE    QUES- 
TION.  THE    TWO    GREAT    COMMANDMENTS. 

Yk  wretched,  hungry,  starving  poor,  behold  a  royal  feast ! 
Where  mercy  spreads  her  bounteous  store,  for  every  humble  guest. 
Oh,  come,  and  with  God's  children  taste  the  blessings  of  His  love  ; 
While  hope  attends  the  sweet  repast  of  nobler  joys  above. 

AND  Jesus  answered  and  spake  unto  them  again  by  parables, 
and  said.  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  certain 
king,  which  made  a  marriage  for  his  son,  and  sent  forth  his  ser- 


THE   BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  553 

vants  to  call  them  that  were  bidden  to  the  wedding  :  and  they 
would  not  come.  Again,  he  sent  forth  other  servants,  saying, 
Tell  them  which  are  bidden.  Behold,  I  have  prepared  my  dinner : 
my  oxen  and  my  fatlings  are  killed,  and  all  things  are  ready : 
come  unto  the  marriage.  But  they  made  light  of  it,  and  went 
their  ways,  one  to  his  farm,  another  to  his  merchandise ;  and 
the  remnant  took  his  servants,  and  entreated  them  spitefully, 
and  slew  them.  But  when  the  king  heard  thereof,  he  was 
wroth :  and  he  sent  forth  his  armies,  and  destroyed  those  mur- 
derers, and  burned  up  their  city.  Then  saith  he  to  his  servants, 
The  wedding  is  ready,  but  they  which  were  bidden  were  not 
worthy.  Go  ye  therefore  into  the  highways,  and  as  many  as  ye 
shall  find,  bid  to  the  marriage.  So  those  servants  went  out 
into  the  highways,  and  gathered  together  all  as  many  as  they 
found,  both  bad  and  good  ;  and  the  wedding  was  furnished  with 
guests. 

The  golden  palace  of  my  God,  towering  above  the  clouds,  I  see 
Beyond  the  cherub's  bright  abode,  higher  than  angel's  thought  can  be  : 
How  can  I  in  those  courts  appear,  without  a  wedding  garment  on  .'' 
Conduct  me,  Thou  Life-Giver  there,  —  conduct  me  to  Thy  glorious  throne  ! 

And  clothe  me  with  Thy  robes  of  light. 

Oh,  lead  me  through  sin's  darksome  night, 
My  Saviour  and  my  God  ! 

And  when  the  king  came  in  to  see  the  guests,  he  saw  there  a 
man  which  had  not  on  a  wedding  garment :  and  he  saith  unto 
him,  Friend,  how  camest  thou  in  hither  not  having  a  wedding 
garment }  And  he  was  speechless.  Then  said  the  king  to  the 
servants,  Bind  him  hand  and  foot,  and  take  him  away,  and  cast 
him  into  outer  darkness  ;  there  shall  be  weeping  and  gnashing 
of  teeth.     For  many  are  called,  but  few  are  chosen. 

The  bell  strikes  one.     We  take  no  note  of  time 

But  from  its  loss  !     To  give  it  then  a  tongue 

Is  wise  in  man.     As  if  an  angel  spoke,  , 

I  feel  the  solemn  sound  ;  if  heard  aright, 

It  is  the  knell  of  my  departed  hours. 

Where  are  they  .-'     With  the  years  beyond  the  flood. 

It  is  the  signal  that  demands  despatch. 

How  much  is  to  be  done  !     My  hopes  and  fears 

Start  up  alarmed,  and  o'er  life's  verge 

Look  down,  —  on  what  ?     A  fathomless  abyss, 

A  dread  eternity. 


554  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Then  went  the  Pharisees,  and  took  counsel  how  they  might 
entangle  him  in  his  talk.  And  they  sent  out  unto  him  their 
disciples,  with  the  Herodians,  saying,  Master,  we  know  that 
thou  art  true,  and  teachest  the  way  of  God  in  truth,  neither 
carest  thou  for  any  man :  for  thou  regardest  not  the  person  of 
men.  Tell  us  therefore,  What  thinkest  thou }  Is  it  lawful  to 
give  tribute  unto  Cesar,  or  not .-'  But  Jesus  perceived  their  wick- 
edness, and  said,  Why  tempt  ye  me,  ye  hypocrites .-'  Shew  me 
the  tribute-money.  And  they  brought  unto  him  a  penny.  And 
he  saith  unto  them.  Whose  is  this  image,  and  superscription  ? 
They  say  unto  him,  Cesar's.  Then  saith  he  unto  them.  Render 
therefore  unto  Cesar,  the  things  which  are  Cesar's  ;  and  unto 
God,  the  things  that  are  God's. 

All  we  have  is  God's,  and  yet  Cassar  challenges  a  debt, 

Nor  hath  God  a  thinner  share,  whatever  Caesar's  payments  are. 

All  is  God's,  and  yet  'tis  true  all  we  have  is  Caesar's  too ; 

All  is  Caesar's,  and,  what  odds,  so  long  as  Caesar's  self  is  God's  ? 

Then  one  of  them  which  was  a  lawyer,  asked  him  a  question, 
tempting  him,  and  saying.  Master,  which  is  the  great  command- 
ment in  the  law }  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with 
all  thy  mind.  This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment.  And 
the  second  is  like  unto  it.  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thy- 
self. On  these  two  commandments  hang  all  the  law  and  the 
prophets. 

Love  is  the  happy  privilec^e  of  the  mind  — 

Love  is  the  reason  of  all  living  things. 

A  Trinity  there  seems  of  principles, 

Which  represent  and  rule  created  life  — 

The  love  of  self,  our  fellows,  and  our  God. 

In  all  throughout  one  common  feehng  reigns  : 

Each  doth  maintain,  and  is  maintained  by  the  other: 

All  are  compatible  —  all  needful  ;  one 

To  life,  — to  virtue  one,  —  and  one  to  bHss  : 

Which  thus  together  make  the  power,  the  end, 

And  the  perfection  of  created  Being. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  555 


CHAPTER   CCXXX. 

THE     DESTRUCTION     OF     THE     TEMPLE,    AND    OF    JERUSALEM 

FORETOLD. 

God  will  be  avenged  for  the  deed  ; 
Take  not  the  quarrel  from  His  powerful  arm; 
He  needs  no  indirect  nor  lawless  course, 
To  cut  olT  those  that  have  offended  Him. 

AND  Jesus  went  out,  and  departed  from  the  temple :  and  his 
disciples  came  to  him  for  to  shew  him  the  buildings  of  the 
temple.  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  See  ye  not  all  these  things  ? 
verily  I  say  unto  you,  There  shall  not  be  left  here  one  stone  upon 
another,  that  shall  not  be  thrown  down. 

And  as  he  sat  upon  the  mount  of  Olives,  the  disciples  came 
unto  him  privately,  saying.  Tell  us,  when  shall  these  things  be  ? 
and  what  shall  be  the  sign  of  thy  coming,  and  of  the  end  of  the 
world .''  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them.  Take  heed 
that  no  man  deceive  you.  For  many  shall  come  in  my  name, 
saying,  I  am  Christ  ;  and  shall  deceive  many.  And  ye  shall 
hear  of  wars  and  rumours  of  wars  :  see  that  ye  be  not  troubled : 
for  all  these  things  must  come  to  pass,  but  the  end  is  not  yet. 
For  nation  shall  rise  against  nation,  and  kingdom  against  king- 
dom :  and  there  shall  be  famines,  and  pestilences,  and  earth- 
quakes, in  divers  places.  All  these  are  the  beginning  of  sorrows. 
Then  shall  they  deliver  you  up  to  be  afflicted,  and  shall  kill 
you :  and  ye  shall  be  hated  of  all  nations  for  my  name's  sake. 
And  then  shall  many  be  offended,  and  shall  betray  one  another, 
and  shall  hate  one  another.  And  many  false  prophets  shall  rise, 
and  shall  deceive  many.  And  because  iniquity  shall  abound,  the 
love  of  many  shall  wax  cold.  But  he  that  shall  endure  unto  the 
end,  the  same  shall  be  saved.  And  this  gospel  of  the  kingdom 
shall  be  preached  in  all  the  world  for  a  witness  unto  all  nations  ; 
and  then  shall  the  end  come.  When  ye  therefore  shall  see  the 
abomination  of  desolation,  spoken  of  by  Daniel  the  prophet, 
stand  in  the  holy  place,  (whoso  reaJeth,  let  him  understand,)  then 
let  them  which  be  in  Judea  flee  into  the  mountains  :  let  him 
which  is  on  the  housetop  not  come  down  to  take  any  thing  out 


556  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

of  his  house :  neither  let  him  which  is  in  the  field  return  back  to 
take  his  clothes.  And  woe  unto  them  that  are  with  child,  and 
to  them  that  give  suck  in  those  days  !  But  pray  ye  that  your 
flight  be  not  in  the  winter,  neither  on  the  sabbath  day :  for  then 
shall  be  great  tribulation,  such  as  was  not  since  the  beginning  of 
the  world  to  this  time,  no,  nor  ever  shall  be.  And  except  those 
days  should  be  shortened,  there  should  no  flesh  be  saved  :  but 
for  the  elect's  sake  those  days  shall  be  shortened.  Then  if 
any  man  shall  say  unto  you,  Lo,  here  is  Christ,  or  there ; 
believe  it  not.  For  there  shall  arise  false  Christs,  and  false 
prophets,  and  shall  shew  great  signs  and  wonders  ;  insomuch 
that,  if  it  were  possible,  they  shall  deceive  the  very  elect.  Be- 
hold, I  have  told  you  before.  Wherefore  if  they  shall  say  unto 
you.  Behold,  he  is  in  the  desert  ;  go  not  forth  :  behold,  he  is  in 
the  secret  chambers ;  believe  it  not.  For  as  the  lightning 
Cometh  out  of  the  east,  and  shineth  even  unto  the  west ;  so  shall 
also  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man  be.  For  wheresoever  the 
carcass  is,  there  will  the  eagles  be  gathered  together. 

Though  the  mills  of  God  grind  slowly,  yet  they  grind  exceeding  small; 
Though  with  patience  He  stands  waiting,  with  exactness  grinds  He  all. 

Immediately  after  the  tribulation  of  those  days  shall  the  sun 
be  darkened,  and  the  moon  shall  not  give  her  light,  and  the  stars 
shall  fall  from  heaven,  and  the  powers  of  the  heavens  shall  be 
shaken  :  and  then  shall  appear  the  sign  of  the  Son  of  man  in 
heaven :  and  then  shall  all  the  tribes  of  the  earth  mourn,  and 
they  shall  see  the  Son  of  man  coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven 
with  power  and  great  glory.  And  he  shall  send  his  angels  with 
a  great  sound  of  a  trumpet,  and  they  shall  gather  together  his 
elect  from  the  four  winds,  from  one  end  of  heaven  to  the  other. 
Now  learn  a  parable  of  the  fig  tree;  When  his  branch  is  yet 
tender,  and  putteth  forth  leaves,  ye  know  that  summer  is  nigh : 
so  likewise  ye,  when  ye  shall  see  all  these  things,  know  that  it  is 
near,  even  at  the  doors.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  This  generation 
shall  not  pass,  till  all  these  things  be  fulfilled.  Heaven  and  earth 
shall  pass  away,  but  my  words  shall  not  pass  away. 

Truth  crushed  to  earth  shall  rise  again  ; 

The  eternal  years  of  God  are  hers  ; 
While  error,  wounded,  writhes  in  pain, 

And  dies  amidst  her  worshippers. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  557 

But  of  that  day  and  hour  knoweth  no  man,  no,  not  the  angels 
of  heaven,  but  my  Father  only.  But  as  the  days  of  Noah  were, 
so  shall  also  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man  be.  For  as  in  the 
days  that  were  before  the  flood  they  were  eating  and  drinking, 
marrying  and  giving  in  marriage,  until  the  day  that  Noah 
entered  into  the  ark,  and  knew  not  until  the  flood  came,  and  took 
them  all  away  ;  so  shall  also  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man  be. 

Lost  Salem  of  the  Jews — great  sepulchre 

Of  all  profane  and  of  all  holy  things  — 

Where  Jew,  and  Turk,  and  Gentile  yet  concur 

To  make  thee  what  thou  art !  thy  history  brings 

Thoughts  mixed  of  joy  and  woe.     The  whole  earth  rings 

With  the  sad  truth  which  He  has  prophesied, 

Who  would  have  sheltered  with  His  holy  wings 

Thee  and  thy  children.     You  His  power  defied  : 

You  scourged  Him  while  He  lived,  and  mocked  Him  as  He  died. 


CHAPTER   CCXXXI. 

THE    PARABLE   OF  THE  TEN  VIRGINS. THE  LAST  JUDGMENT. 

Then  'tis  thine  to  stand  —  entreating 

Christ  to  let  thee  in  : 
At  the  gate  of  mercy  beating, 

Wailing  for  thy  sin. 
Nay,  alas  !  thou  foolish  virgin, 

Hast  thou  then  forgot  ? 
Jesus  waited  long  to  know  thee, 

But  He  knows  thee  not  ! 

THEN  shall  the  kingdom  of  heaven  be  likened  unto  ten 
virgins,  which  took  their  lamps,  and  went  forth  to  meet 
the  bridegroom.  And  five  of  them  were  wise,  and  five  were 
foolish.  They  that  were  foolish  took  their  lamps,  and  took  no 
oil  with  them  :  but  the  wise  took  oil  in  their  vessels  with  their 
lamps.  While  the  bridegroom  tarried,  they  all  slumbered  and 
slept.  And  at  midnight  there  was  a  cry  made,  Behold,  the 
bridegroom  cometh  ;  go  ye  out  to  meet  him.  Then  all  those 
virgins  arose,  and  trimmed  their  lamps.     And  the  foolish  said 


558  777^  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS. 

unto  the  wise,  Give  us  of  your  oil ;  for  our  lamps  are  gone  out. 
But  the  wise  answered,  saying,  Not  so  ;  lest  there  be  not  enough 
for  us  and  you  :  but  go  ye  rather  to  them  that  sell,  and  buy  for 
yourselves.  And  while  they  went  to  buy,  the  bridegroom  came  ; 
and  they  that  were  ready  went  in  with  him  to  the  marriage  :  and 
the  door  was  shut.  Afterward  came  also  the  other  virgins,  say- 
ing. Lord,  Lord,  open  to  us.  But  he  answered  and  said.  Verily 
I  say  unto  you,  I  know  you  not.  Watch  therefore  ;  for  ye  know 
neither  the  day  nor  the  hour  wherein  the  Son  of  man  cometh. 

Thou  Judge  of  quick  and  dead, 

Before  whose  bar  severe, 
With  holy  joy  or  guilty  dread, 

We  all  shall  soon  appear : 
Our  sinful  souls  prepare 

For  that  tremendous  day  ; 
And  fill  us  now  with  watchful  care. 

And  stir  us  up  to  pray : 
To  pray  and  wait  the  hour. 

That  awful  hour  unknown  ; 
When  robed  in  majesty  and  power, 

Thou  shalt  from  heaven  come  down, 
The  immortal  Son  of  man, 

To  judge  the  human  race. 
With  all  Thy  Father's  dazzling  trains, 

With  all  Thy  glorious  grace. 

"When  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in  his  glory,  and  all  the  holy 
angels  with  him,  then  shall  he  sit  upon  the  throne  of  his  glory : 
and  before  him  shall  be  gathered  all  nations  :  and  he  shall  sep- 
arate them  one  from  another,  as  a  shepherd  divideth  his  sheep 
from  the  goats  :  and  he  shall  set  the  sheep  on  his  right  hand, 
but  the  goats  on  the  left.  Then  shall  the  King  say  unto  them, 
on  his  right  hand,  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the 
kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world : 
for  I  was  an  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  meat :  I  was  thirsty,  and 
ye  gave  me  drink  :  I  was  a  stranger,  and  ye  took  me  in  :  naked, 
and  ye  clothed  me :  I  was  sick,  and  ye  visited  me :  I  was  in 
prison,  and  ye  came  unto  me.  Then  shall  the  righteous  answer 
him,  saying,  Lord,  when  saw  we  thee  an  hungered,  and  fed  thee  .^ 
or  thirsty,  and  gave  thee  drink  }  When  saw  we  thee  a  stranger, 
and  took  thee  in  }  or  naked,  and  clothed  thee }  Or  when  saw 
we  thee  sick,  or  in  prison,  and  came  unto  thee  ?     And  the  King 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  559 

shall  answer  and  say  unto  them,  Verily,  I  say  unto  you.  Inasmuch 
as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the  least  of  these  my  brethren, 
ye  have  done  it  unto  me. 

The  clay  of  wrath  !  that  dreadful  day, 
When  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away  ! 
What  power  shall  be  the  sinner's  stay  ? 
How  shall  he  meet  that  dreadful  day  ? 

Then  shall  he  say  also  unto  them  on  the  left  hand,  Depart 
from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil 
and  his  angels  :  for  I  was  an  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  no  meat : 
I  was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me  no  drink :  I  was  a  stranger,  and 
ye  took  me  not  in  :  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me  not :  sick,  and  in 
prison,  and  ye  visited  me  not.  Then  shall  they  also  answer  him, 
saying,  Lord,  when  saw  we  thee  an  hungered,  or  athirst,  or  a 
stranger,  o-r  naked,  or  sick,  or  in  prison,  and  did  not  minister 
unto  thee .''  Then  shall  he  answer  them,  saying,  Verily  I  say 
unto  you,  Inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  not  to  one  of  the  least  of  these, 
ye  did  it  not  to  me.  And  these  shall  go  away  into  everlasting 
punishment :  but  the  righteous  into  life  eternal. 

Eternity!  Eternity! 
How  long  art  thou,  Eternity  ! 
And  yet  to  thee  Time  hastes  away, 
Like  as  the  war-horse  to  the  fray, 
Or  swift  as  couriers  homeward  go, 
Or  ship  to  port,  or  shaft  from  bow. 
Ponder,  O  Man,  Eternity  ! 

Eternity !  Eternity ! 
How  long  art  thou,  Eternity  ! 
As  long  as  God  is  God,  so  long 
Endure  the  pains  of  hell  and  wrong, 
So  long  the  joys  of  heaven  remain  ; 
Oh  lasting  joy,  Oh  lasting  pain  ! 
Ponder,  O  Man,  Eternity  ! 


56o  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CCXXXII. 

Mary's  token  of  love  to  her  lord.  —  preparation 
for  the  passover. 

What  bright  soft  thing  is  this, 
Sweet  Mary,  thy  fair  eyes'  expense? 

A  moist  spark  it  is, 
A  watery  diamond  ;  from  whence 
The  very  term,  I  think,  was  found, 
The  water  of  a  diamond. 

O,  'tis  a  tear. 
Too  true  a  tear  :  for  no  sad  eyne, 

How  sad  soe'er, 
Rain  so  true  a  tear  as  thine  ; 
Each  drop  leaving  a  place  so  dear, 
Weeps  for  itself,  is  its  own  tear. 

THEN  Jesus  six  days  before  the  passover  came  to  Bethany, 
where  Lazarus  was  which  had  been  dead,  whom  he  raised 
from  the  dead.  There  they  made  him  a  supper,  in  the  house  of 
Simon  the  leper,  and  Martha  served  ;  but  Lazarus  was  one  of 
them  that  sat  at  the  table  with  him.  Then  took  Mary  an  alabas- 
ter-box of  ointment  of  spikenard,  very  costly,  and  she  brake  the 
box,  and  poured  it  on  his  head,  and  anointed  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
and  wiped  his  feet  with  her  hair :  and  the  house  was  filled  with 
the  odour  of  the  ointment. 

Why  is  this  rich,  this  pistic  nard 

Spilt,  and  the  box  quite  broke  and  marred  ? 

What  pretty  suUenness  did  haste 

Thy  easy  hands  to  do  this  waste  ? 

Why  art  thou  humbled  thus,  and  low 

As  earth  thy  lovely  head  dost  bow  ?  — 

Thy  curious  vanities  and  rare. 

Odorous  ointments  kept  with  care, 

And  dearly  bought,  when  thou  didst  see 

They  could  not  cure  nor  comfort  thee ; 

Like  a  wise,  early  penitent, 

Thou  sadly  didst  to  Him  present, 

Whose  interceding,  meek,  and  calm 

Blood  is  the  world's  all-healing  balm. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  561 

Then  saith  one  of  his  disciples,  Judas  Iscariot,  Simon's  son, 
which  should  betray  him,  To  what  purpose  is  this  waste  ?  Why- 
was  not  this  ointment  sold  for  three  hundred  pence,  and  given  to 
the  poor  ?  This  he  said,  not  that  he  cared  for  the  poor  ;  but 
because  he  was  a  thief,  and  had  the  bag,  and  bare  what  was  put 
therein.  Then  said  Jesus,  Let  her  alone :  why  trouble  ye  the 
woman  ?  for  she  hath  wrought  a  good  work  upon  me.  She  hath 
done  what  she  could.  For  ye  have  the  poor  with  you  always, 
and  whensoever  ye  will  ye  may  do  them  good  :  but  me  ye  have 
not  always.  For  in  that  she  hath  poured  this  ointment  on  my 
body,  she  did  it  for  my  burial.  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Whereso- 
ever this  gospel  shall  be  preached  in  the  whole  world,  there  shall 
also  this,  that  this  woman  haih  done,  be  told  for  a  memorial  of 
her. 

Thou  hast  thy  record  in  the  monarch's  hall, 

And  on  the  waters  of  the  far  mid  sea  ; 
And  where  the  mighty  mountain-shadows  fall, 
The  Alpine  hamlet  keeps  a  thought  of  thee  : 
Where'er  beneath  some  Oriental  tree, 

The  Christian  traveller  rests  —  where'er  the  child 
Looks  upward  from  the  English  mother's  knee, 

With  earnest  eyes  in  wondering  reverence  mild, 
There  art  thou  known  —  Where'er  the  Book  of  Light 
Bears  hope  and  healing,  there,  beyond  all  blight, 

Is  borne  thy  memory,  and  all  praise  above  ; 
Oh  !  say  what  deed  so  lifted  thy  sweet  name, 
Mary  !  to  that  pure  silent  place  of  fame  .'' 
One  lowly  offering  of  exceeding  love. 

Then  came  the  day  of  unleavened  bread,  when  the  passover 
must  be  killed.  And  he  sent  Peter  and  John,  saying.  Go  and 
prepare  us  the  passover,  that  we  may  eat.  And  they  said  unto 
him.  Where  wilt  thou  that  we  prepare.^  And  he  said  unto'them. 
Behold,  when  ye  are  entered  into  the  city,  there  shall  a  man 
meet  you,  bearing  a  pitcher  of  water  ;  follow  him  into  the  house 
where  he  entereth  in.  And  ye  shall  say  unto  the  goodman  of 
the  house,  The  Master  saith  unto  thee.  Where  is  the  guest-cham- 
ber, where  I  shall  eat  the  passover  with  my  disciples  .■*  And  he 
shall  shew  you  a  large  upper  room  furnished  :  there  make  ready. 
And  they  went,  and  found  as  he  had  said  unto  them  :  and  they 
made  ready  the  passover. 

36 


562  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CCXXXIII. 

THE    LESSON    OF    HUMILITY. THE    MEMORIAL   OF    LOVE. 

O  Blessed  Jesus  !  when  I  see  Thee  bending, 

Girt  as  a  servant,  at  Thy  servants'  feet, 
Love,  lowliness,  and  might,  in  zeal  all  blending, 

To  wash  their  dust  away,  and  make  them  meet 
To  share  thy  feast,  I  know  not  to  adore, 
Whether  Thy  humbleness  or  glory  more. 

O  blessed  name  of  Servant !  comprehending 
Man's  highest  honour  in  his  humblest  name  ; 

For  Thou,  God's  Christ,  that  office  recommending, 
The  throne  of  mighty  power  didst  truly  claim; 

He  who  would  rise  hke  Thee,  like  Thee  must  owe 

His  glory  only  to  his  stooping  low. 

NOW  before  the  feast  of  the  passover,  when  Jesus  knew  that 
his  hour  was  come  that  he  should  depart  out  of  this  world 
unto  the  Father,  having  loved  his  own  which  were  in  the  world, 
he  loved  them  unto  the  end.  And  supper  being  ended,  the  devil 
having  now  put  into  the  heart  of  Judas  Iscariot,  Simon's  son,  to 
betray  him  ;  Jesus  knowing  that  the  Father  had  given  all  things 
into  his  hands,  and  that  he  was  come  from  God,  and  went  to 
God  ;  he  riseth  from  supper,  and  laid  aside  his  garments  ;  and 
took  a  towel,  and  girded  himself.  After  that  he  poureth  water 
into  a  basin,  and  began  to  wash  the  disciples'  feet,  and  to  wipe 
them  with  the  towel  wherewith  he  was  girded.  Then  cometh  he 
to  Simon  Peter :  and  Peter  saith  unto  him.  Lord,  dost  thou  wash 
my  feet }  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him.  What  I  do  thou 
knowest  not  now  ;  but  thou  shalt  know  hereafter.  Peter  saith 
unto  him,  Thou  shalt  never  wash  my  feet.  Jesus  answered  him. 
If  I  wash  thee  not,  thou  hast  no  part  with  me.  Simon  Peter 
saith  unto  him.  Lord,  not  my  feet  only,  but  also  my  hands  and 
my  head.  Jesus  saith  to  him,  He  that  is  washed  needeth  not 
save  to  wash  his  feet,  but  is  clean  every  whit :  and  ye  are  clean, 
but  not  all.  For  he  knew  who  should  betray  him  ;  therefore  said 
he.  Ye  are  not  all  clean.  So  after  he  had  washed  their  feet,  and 
had  taken  his  garments,  and  was  set  down  again,  he  said  unto 
them,  Know  ye  what  I  have  done  to  you  }     Ye  call  me  Master 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  563 

and  Lord  :  and  ye  say  well ;  for  so  I  am.  If  I  then,  your  Lord 
and  Master,  have  washed  your  feet ;  ye  also  ought  to  wash  one 
another's  feet.  For  I  have  given  you  an  example,  that  ye  should 
do  as  I  have  done  to  you.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  The 
servant  is  not  greater  than  his  lord  ;  neither  h^  that  is  sent 
greater  than  he  that  sent  him.  If  ye  know  these  things,  happy 
are  ye  if  ye  do  them. 

Bread  of  the  world,  in  mercy  broken  ! 

Wine  of  die  soul,  in  mercy  shed  ! 
By  whom  the  words  of  life  were  spoken, 

And  in  whose  death  our  sins  are  dead  ! 

Look  on  the  heart  by  sorrow  broken  ; 

Look  on  the  tears  by  sinners  shed, 
And  be  Thy  feast  to  us  a  token 

That  by  Thy  grace  our  souls  are  fed  ! 

And  when  the  hour  was  come,  he  sat  down,  and  the  twelve 
apostles  with  him.  And  he  said  unto  them.  With  desire  I  have 
desired  to  eat  this  passover  with  you  before  I  suffer:  for  I  say 
unto  you,  I  will  not  any  more  eat  thereof,  until  it  be  fulfilled  in 
the  kingdom  of  God.  And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks, 
and  said,  Take  this,  and  divide  it  among  yourselves  :  for  I  say 
unto  you,  I  will  not  drink  of  the  fruit  of  the  vine,  until  the  king- 
dom of  God  shall  come. 

And  as  they  were  eating,  Jesus  took  bread,  and  blessed  it,  and 
brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  the  disciples,  and  said.  Take,  eat ;  this  is 
my  body  which  is  given  for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me. 
Likewise  also  the  cup  after  supper,  saying.  This  cup  is  the  new 
testament  in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  you. 

Jesus  !  Shepherd  of  the  sheep  ! 
Thou  Thy  flock  in  safety  keep. 
Living  Bread  !  Thy  life  supply  ; 
Strengthen  us,  or  else  we  die  ; 

Fill  us  with  celestial  grace  : 
Thou  who  feedest  us  below  ! 
Source  of  all  we  have  or  know ! 
Grant  that  with  Thy  Saints  above, 
Sitting  at  Thy  feast  of  love, 

We  may  see  Thee  face  to  face. 


564  THE   BIBLE   AND    THE   POETS. 


CHAPTER   CCXXXIV. 

THE    COMFORTER    PROMISED. 

Then  have  we  too  our  guardian  fires  and  clouds  ; 

Our  Scripture-dew  drops  fast : 
We  have  our  sands  and  serpents,  tents  and  shrouds, 

Alas  !  our  murmurings  come  not  last. 
But  where's  the  cluster  ?  where's  the  taste 
Of  mine  inheritance  ?     Lord,  if  I  must  borrow, 
Let  me  as  well  take  up  their  joy  as  sorrow. 

LET  not  your  heart  be  troubled  :  ye  believe  in  God,  believe 
also  in  me.  In  my  Father's  house  are  many  mansions : 
if  it  were  not  so,  I  would  have  told  you.  I  go  to  prepare  a 
place  for  you.  And  if  I  go  and  prepare  a  place  for  you,  I  will 
come  again,  and  receive  you  unto  myself ;  that  where  I  am, 
there  ye  may  be  also.  And  whither  I  go  ye  know,  and  the 
way  ye  know. 

Thou  art  the  Way ;  —  to  Thee  alone 

From  sin  and  death  we  flee  ; 
And  he,  who  would  the  Father  seek, 

Must  seek  Him,  Lord,  in  Thee  ! 

Thou  art  the  Way,  the  Truth,  the  Life  ;  — 

Grant  us  to  know  that  Way, 
That  Truth  to  keep,  that  Life  to  win. 

Which  leads  to  endless  day. 

If  ye  love  me,  keep  my  commandments.  And  I  will  pray  the 
Father,  and  he  shall  give  you  another  Comforter,  that  he  may 
abide  with  you  for  ever ;  even  the  Spirit  of  truth :  whom  the  world 
cannot  receive,  because  it  seeth  him  not,  neither  knoweth  him  : 
but  ye  know  him  ;  for  he  dwelleth  with  you,  and  shall  be  in  you. 
These  things  have  I  spoken  untd"  you,  being  yet  present  with 
you.  But  the  Comforter,  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost,  whom  the 
Father  will  send  in  my  name,  he  shall  teach  you  all  things,  and 
bring  all  things  to  your  remembrance,  whatsoever  I  have  said 
vmto  you.  Peace  I  leave  with  you,  my  peace  I  give  unto  you  : 
not  as  the  world  giveth,  give  I  unto  you.  Let  not  your  heart  be 
troubled,  neither  let  it  be  afraid.  Ye  have  heard  how  I  said  unto 
you,  I  go  away,  and  come  again  unto  you.     If  ye  loved  me,  ye 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  565 

would  rejoice,  because  I  said,  I  go  unto  the  Father :  for  my  Father 
is  greater  than  I.  And  now  I  have  told  you  before  it  come  to  pass, 
that,  when  it  is  come  to  pass,  ye  might  believe.  Hereafter  I  will 
not  talk  much  with  you  :  for  the  prince  of  this  world  cometh,  and 
hath  nothing  in  me.  But  that  the  world  may  know  that  I  love 
the  Father ;  and  as  the  Father  gave  me  commandment,  even  so 
I  do. 

In  doubt  they  wait,  but  not  unblest ; 

They  doubt  not  of  their  Master's  rest, 

Nor  of  the  gracious  will  of  Heaven  — 

Who  gave  His  Son,  sure  all  has  given  — 

But,  in  extatic  awe,  they  muse 

What  course  the  genial  stream  may  choose, 

And  far  and  wide  their  fancies  rove, 
And  to  their  height  of  wonder  strain. 

What  secret  miracle  of  love 

Should  make  their  Saviour's  going  gain  ! 

But  now  I  go  my  way  to  him  that  sent  me  ;  and  none  of  you 
asketh  me.  Whither  goest  thou  .'*  But  because  I  have  said  these 
things  unto  you,  sorrow  hath  filled  your  heart.  Nevertheless 
I  tell  you  the  truth  ;  It  is  expedient  for  you  that  I  go  away :  for 
if  I  go  not  away,  the  Comforter  will  not  come  unto  you  ;  but  if 
I  depart,  I  will  send  him  unto  you.  And  when  he  is  come,  he 
will  reprove  the  world  of  sin,  and  of  righteousness,  and  of  judg- 
ment :  of  sin,  because  they  believe  not  on  me  ;  of  righteousness, 
because  I  go  to  my  Father,  and  ye  see  me  no  more  ;  of  judgment, 
because  the  prince  of  this  world  is  judged.  I  have  yet  many 
things  to  say  unto  you,  but  ye  cannot  bear  them  now.  How- 
beit  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is  come,  he  will  guide  you  into 
all  truth  :  for  he  shall  not  speak  of  himself  ;  but  whatsoever  he 
shall  hear,  that  shall  he  speak  :  and  he  will  shew  you  things  to 
come.  He  shall  glorify  me :  for  he  shall  receive  of  mine,  and 
shall  shew  it  unto  you.  All  things  that  the  Father  hath  are 
mine :  therefore  said  I,  that  he  shall  take  of  mine,  and  shall 
shew  it  unto  you. 

Our  blest  Redeemer,  ere  He  breathed  His  last  farewell, 

A  Guide,  a  Comforter,  bequeathed  with  us  to  dwell. 

He  breathes  that  gentle  voice  we  hear,  as  breeze  of  even  ; 

That  checks  each  fault,  that  calms  each  fear,  and  speaks  of  heaven. 

Spirit  of  purity  and  grace  !  our  weakness  see  ; 

Oh,  make  our  hearts  Thy  dwelling  place,  and  worthier  Thee  ! 


566  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

CHAPTER   CCXXXV. 

CHRIST    THE    LIFE-GIVING    VINE. 

Jesus,  immutably  the  same, 

Thou  true  and  living  vine, 
Around  Thy  all-supporting  stem 

My  feeble  arms  I  twine. 
Quickened  by  Thee,  and  kept  alive, 

I  flourish  and  bear  fruit ; 
My  life  I  from  Thy  sap  derive, 

My  vigour  from  Thy  root. 

I  AM  the  true  vine,  and  my  Father  is  the  husbandman.  Every 
branch  in  me  that  beareth  not  fruit  he  taketh  away :  and 
every  branch  that  beareth  fruit,  he  purgeth  it,  that  it  may  bring 
forth  more  fruit.  Now  ye  are  clean  through  the  word  which  I 
have  spoken  unto  you.  Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  As  the 
branch  cannot  bear  fruit  of  itself,  except  it  abide  in  the  vine ;  no 
more  can  ye,  except  ye  abide  in  me.  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the 
branches.  He  that  abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  him,  the  same  bring- 
eth  forth  much  fruit ;  for  without  me  ye  can  do  nothing.  If  a 
man  abide  not  in  me,  he  is  cast  forth  as  a  branch,  and  is  withered  ; 
and  men  gather  them,  and  cast  them  into  the  fire,  and  they  are 
burned.  If  ye  abide  in  me,  and  my  words  abide  in  you,  ye  shall  ask 
what  ye  will,  and  it  shall  be  done  unto  you.  Herein  is  my  Father 
glorified,  that  ye  bear  much  fruit ;  so  shall  ye  be  my  disciples. 
As  the  Father  hath  loved  me,  so  have  I  loved  you  :  continue  ye 
in  my  love.  If  ye  keep  my  commandments,  ye  shall  abide  in  my 
love ;  even  as  I  have  kept  my  Father's  commandments,  and 
abide  in  his  love.  These  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you,  that  my 
joy  might  remain  in  you,  and  that  your  joy  might  be  full.  This 
is  my  commandment,  That  ye  love  one  another,  as  I  have  loved 
you.  Greater  love  hath  no  man  than  this,  that  a  man  lay  down 
his  life  for  his  friends. 

My  blessed  Saviour,  is  Thy  love  so  great,  so  full,  so  free  ? 
Behold  !   I  give  my  love,  my  heart,  my  life,  my  all,  to  Thee. 
I  love  Thee  for  the  glorious  worth  in  Thy  great  self  I  see  ; 
I  love  Thee  for  that  shameful  cross  Thou  hast  endured  for  me. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS.  567 

Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye  do  whatsoever  I  command  you. 
Henceforth  I  call  you  not  servants  ;  for  the  servant  knovveth  not 
what  his  lord  doeth  :  but  I  have  called  you  friends  ;  for  all  things 
that  I  have  heard  of  my  Father  I  have  made  known  unto  you. 
Ye  have  not  chosen  me,  but  I  have  chosen  you,  and  ordained 
you,  that  ye  should  go  and  bring  forth  fruit,  and  that  your  fruit 
should  remain  ;  that  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  of  the  Father  in  my 
name,  he  may  give  it  you. 

'Tis  not  that  I  did  choose  Thee, 

For,  Lord,  that  could  not  be  ; 
This  heart  would  still  refuse  Thee, 

But  Thou  hast  chosen  me  : 
Thou,  from  the  sin  that  stained  me, 

Hast  made  me  pure  and  free  ; 
Of  old  Thou  hast  ordained  me 

That  I  should  live  to  Thee. 


CHAPTER   CCXXXVI. 

ch-rist's  prayer  for  himself,  for  his  apostles,  and 

FOR    ALL    believers. 

He  is  a  path,  if  any  be  misled  ; 

He  is  a  robe,  if  any  naked  be  ; 

If  any  chance  to  hunger,  He  is  bread  ; 

If  any  be  a  bondman,  He  is  free  ; 

If  any  be  but  weak,  how  strong  is  He  ! 
To  dead  men  life  He  is,  to  sick  men  health  ; 
To  blind  men  sight,  and  to  the  needy  wealth, 
A  pleasure  without  loss,  a  treasure  without  stealth. 

THESE  words  spake  Jesus,  and  lifted  up  his  eyes  to  heaven, 
and  said.  Father,  the  hour  is  come  ;  glorify  thy  Son,  that 
thy  Son  also  may  glorify  thee  :  as  thou  hast  given  him  power 
over  all  flesh,  that  he  should  give  eternal  life  to  as  many  as  thou 
hast  given  him.  And  -this  is  life  eternal,  that  they  might  know 
thee  the  only  true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ,  whom  thou  hast  sent. 
I  have  glorified  thee  on  the  earth  :  I  have  finished  the  work 
which  thou  gavest  mc  to  do.     And  now,  O  Father,  glorify  thou 


568  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

me  with  thine  own  self  with  the  glory  which  I  had  with  thee 
before  the  world  was.  I  have  manifested  thy  name  unto  the 
men  which  thou  gavest  me  out  of  the  world :  thine  they  were, 
and  thou  gavest  them  me ;  and  they  have  kept  thy  word.  Now 
they  have  known  that  all  things  whatsoever  thou  hast  given  me 
are  of  thee.  For  I  have  given  unto  them  the  words  which  thou 
gavest  me  ;  and  they  have  received  them,  and  have  known  surely 
that  I  came  out  from  thee,  and  they  have  believed  that  thou 
didst  send  me.  I  pray  for  them  :  I  pray  not  for  the  world,  but 
for  them  which  thou  hast  given  me  ;  for  they  are  thine.  And 
all  mine  are  thine,  and  thine  are  mine  ;  and  I  am  glorified  in 
them.  And  now  I  am  no  more  in  the  world,  but  these  are  in 
the  world,  and  I  come  to  thee.  Holy  Father,  keep  through  thine 
own  name  those  whom  thou  hast  given  me,  that  they  may  be 
one,  as  we  are. 

Let  saints  below  in  concert  sing 

With  those  to  glory  gone, 
For  all  the  servants  of  our  King 

In  heaven  and  earth  are  one  :  — 
One  family,  — we  dwell  in  Him  ; 

One  church,  —  above,  beneath  ; 
Though  now  divided  by  the  stream  — 

The  narrow  stream  of  death. 

While  I  was  with  them  in  the  world,  I  kept  them  in  thy  name : 
those  that  thou  gavest  me  I  have  kept,  and  none  of  them  is 
lost,  but  the  son  of  perdition  ;  that  the  scripture  might  be  ful- 
filled. And  now  come  I  to  thee  ;  and  these  things  I  speak  in 
the  world,  that  they  might  have  my  joy  fulfilled  in  themselves. 
I  have  given  them  thy  word  ;  and  the  world  hath  hated  them, 
because  they  are  not  of  the  world,  even  as  I  am  not  of  the 
world.  I  pray  not  that  thou  shouldest  take  them  out  of  the 
world,  but  that  thou  shouldest  keep  them  from  the  evil.  They  are 
not  of  the  world,  even  as  I  am  not  of  the  world.  Sanctify  them 
through  thy  truth  :  thy  word  is  truth.  As  thou  hast  sent  me 
into  the  world,  even  so  have  I  also  sent  them  into  the  world. 
And  for  their  sakes  I  sanctify  myself,  that  they  also  might  be 
sanctified  through  the  truth.  Neither  pray  I  for  these  alone, 
but  for  them  also  which  shall  believe  on  me  through  their  word  ; 
that  they  all  may  be  one  ;  as  thou.  Father,  art  in  me,  and  I  in 
thee,  that    they  also    may  be  one  in   us  :  that  the  world  may 


THE  BIBLE  AXD    THE  POETS.  569 

believe  that  thou  hast  sent  me.  And  the  glory  which  thou 
gavest  me  I  have  given  them  ;  that  they  may  be  one,  even  as 
we  are  one  :  I  in  them,  and  thou  in  me,  that  they  may  be  made 
perfect  in  one;  and.  that  the  world  may  know  that  thou  hast 
sent  me,  and  hast  loved  them,  as  thou  hast  loved  me.  Father,  I 
will  that  they  also,  whom  thou  hast  given  me,  be  with  me  where 
I  am  ;  that  they  may  behold  my  glory,  which  thou  hast  given 
me  :  for  thou  lovedst  me  before  the  foundation  of  the  world.  O 
righteous  Father,  the  world  hath  not  known  thee  :  but  I  have 
known  thee,  and  these  have  known  that  thou  hast  sent  me. 
And  I  have  declared  unto  them  thy  name,  and  will  declare  it  ; 
that  the  love  wherewith  thou  hast  loved  me  may  be  in  them, 
and  I  in  them. 

One  baptism  and  one  faith,  one  Lord  below,  above  ! 

The  fellowship  of  Zion  hath  one  only  watchword, —  Love  ! 

Fronn  different  temples  though  it  rise,  one  song  ascendeth  to  the  skies. 

Head  of  Thy  church  beneath  !  the  catholic,  the  true, 

On  all  her  members  breathe  ;  her  broken  frame  renew  ! 

Then  shall  Thy  perfect  will  be  done,  when  Christians  love  and  live  as  one. 


CHAPTER   CCXXXVII. 

THE    AGONY    OF    JESUS    IN    GETHSEMANE. 

Who  would  know  Sin,  let  him  repair 

Unto  Mount  Olivet ;  there  shall  he  see 

A  Man,  so  wrung  with  pains,  that  all  his  hair. 

His  skin,  his  garments  bloody  be. 

Sin  is  that  press  and  vice,  which  forceth  Pain 

To  hunt  his  cruel  food  through  every  vein  ! 

WHEN  Jesus  had  spoken  these  words,  he  went  forth  with 
his  disciples  over  the  brook  Cedron,  where  was  a  garden, 
which  was  named  Gethsemane,  into  the  which  he  entered,  and 
his  disciples  :  and  saith,  Sit  ye  here,  while  I  go  and  pray  yonder. 
And  he  taketh  with  him  Peter  and  James  and  John,  and  began 
to  be  sore  amazed,  and  to  be  very  heavy  ;  and  saith  unto  them, 
My  soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful  unto  death  :  tarry  ye  here,  and 
watch.     And  he  went  forward  a  little,  and  fell  on  the  ground, 


570  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

and  prayed  that,  if  it  were  possible,  the  hour  might  pass  from 
him.  And  he  said,  Abba,  Father,  all  things  are  possible  unto 
thee  ;  take  away  this  cup  from  me :  nevertheless,  not  what  I 
will,  but  what  thou  wilt.  And  there  appeared  an  angel  unto 
him  from  heaven,  strengthening  him.  And  being  in  an  agony 
he  prayed  more  earnestly  :  and  his  sweat  was  as  it  were  great 
drops  of   blood  falling  down  to  the  ground. 

What  tide  of  anguish,  Mightiest !  o'er  Tiiee  rushes, 
Thus  tasking  e'en  Thy  patience  and  Thy  trust ; 
What  woe  beyond  all  woe  Thy  spirit  crushes, 
Bowing  Thee,  sinless,  spotless,  to  the  dust  ? 
What  storm  is  this  in  which  Thou  all  but  sinkest, 
Whose  arm  has  borne  so  many  through  the  flood  ? 
What  bitter  cry  is  this  from  which  Thou  shrinkest, 
Strength  of  all  martyrs,  patient  Lamb  of  God  ? 

And  he  cometh,  and  findeth  them  sleeping,  and  saith  unto 
Peter,  Simon,  sleepest  thou }  couldest  not  thou  watch  one  hour  } 
Watch  ye  and  pray,  lest  ye  enter  into  temptation.  The  spirit 
truly  is  ready,  but  the  flesh  is  weak. 

Yes  !  the  big  drops  of  agony, 
The  cold,  dank  Hmbs  of  Jesus  steep, 
And  they  so  near  Him  close  the  eye 
Of  sorrow,  and  for  grief  they  sleep. 

How  soundly  sleep  !  though  nature  sighs. 
And  heaven  is  sad,  and  seraphs  weep, 
And,  to  His  God  in  sorrow,  cries 
Their  tortured  Friend  —  and  yet  they  sleep? 

He  went  away  again  the  second  time,  and  prayed,  saying,  O 
my  Father,  if  this  cup  may  not  pass  away  from  me,  except  I 
drink  it,  thy  will  be  done.  And  he  came  and  found  them  asleep 
again  :  for  their  eyes  were  heavy.  And  he  left  them,  and  went 
away  again,  and  prayed  the  third  time,  saying  the  same  words. 
Then  cometh  he  to  his  disciples,  and  saith  unto  them,  Sleep  on 
now,  and  take  your  rest  :  behold,  the  hour  is  at  hand,  and  the 
Son  of  man  is  betrayed  into  the  hands  of  sinners.  Rise,  let  us 
be  going :  behold,  he  is  at  hand  that  doth  betray  me. 

When  I  remember  Christ  our  burden  bears, 

I  look  for  glory,  but  find  misery  ; 
I  look  for  joy,  but  find  a  sea  of  tears  ; 

I  look  that  we  should  live,  and  find  Him  die  ; 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  571 

I  look  for  angels'  songs,  and  hear  Him  cry: 
Thus  what  I  look,  I  cannot  find  so  well ; 
Or,  rather,  what  I  find  I  cannot  tell ; 
These  banks  so  narrow  are,  these  streams  so  highly  swell. 


CHAPTER   CCXXXVIII. 

JESUS    BETRAYED    BY   JUDAS,    AND    DENIED    BY    PETER. 

Judas,  by  basest  greed  seduced,  seeks  to  betray  Him  with  a  kiss  ! 
He,  as  a  meek  and  spotless  lamb,  denies  not  Judas  this. 
Thus  for  some  thirty  counted  pence,  the  impious  bargain  Judas  made  ; 
And  Christ,  the  harmless,  blameless  Lord,  is  to  the  Jews  betrayed. 

AND  while  he  yet  spake,  lo,  Judas,  one  of  the  twelve,  came, 
and  with  him  a  great  multitude  with  swords  and  staves, 
from  the  chief  priests  and  elders  of  the  people.  Jesus  therefore, 
knowing  all  things  that  should  come  upon  him,  went  forth,  and 
said  unto  them,  Whom  seek  ye .''  They  answered  him,  Jesus  of 
Nazareth.  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  I  am  he.  And  Judas  also, 
which  betrayed  him,  stood  with  them.  As  soon  then  as  he  had 
said  unto  them,  I  am  he,  they  went  backward,  and  fell  to  the 
ground.  Then  asked  he  them  again.  Whom  seek  ye  .-'  And  they 
said,  Jesus  of  Nazareth.  Jesus  answered,  I  have  told  you  that  I 
am  he  :  if  therefore  ye  seek  me,  let  these  go  their  way :  that  the 
saying  might  be  fulfilled,  which  he  spake,  Of  them  which  thou 
gavest.  me  have  I  lost  none. 

Judas,  dost  thou  betray  Me  with  a  kiss  ? 
Canst  thou  find  hell  about  My  lips,  and  miss 
Of  life,  just  at  the  gates  of  life  and  bliss  ? 
Was  ever  grief  like  Mine  ! 

Now  he  that  betrayed  him  gave  them  a  sign,  saying.  Whomso- 
ever I  shall  kiss,  that  same  is  he  ;  hold  him  fast.  And  forthwith 
be  came  to  Jesus,  and  said.  Hail,  Master  ;  and  kissed  him.  And 
Jesus  said  unto  him.  Friend,  wherefore  art  thou  come .-'  Then 
came  they,  and  laid  hands  on  Jesus,  and  took  him.  Then  Simon 
Peter  having  a  sword  drew  it,  and  smote  the  high  priest's  servant, 
and  cut  off  his  right  ear.    The  servant's  name  was  Malchus.    Then 


572  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

said  Jesus  unto  him,  Put  up  again  thy  sword  into  his  place :  for 
all  they  that  take  the  sword  shall  perish  with  the  sword.  Thinkest 
thou  that  I  cannot  now  pray  to  my  Father,  and  he  shall  presently 
give  me  more  than  twelve  legions  of  angels  ?  But  how  then  shall 
the  Scriptures  be  fulfilled,  that  thus  it  must  be  ?  In  that  same 
hour  said  Jesus  to  the  multitudes,  Are  ye  come  out  as  against  a 
thief  with  swords  and  staves  for  to  take  me  ?  I  sat  daily  with  you 
teaching  in  the  temple,  and  ye  laid  no  hold  on  me.  But  all  this 
was  done,  that  the  scriptures  of  the  prophets  might  be  fulfilled. 
Then  all  the  disciples  forsook  him,  and  fled. 

Then  the  band  and  the  captain  and  officers  of  the  Jews  took 
Jesus,  and  bound  him,  and  led  him  away  to  Annas  first ";  for  he 
was  father-in-law  to  Caiaphas,  which  was  the  high  priest  that  same 
year.  Now  Caiaphas  was  he,  which  gave  counsel  to  the  Jews,  that 
it  was  expedient  that  one  man  should  die  for  the  people. 

Abhor  the  Devil,  and  he  will  depart : 
Grace  is  as  near  as  sin,  if  you  will  crave  it ; 
So  faith  do  beg  it  with  repentant  heart : 
For  fear,  nor  pride,  are  ever  like  to  have  it. 

And  'Simon  Peter  followed  Jesus,  and  so  did  another  disciple : 
that  disciple  was  known  unto  the  high  priest,  and  went  in  with 
Jesus  into  the  palace  of  the  high  priest.  But  Peter  stood  at  the 
door  without.  Then  went  out  that  other  disciple,  which  was  known 
unto  the  high  priest,  and  spake  unto  her  that  kept  the  door,  and 
brought  in  Peter.  Then  saith  the  damsel  that  kept  the  door 
unto  Peter,  Art  not  thou  also  one  of  this  man's  disciples  .'*  He 
saith,  I  am  not.  And  the  servants  and  officers  stood  there,  who 
had  made  a  fire  of  coals,  for  it  was  cold  ;  and  they  warmed  them- 
selves :  and  Peter  stood  with  them,  and  warmed  himself.  They 
said  therefore  unto  him.  Art  not  thou  also  one  of  his  disciples  ? 
He  denied  it,  and  said,  I  am  not.  One  of  the  servants  of  the 
high  priest,  being  his  kinsman  whose  ear  Peter  cut  off,  saith,  Did 
not  I  see  thee  in  the  garden  with  him  t  And  Peter  began  to  curse 
and  to  swear,  saying,  I  know  not  this  man  of  whom  ye  speak. 
And  immediately,  while  he  yet  spake,  the  cock  crew.  And  the 
Lord  turned,  and  looked  upon  Peter.  And  Peter  remembered 
the  word  of  the  Lord,  how  he  had  said  unto  him.  Before  the  cock 
crow,  thou  shalt  deny  me  thrice.  And  Peter  went  out,  and  wept 
bitterly. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  573 

I  think  that  look  of  Christ  might  seem  to  say  — 
"  Thou  Peter  !  art  thou  then  a  common  stone 
Which  I  at  last  must  break  my  heart  ujDon  ? 
For  all  God's  charge  to  His  high  angels  may 
Guard  my  foot  better.     Did  I  yesterday 
Wash  thy  feet,  my  beloved,  that  they  should  run 
Quick  to  deny  Me  'neath  the  morning  sun  ? 
And  do  thy  kisses,  like  the  rest,  betray  ? 
The  cock  crows  coldly.  —  Go,  and  manifest 
A  late  contrition,  but  no  bootless  fear  ! 
For  when  thy  final  need  is  dreariest. 
Thou  shalt  not  be  denied,  as  I  am  here  — 
My  voice,  to  God  and  angels,  shall  attest, 
'  Because  I  know  this  man,  let  him  be  clear. '  " 


CHAPTER  CCXXXIX. 

JE.SUS    EXAMINED,    MOCKED,    AND    BUFFETED    BEFORE    THE 
HIGH    PRIEST    AND    THE    JEWISH   COUNCIL. 

When  in  the  form  of  mortal  man 

Thy  Son  on  earth  was  found, 
With  cruel  slanders  false  and  vain, 

They  compassed  Him  around. 

Their  miseries  His  compassion  move, 

Their  peace  He  still  pursued  ; 
They  rendered  hatred  for  His  love, 

And  evil  for  His  good. 

THE  high  priest  then  asked  Jesus  of  his  disciples,  and  of 
his  doctrine.  Jesus  answered  him,  I  spake  openly  to  the 
world  ;  I  ever  taught  in  the  synagogue,  and  in  the  temple, 
whither  the  Jews  always  resort ;  and  in  secret  have  I  said 
nothing.  Why  askest  thou  me  .-'  ask  them  which  heard  me,  what 
I  have  said  unto  them  :  behold,  they  know  what  I  said.  And 
when  he  had  thus  spoken,  one  of  the  officers  which  stood  by 
struck  Jesus  with  the  palm  of  his  hand,  saying,  Answercst  thou 
the  high  priest  so  ?  Jesus  answered  him.  If  I  have  spoken  evil, 
bear  witness  of  the  evil :  but  if  well,  why  smitest  thou  me  ^ 
Now  Annas  had  sent  him  bound  unto  Caiaphas  the  high  priest. 


574  THE  BIBLE   AND    THE  POETS. 

And  shall  this  sinful  heart  alone, 

Behold,  unmoved,  the  atoning  hour, 
When  Nature  trembles  on  her  throne, 

And  Death  resigns  his  iron  power  ? 
O,  shall  the  heart,  —  whose  sinfulness 
Gave  keenness  to  His  sore  distress, 
And  added  to  His  tears  of  blood  — 
Refuse  its  trembhng  gratitude  ? 

And  as  soon  as  it  was  day,  the  elders  of  the  people  and  the 
chief  priests  and  the;  scribes  came  together,  and  led  him  into 
their  council.  And  the  chief  priests  and  all  the  council  sought 
for  witness  against  Jesus  to  put  him  to  death  ;  and  found  none. 
For  many  bare  false  witness  against  him,  but  their  witness  agreed 
not  together.  And  there  arose  certain,  and  bare  false  witness 
against  him,  saying.  We  heard  him  say,  I  will  destroy  this  temple 
that  is  made  with  hands,  and  within  three  days  I  will  build  an- 
other made  without  hands.  But  neither  so  did  their  witness 
agree  together.  And  the  high  priest  stood  up  in  the  midst,  and 
asked  Jesus,  saying,  Answerest  thou  nothing .-'  what  is  it  which 
these  witness  against  thee .-'  But  Jesus  held  his  peace.  And 
the  high  priest  answered  and  said  unto  him,  I  adjure  thee 
by  the  living  God,  that  thou  tell  us  whether  thou  be  the  Christ, 
the  Son  of  God.  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  Thou  hast  said  :  never- 
theless I  say  unto  you,  Hereafter  shall  ye  see  the  Son  of  man 
sitting  on  the  right  hand  of  power,  and  coming  in  the  clouds 
of  heaven.  Then  the  high  priest  rent  his  clothes,  saying,  He 
hath  spoken  blasphemy  ;  what  further  need  have  we  of  wit- 
nesses }  behold,  now  ye  have  heard  his  blasphemy.  What 
think  ye .?     They  answered  and  said.  He  is  guilty  of  death. 

And  the  men  that  held  Jesus  mocked  him,  and  smote  him. 
And  when  they  had  blindfolded  him,  they  struck  him  on  the 
face,  and  asked  him,  saying,  Prophesy,  who  is  it  that  smote  thee  .^ 
And  many  other  things  blasphemously  spake  they  against  him. 

Rejected,  scorned, 
Despised,  a  man  of  sorrow  and  distress. 
To  all  the  ills  which  poverty's  chill  cold. 
Or  power  of  tyrant  malice  could  inflict, 
Exposed  a  victim,  through  life's  wretched  vale 
Our  blest  Redeemer  passed. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  575 


CHAPTER   CCXL. 

JESUS    BEFORE    PILATE  AND    HEROD. HE    IS    DELIVERED  TO 

BE    CRUCIFIED. 

Brought  forth  to  judgment,  now  He  stands 
Arraigned,  condemned,  at  Pilate's  bar : 

Here,  spurned  by  fierce  pretorian  bands. 
There,  mocked  by  Herod's  men  of  war. 

THEN  led  they  Jesus  from  Caiaphas  unto  the  hall  of  judg- 
ment :  and  it  was  early  ;  and  they  themselves  went  not 
into  the  judgment  hall,  lest  they  should  be  defiled  ;  but  that 
they  might  eat  the  passover.  Pilate  then  went  out  unto  them, 
and  said.  What  accusation  bring  ye  against  this  man  ?  They 
answered  and  said  unto  him,  If  he  were  not  a  malefactor,  we 
would  not  have  delivered  him  up  unto  thee.  Then  said  Pilate  unto 
them,  Take  ye  him,  and  judge  him  according  to  your  law.  The 
Jews  therefore  said  unto  him,  It  is  not  lawful  for  us  to  put  any 
man  to  death  :  that  the  saying  of  Jesus  might  be  fulfilled,  which 
he  spake,  signifying  what  death  he  should  die.  Then  Pilate 
entered  into  the  judgment  hall  again,  and  called  Jesus,  and  said 
unto  him.  Art  thou  the  King  of  the  Jews  .''  Jesus  answered 
him,  Sayest  thou  this  thing  of  thyself,  or  did  others  tell  it  thee 
of  me  .''  Pilate  answered,  Am  I  a  Jew .-'  Thine  own  nation  and 
the  chief  priests  have  delivered  thee  unto  me :  what  hast  thou 
done }  Jesus  answered,  My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world  :  if  my 
kingdom  were  of  this  world,  then  would  my  servants  fight,  that 
I  should  not  be  delivered  to  the  Jews  :  but  now  is  my  kingdom 
not  from  hence.  Pilate  therefore  said  unto  him.  Art  thou  a 
king  then  }  Jesus  answered,  Thou  sayest  that  I  am  a  king. 
To  this  end  was  I  born,  and  for  this  cause  came  I  into  the 
world,  that  I  should  bear  witness  unto  the  truth.  Every  one 
that  is  of  the  truth  heareth  my  voice.  Pilate  saith  unto  him. 
What  is  truth  }  And  when  he  had  said  this,  he  went  out  again 
unto  the  Jews,  and  saith  unto  them,  I  find  in  him  no  fault  at  all. 

The  only  amaranthine  flower  on  earth 
Is  virtue  ;  the  only  lasting  treasure,  truth. 
But  what  is  truth  ?     'Twas  Pilate's  question  put 
To  Truth  itself,  that  deigned  him  no  reply. 


576  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And,  wherefore  ?     Will  not  God  impart  His  light 
To  them  that  ask  it  ?     Freely  ;  'tis  His  joy, 
His  glory,  and  His  nature,  to  impart. 
But  to  the  proud,  uncandid,  insincere, 
Or  negligent  enquirer,  not  a  spark. 

And  when  he  was  accused  of  the  chief  priests  and  elders,  he 
answered  nothing.  Then  said  Pilate  unto  him,  Hearest  thou 
not  how  many  things  they  witness  against  thee .''  And  he  an- 
swered him  to  never  a  word  ;  insomuch  that  the  governor  mar- 
velled greatly.  Then  said  Pilate  to  the  chief  priests  and  to  the 
people,  I  find  no  fault  in  this  man.  And  they  were  the  more 
fierce,  saying,  He  stirreth  up  the  people,  teaching  throughout 
all  Jewry,  beginning  from  Galilee  to  this  place.  When  Pilate 
heard  of  Galilee,  he  asked  whether  the  man  were  a  Galilean. 
And  as  soon  as  he  knew  that  he  belonged  unto  Herod's  juris- 
diction, he  sent  him  to  Herod,  who  himself  also  was  at  Jerusalem 
at  that  time. 

Yet  not  with  man  His  Holiness  could  plead ; 

His  own  famihar  friend  a  foe  He  found. 

Pagans  and  Priests  uniting  in  the  deed, 

His  limbs  they  scourged,  His  brows  with  thorns  they  bound, 

In  mocking  purple,  with  a  sceptre  reed, 

"  Behold  the  Man  !  "     Thy  patient,  suffering  Love, 

Lord,  I  believe  !     Mine  unbehef  remove  ! 

And  when  Herod  saw  Jesus,  he  was  exceeding  glad  :  for  he 
was  desirous  to  see  him  of  a  long  season,  because  he  had  heard 
many  things  of  him  ;  and  he  hoped  to  have  seen  some  miracle 
done  by  him.  Then  he  questioned  with  him  in  many  words  ; 
but  he  answered  him  nothing.  And  the  chief  priests  and  scribes 
stood  and  vehemently  accused  him.  And  Herod  with  his  men 
of  war  set  him  at  nought,  and  mocked  him,  and  arrayed  him  in 
a  gorgeous  robe,  and  sent  him  again  to  Pilate. 

•  And  Pilate,  when  he  had  called  together  the  chief  priests  and 
the  rulers  and  the  people,  said  unto  them.  Ye  have  brought  this 
man  unto  me,  as  one  that  perverteth  the  people  ;  and,  behold, 
I,  having  examined  him  before  you,  have  found  no  fault  in  this 
man  touching  those  things  whereof  ye  accuse  him  :  no,  nor  yet 
Herod  :  for  I  sent  you  to  him  ;  and,  lo,  nothing  worthy  of  death 
is  done  unto  him.  I  will  therefore  chastise  him,  and  release 
him.     For  of  necessity  he  must  release  one  unto  them  at  the 


THE  BIBLE   AND    THE  POETS.  577 

feast.  And  they  had  then  a  notable  prisoner,  called  Barabbas. 
Therefore  when  they  were  gathered  together,  Pilate  said  unto 
them,  Whom  will  ye  that  I  release  unto  you  ?  Barabbas,  or 
Jesus  which  is  called  Christ  ?  For  he  knew  that  for  envy  they 
had  delivered  him. 

When  he  was  set  down  on  the  judgment  seat,  his  wife  sent 
unto  him,  saying.  Have  thou  nothing  to  do  with  that  just  man  : 
for  I  have  suffered  many  things  this  day  in  a  dream  because  of 
him.  But  the  chief  priests  and  elders  persuaded  the  multitude 
that  they  should  ask  Barabbas,  and  destroy  Jesus.  The  governor 
answered  and  said  unto  them,  Whether  of  the  twain  will  ye  that 
I  release  unto  you  }  They  said,  Barabbas,  that  for  sedition  and 
murder  was  cast  into  prison.  Then  released  he  Barabbas  unto 
them  :  and  when  he  had  scourged  Jesus,  he  delivered  him  to  be 
crucified. 

Oh,  who  like  Thee  so  humbly  bore 
The  scorn,  the  scoffs  of  men  before? 
So  meek,  forgiving,  godlike,  high, 
So  glorious  in  humility  ? 


CHAPTER   CCXLI. 

THE    REMORSEFUL    DEATH    OF   JUDAS. 

Just  Heaven  instructs  us  with  an  awful  voice, 
That  Conscience  rules  us  e'en  against  our  choice. 
Our  inward  monitress  to  guide  or  warn, 
If  listened  to  ;  but  if  repelled  with  scorn, 
At  length  as  dire  Remorse,  she  reappears, 
Works  in  our  guilty  hopes,  and  selfish  fears  ! 
Still  bids.  Remember  !  and  still  cries,  Too  late  ! 
And  while  she  scares  us,  goads  us  to  our  fate. 

THEN  Judas,  which  had  betrayed  him,  when  he  saw  that  he 
was  condemned,  repented  himself,  and  brought  again  the 
thirty  pieces  of  silver  to  the  chief  priests  and  elders,  saying,  I 
have  sinned  in  that  I  have  betrayed  the  innocent  blood.  And 
they  said.  What  is  that  to  us  }  see  thou  to  that.  And  he  cast 
down  the  pieces  of  silver  in  the  temple,  and  departed,  and  went 

37 


578  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

and  hanged  himself.  And  the  chief  priests  took  the  silver 
pieces,  and  said,  It  is  not  lawful  for  to  put  them  into  the 
treasury,  because  it  is  the  price  of  blood.  And  they  took  coun- 
sel, and  bought  with  them  the  potter's  field,  to  bury  strangers 
in.  Wherefore  that  field  was  called.  The  field  of  blood,  unto 
this  day.  Then  was  fulfilled  that  which  was  spoken  by  Jeremy 
the  prophet,  saying.  And  they  took  the  thirty  pieces  of  silver, 
the  price  of  him  that  was  valued,  whom  they  of  the  children  of 
Israel  did  value ;  and  gave  them  for  the  potter's  field,  as  the 
Lord  appointed  me. 

The  mind  that  broods  o'er  guilty  woes, 
Is  like  the  scorpion,  girt  by  fire. 
In  circle  narrowing  as  it  glows  ; 
The  flames  around  their  captive  close, 
Till,  inly  searched  by  thousand  throes, 

And  maddening  in  her  ire, 
One  sad  and  sole  relief  she  knows, 
The  sting  she  nourished  for  her  foes, 
Whose  venom  never  yet  was  vain, 
Gives  but  one  pang  and  cures  all  pain, 
And  darts  into  her  desperate  brain. 
So  do  the  dark  in  Soul  expire, 
Or  live,  like  scorpion  girt  by  fire : 
So  writhes  the  Mind  remorse  hath  riven,  — 
Unfit  for  earth,  undoomed  for  heaven  ; 
Darkness  above,  despair  beneath. 
Around  it  flame,  within  it  death  ! 

This  Scripture  must  needs  have  been  fulfilled,  which  the 
Holy  Ghost  by  the  mouth  of  David  spake  before  concerning 
Judas,  which  was  guide  to  them  that  took  Jesus.  Now  this  man 
purchased  a  field  with  the  reward  of  iniquity ;  and  falling  head- 
long, he  burst  asunder  in  the  midst,  and  all  his  bowels  gushed 
out.  And  it  was  known  unto  all  the  dwellers  at  Jerusalem  ; 
insomuch  as  that  field  is  called,  in  their  proper  tongue,  Aceldama, 
that  is  to  say.  The  field  of  blood. 

Lives  there  a  man  so  firm,  who,  while  his  heart 
Feels  all  the  bitter  horrors  of  his  crime, 
Can  reason  down  its  agonizing  throbs  ; 
And,  after  proper  purpose  of  amendment. 
Can  firmly  force  his  jarring  thoughts  to  peace  "i 
O,  happy  !  happy  !  enviable  man  ! 
O  glorious  magnanimity  of  soul ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  $79 


CHAPTER    CCXLII. 

JESUS    IS    MOCKKD    AND    CRUCIFIED. 

But  now  I  die.     Now  all  is  finished  — 
My  woe,  man's  weal :  and  now  I  bow  my  head. 
Only  let  others  say,  when  I  am  dead, 
Never  was  grief  like  mine  ! 

THEN  the  soldiers  of  the  governor  took  Jesus  into  the  com- 
mon hall,  and  gathered  unto  him  the  whole  band  of  sol- 
diers. And  they  stripped  him,  and  put  on  him  a  scarlet  robe. 
And  when  they  had  platted  a  crown  of  thorns,  they  put  it  upon 
his  head,  and  a  reed  in  his  right  hand :  and  they  bowed  the  knee 
before  him,  and  mocked  him,  saying.  Hail,  King  of  the  Jews  ! 
And  they  spit  upon  him,  and  took  the  reed,  and  smote  him  on 
the  head.  And  after  that  they  had  mocked  him,  they  took  the 
robe  off  from  him,  and  put  his  own  raiment  on  him,  and  led  him 
away  to  crucify  him.  And  as  they  led  him  away,  they  laid  hold 
upon  one  Simon,  a  Cyrenian,  coming  out  of  the  country,  and  on 
him  they  laid  the  cross,  that  he  might  bear  it  after  Jesus. 

Oh  !  for  a  pencil  dipped  in  light. 

To  paint  the  agonies  that  Jesus  bore  ! 
Oh  !  for  the  long  lost  harp  of  Jesse's  might, 
To  hymn  the  Saviour's  praise  from  shore  to  shore  ; 

While  seraph  hosts  the  lofty  pasan  pour, 
And  Heaven  enraptured  lists  the  loud  acclaim  1 

May  a  frail  mortal  dare  the  theme  explore  ? 
May  he  to  human  ears  his  weak  song  friir.c  ? 
Oh  !  may  he  dare  to  sing  Messiah's  glorious  name. 

And  there  followed  him  a  great  company  of  people,  and  of 
women,  which  also  bewailed  and  lamented  him.  But  Jesus  turn- 
ing unto  them  said,  Daughters  of  Jerusalem,  weep  not  for  me, 
but  weep  for  yourselves,  and  for  your  children.  For,  behold,  the 
days  are  coming,  in  the  which  they  shall  say.  Blessed  are  the  bar- 
ren, and  the  wombs  that  never  bare,  and  the  paps  which  never 
gave  suck.  Then  shall  they  begin  to  say  to  the  mountains,  Fall 
on  us  ;  and  to  the  hills.  Cover  us.  For  if  they  do  these  things 
in  a  green  tree,  what  shall  be  done  in  the  dry  ?     And  there  were 


5<So  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

also  two  others,  malefactors,  led  with  him  to  be  put  to  death. 
And  when  they  were  come  to  the  place,  which  is  called  Calvary, 
there  they  crucified  him,  and  the  malefactors,  one  on  the  right 
hand,  and  the  other  on  the  left.  And  the  scripture  was  fulfilled, 
which  saith,  And  he  was  numbered  with  the  transgressors.  And 
they  gave  him  to  drink  wine  mingled  with  myrrh  :  and  when  he 
had  tasted  thereof,  he  would  not  drink. 

Good  man,  it  doth  befit  thine  heart  to  lay 
More  courage  next  it,  having  seen  me  so. 
All  other  hearts  find  other  balm  to-day  — 
The  whole  world'' s  consolation  is  my  woe  ! 

Then  the  soldiers,  when  they  had  crucified  Jesus,  took  his 
garments,  and  made  four  parts,  to  every  soldier  a  part  ;  and  also 
his  coat :  now  the  coat  was  without  seam,  woven  from  the  top 
throughout.  They  said  therefore  among  themselves.  Let  us  not 
rend  it,  but  cast  lots  for  it,  whose  it  shall  be :  that  the  scripture 
might  be  fulfilled,  which  saith.  They  parted  my  raiment  among 
them,  and  for  my  vesture  they  did  cast  lots.  These  things  there- 
fore the  soldiers  did.  And  Pilate  wrote  a  title,  and  put  it  on 
the  cross.  And  the  writing  was,  JESUS  OF  NAZARETH 
THE  KING  OF  THE  JEWS.  This  title  then  read  many  of 
the  Jews  ;  for  the  place  where  Jesus  was  crucified  was  nigh  to 
the  city :  and  it  was  written  in  Hebrew,  and  Greek,  and  Latin. 
Then  said  the  chief  priests  of  the  Jews  to  Pilate,  Write  not,  The 
King  of  the  Jews  ;  but  that  he  said,  I  am  King  of  the  Jews. 
Pilate  answered.  What  I  have  written  I  have  written. 

O  depth  of  love  !  for  us  He  drinks 

The  chalice  of  His  agony, 
For  us,  a  victim  on  the  cross, 

He  meekly  lays  Him  down  to  die! 
Hail !  purest  Victim  Heaven  could  find 

The  powers  of  Hell  to  overthrow  ! 
Who  didst  the  chains  of  Death  destroy, 

Who  didst  the  prize  of  Life  bestow. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  58 1 


CHAPTER   CCXLIII. 

SCENES    OF    SUFFERING    AND    LOVE. JESUS    DIES. 

Ye  that  pass  by,  behold  the  Man  !  —  the  Man  of  griefs  condemned  for  you  ; 

The  Lamb  of  God,  for  sinners  slain,  weeping  to  Calvary  pursue. 

Behold  His  temples,  crowned  with  thorns  ;    His  bleeding  hands,  extended 

wide  ; 
His  streaming  feet,  transfixed  and  torn  ;  the  fountain  gushing  from  His  side  ! 

AND  they  that  passed  by  reviled  him,  wagging  their  heads, 
and  saying.  Thou  that  destroyest  the  temple,  and  buildest 
it  in  three  days,  save  thyself.  If  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  come 
down  from  the  cross.  Likewise  also  the  chief  priests  mocking 
him,  with  the  scribes  and  elders,  said.  He  saved  others  ;  himself 
he  cannot  save.  If  he  be  the  King  of  Israel,  let  him  now  come 
down  from  the  cross,  and  we  will  believe  him.  He  trusted  in 
God  ;  let  him  deliver  him  now,  if  he  will  have  him  :  for  he  said, 
I  am  the  Son  of  God. 

So,  for  the  blood's  sake,  shed  by  him 

Whom  angels  God  declare, 
Tears,  like  it,  moist  and  warm  with  love, 

Thy  reverent  eyes  shall  wear, 
To  see  in  the  face  of  Adam's  race 

The  nature  God  doth  share. 

And  one  of  the  malefactors  which  were  hanged  railed  on  him, 
saying.  If  thou  be  Christ,  save  thyself  and  us.  But  the  other 
answering  rebuked  him,  saying.  Dost  not  thou  fear  God,  seeing 
thou  art  in  the  same  condemnation  }  And  we  indeed  justly  ; 
for  we  receive  the  due  reward  of  our  deeds  :  but  this  man  hath 
done  nothing  amiss.  And  he  said  unto  Jesus,  Lord,  remem- 
ber me  when  thou  comest  into  thy  kingdom.  And  Jesus  said 
unto  him.  Verily  I  say  unto  thee,  To-day  shalt  thou  be  with  me 
in  paradise. 

Death  upon  his  face 
Is  ratlier  shine  than  shade. 
A  tender  shine  by  looks  belovM  made. 
He  seemeth  dying  in  a  quiet  place, 
And  less  by  iron  wounds  in  hands  and  feet, 
Than  heart-broke  by  new  joys  too  sudden  and  sweet. 


582  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Now  there  stood  by  the  cross  of  Jesus  his  mother,  and  his 
mother's  sister,  Mary  the  wife  of  Cleopas,  and  Mary  Magdalene. 
When  Jesus  therefore  saw  his  mother,  and  the  disciple  stand- 
ing by,  whom  he  loved,  he  saith  unto  his  mother,  Woman, 
behold  thy  son !  Then  saith  he  to  the  disciple.  Behold  thy 
mother!     And  from  that  hour  that  disciple  took  her  unto  his 

own  home. 

By  the  cross,  sad  vigil  keeping, 
Stood  the  mournful  mother  weeping, 
While  on  it  the  Saviour  hung  ; 
In  that  hour  of  deep  distress. 
Pierced,  the  sword  of  bitterness 
Through  her  heart  with  sorrow  wrung. 

And  when  the  sixth  hour  was  come,  there  was  darkness  over 
the  whole  land  until  the  ninth  hour.  And  at  the  ninth  hour 
Jesus  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  Eloi,  Eloi,  lama  sabach- 
thani  .<'  which  is,  being  interpreted,  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast 
thou  forsaken  me  .■'  And  some  of  them  that  stood  by,  when  they 
heard  it,  said.  Behold,  he  calleth  Elias.  And  one  ran  and  filled 
a  sponge  full  of  vinegar,  and  put  it  on  a  reed,  and  gave  him  to 
drink,  saying.  Let  alone  ;  let  us  see  whether  Elias  will  come  to 
take  him  down. 

And  when  Jesus  had  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  he  said.  Father, 
It  is  finished :  into  thy  hands  I  commend  my  spirit :  and  having 
said  thus,  he  bowed  his  head,  and  gave  up  the  ghost. 

Well  may  the  cavern  depths  of  earth 

Be  shaken,  and  her  mountains  nod ; 
Well  may  the  sheeted  dead  come  forth 

To  gaze  upon  a  suffering  God  ! 
Well  may  the  temple-shrine  grow  dim. 

And  shadows  veil  tlie  Cherubim, 
When  He,  the  chosen  One  of  Heaven, 

A  sacrifice  for  guilt  is  given  ! 

And,  behold,  the  vail  of  the  temple  was  rent  in  twain  from 
the  top  to  the  bottom  ;  and  the  earth  did  quake,  and  the  rocks 
rent  ;  and  the  graves  were  opened  ;  and  many  bodies  of  the 
saints  which  slept  arose,  and  came  out  of  the  graves  after  his 
resurrection,  and  went  into  the  holy  city,  and  appeared  unto 
many.  Now  when  the  centurion,  and  they  that  were  with  him, 
watching  Jesus,  saw  the  earthquake,  and  those  things  that  were 
done,  they  feared  greatly,  saying.  Truly  this  was  the  Son  of  God. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  583 

That  Sacrifice  !  —  the  death  of  Him  — 

The  High  and  ever  Holy  One  ! 
Well  may  the  conscious  heaven  grow  dim, 

And  blacken  the  beholding  Sun  ! 
The  wonted  light  hath  fled  away, 

Night  settles  on  the  middle  day, 
And  earthquake  from  his  caverned  bed, 

Is  waking  with  a  thrill  of  dread. 

And  shall  the  sinful  heart,  alone, 

Behold  unmoved  the  atoning  hour, 
When  Nature  trembles  on  her  throne, 

And  Death  resigns  his  iron  power  ? 
Oh,  shall  the  heart  —  whose  sinfulness 

Gave  keenness  to  His  sore  distress, 
And  added  to  His  tears  of  blood  — 

Refuse  its  trembling  gratitude  ! 


CHAPTER   CCXLIV. 

THE    RESURRECTION    OF    OUR    LORD. 

Nor  long  the  reign 
Of  death  ;  the  eyes  tliat  wept  for  human  griefs 
Unclose,  and  look  around  with  conscious  joy. 
Yes  ;  with  returning  hfe,  the  first  emotion 
That  glowed  in  Jesus'  breast  of  love,  was  joy 
At  man's  redemption,  now  complete  ;  at  death 
Disarmed  ;  the  grave  transformed  into  the  couch 
Of  faith  ;  the  resurrection  and  the  life. 
Majestical  he  rose  :  trembled  the  earth  ; 
The  ponderous  gate  of  stone  was  rolled  away ; 
The  keepers  fell ;  the  angel,  awe-struck,  sunk 
Into  invisibility,  while  forth 
The  Saviour  of  the  world  walked,  and  stood 
Before  the  sepulchre,  and  viewed  the  clouds 
Empurpled  glorious  with  the  rising  sun. 

AND  when  the  sabbath  was  past,  Mary  Magdalene,  and  Mary 
the  mother  of  James,  and  Salome,  had  brought  sweet  spices, 
that  they  might  come  and  anoint  him.  And  very  early  in  the 
morning,  the  first  day  of  the  week,  they  came  unto  the  sepulchre 
at  the  rising  of  the  sun.     And,  behold,  there  was  a  great  earth- 


584  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

quake  :  and  they  found  the  stone  rolled  away  from  the  sepulchre  : 
for  the  angel  of  the  Lord  descended  from  heaven,  and  came  and 
rolled  back  the  stone  from  the  door,  and  sat  upon  it.  His  coun- 
tenance was  like  lightning,  and  his  raiment  white  as  snow :  and 
for  fear  of  him  the  keepers  did  shake,  and  became  as  dead  men. 
And  they  entered  in,  and  found  not  the  body  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 
And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  were  much  perplexed  thereabout, 
behold,  two  men  stood  by  them  in  shining  garments  :  and  as  they 
were  afraid,  and  bowed  down  their  faces  to  the  earth,  they  said 
unto  them.  Why  seek  ye  the  living  among  the  dead  .■'  He  is  not 
here,  but  is  risen :  remember  how  he  spake  unto  you  when  he 
was  yet  in  Galilee,  saying.  The  Son  of  man  must  be  delivered 
into  the  hands  of  sinful  men,  and  be  crucified,  and  the  third  day 
rise  again.  And  they  remembered  his  words,  and  departed 
quickly  from  the  sepulchre  with  fear  and  great  joy  ;  and  did  run 
to  bring  his  disciples  word. 

'Tis  the  Day  of  Resurrection :   earth  !  tell  it  all  abroad  ! 
The  Passover  of  Gladness  !  the  Passover  of  God  ! 
From  Death  to  Life  Eternal,  —  from  earth  unto  the  sky, 
Our  Christ  hath  brought  us  over,  with  hymns  of  victory. 
Now  let  the  Heavens  be  joyful !  let  earth  her  song  begin  ! 
Let  the  round  world  keep  triumph,  and  all  that  is  therein: 
Invisible  and  visible  their  notes  let  all  things  blend, 
For  Christ  the  Lord  hath  risen,  —  our  Joy  that  hath  no  end. 

,  And  as  they  went  to  tell  his  disciples,  behold,  Jesus  met  them, 
saying.  All  hail.  And  they  came  and  held  him  by  the  feet,  and 
worshipped  him.  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them,  Be  not  afraid  :  go 
tell  my  brethren  that  they  go  into  Galilee,  and  there  shall  they 
see  me. 

Now  when  they  were  going,  behold,  some  of  the  watch  came 
into  the  city,  and  shewed  unto  the  chief  priests  all  the  things 
that  were  done.  And  when  they  were  assembled  with  the  elders, 
and  had  taken  counsel,  they  gave  large  money  unto  the  soldiers, 
saying,  Say  ye.  His  disciples  came  by  night,  and  stole  him  away 
while  we  slept.  And  if  this  come  to  the  governor's  ears,  we  will 
persuade  him,  and  secure  you.  So  they  took  the  money,  and 
did  as  they  were  taught :  and  this  saying  is  commonly  reported 
among  the  Jews  until  this  day. 

Gold  !  gold  !  in  all  ages  the  curse  of  mankind. 
Thy  fetters  are  forged  for  the  soul  and  the  mind : 


THE  BIBLE  AXD    THE  POETS.  585 

The  limbs  may  be  free  as  the  wings  of  a  bird, 
And  the  mind  be  the  slave  of  a  look  or  a  word. 
To  gain  tliee,  men  barter  eternity's  crown, 
Yield  honour,  affection,  and  lasting  renown. 

Peter  therefore  went  forth,  and  that  other  disciple,  and  came 
to  the  sepulchre.  So  they  ran  both  together :  and  the  other 
disciple  did  outrun  Peter,  and  came  first  to  the  sepulchre.  And 
he  stooping  down,  and  looking  in,  saw  the  linen  clothes  lying ; 
yet  went  he  not  in.  Then  cometh  Simon  Peter  following  him, 
and  went  into  the  sepulchre,  and  seeth  the  linen  clothes  lie,  and 
the  napkin,  that  was  about  his  head,  not  lying  with  the  linen 
clothes,  but  wrapped  together  in  a  place  by  itself.  Then  went 
in  also  that  other  disciple,  which  came  first  to  the  sepulchre,  and 
he  saw,  and  believed.  For  as  yet.  they  knew  not  the  scripture, 
that  he  must  rise  again  from  the  dead.  Then  the  disciples  went 
away  again  unto  their  own  home. 

Why  for  thy  Lord  dost  thou  thus  weep  and  mourn, 

Like  one  half-broken  hearted  and  forlorn  ? 

No  need  for  Him  that  thou  should'st  mourn  and  weep ; 

No  need  with  tears  an  empty  shroud  to  steep. 

Why  bring'st  thou  myrrh  and  spices,  offerings  meet 

For  livid  corpses  in  their  winding-sheet.'' 

His  body  blooms  with  immortality, 

Meet  to  return  to  His  paternal  sky. 

But  Mary  stood  without  at  the  sepulchre  weeping :  and  as  she 
wept,  she  stooped  down,  and  looked  into  the  sepulchre,  and  seeth 
two  angels  in  white  sitting,  the  one  at  the  head,  and  the  other  at 
the  feet,  where  the  body  of  Jesus  had  lain.  And  they  say  unto 
her,  Woman,  why  weepest  thou .''  She  saith  unto  them.  Because 
they  have  taken  away  my  Lord,  and  I  know  not  where  they  have 
laid  him.  And  when  she  had  thus  said,  she  turned  herself  back, 
and  saw  Jesus  standing,  and  knew  not  that  it  was  Jesus.  Jesus 
saith  unto  her.  Woman,  why  weepest  thou .-'  whom  seekest  thou.-* 
She,  supposing  him  to  be  the  gardener,  saith  unto  him.  Sir,  if 
thou  have  borne  him  hence,  tell  me  where  thou  hast  laid  him, 
and  I  will  take  him  away.  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Mary.  She 
turned  herself,  and  saith  unto  him,  Rabboni ;  which  is  to  say, 
Master.  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Touch  me  not ;  for  I  am  not  yet 
ascended  to  my  Father :  but  go  to  my  brethren,  and  say  unto 
them,  I  ascend  unto  my  Father,  and  your  Father ;  and  to  my 


586  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

God,  and  your  God.  Mary  Magdalene  came  and  told  the  disciples 
that  she  had  seen  the  Lord,  and  that  he  had  spoken  these  things 
unto  her. 

Then  the  same  day  at  evening,  being  the  first  day  of  the  week, 
when  the  doors  were  shut  where  the  disciples  were  assembled  for 
fear  of  the  Jews,  came  Jesus  and  stood  in  the  midst,  and  saith  unto 
them,  Peace  be  unto  you.  But  they  were  terrified  and  affrighted, 
and  supposed  that  they  had  seen  a  spirit.  And  he  said  unto  them, 
Why  are  ye  troubled  .''  and  why  do  thoughts  arise  in  your  hearts .'' 
Behold  my  hands  and  my  feet,  that  it  is  I  myself  :  handle  me,  and 
see  ;  for  a  spirit  hath  not  flesh  and  bones,  as  ye  see  me  have. 
And  when  he  had  thus  spoken,  he  shewed  them  his  hands  and 
his  feet.  And  while  they  yet  believed  not  for  joy,  and  wondered, 
he  said  unto  them,  Have  ye  here  any  meat  .-*  And  they  gave  him 
a  piece  of  a  broiled  fish,  and  of  a  honeycomb.  And  he  took  it, 
and  did  eat  before  them.  And  he  said  unto  them.  These  are  the 
words  which  I  spake  unto  you,  while  I  was  yet  with  you,  that  all 
things  must  be  fulfilled,  which  were  written  in  the  law  of  Moses, 
and  in  the  prophets,  and  in  the  psalms,  concerning  me.  Then 
opened  he  their  understanding,  that  they  might  understand  the 
Scriptures,  and  said  unto  them,  Thus  it  is  written,  and  thus  it 
behooved  Christ  to  suffer,  and  to  rise  from  the  dead  the  third  day  : 
and  that  repentance  and  remission  of  sins  should  be  preached  in 
his  name  among  all  nations,  beginning  at  Jerusalem.  And  ye  are 
witnesses  of  these  things. 

Go  to  the  lands  afar,  where  changeless  winter  reigns  ; 

Night  hath  her  empire  there,  the  night  of  deep  despair; 

Go,  bid  the  morning  star  rise  on  those  snowy  plains. 

Oh  !  speed  the  rising  rays  of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  ! 

So  shall  the  glad  earth  raise  a  noble  song  of  praise, 

Touched  by  the  light  which  plays  from  a  nobler  world  than  this  ! 

Early  and  late  still  sow  the  seed  which  God  hath  given  ; 

Seek  not  reward  below,  the  gentle  flowers  shall  blow 

Where  cloudless  summers  glow  ;  the  harvest  is  in  heaven  ! 


THE  BIBLE  A  AD    THE  POETS.  587 


CHAPTER   CCXLV. 

THE    LAST    COMMAND. —  CHRISTS    ASCENSION. 

Rise  —  glorious  Conqueror,  rise; 
Into  thy  native  skies, — 

Assume  Thy  right : 
And  wiiere,  in  many  a  fold, 
The  clouds  are  backward  rolled  — 
Pass  -through  those  gates  of  gold, 

And  reign  in  light  ! 

Victor  o'er  death  and  hell! 
Cherubic  legions  swell 

The  radiant  train  : 
Praises  all  heaven  inspire  ; 
Each  angel  sweeps  his  lyre, 
And  waves  his  wings  of  fire,  — 

Thou  Lamb  once  slain  ! 

AND  he  led  them  out  as  far  as  to  Bethany.  When  they 
therefore  were  come  together,  they  asked  of  him,  saying, 
Lord,  wilt  thou  at  this  time  restore  again  the  kingdom  to  Israel  ? 
And  he  said  unto  them,  It  is  not  for  you  to  know  the  times  or 
the  seasons,  which  the  Father  hath  put  in  his  own  power.  But 
ye  shall  receive  power,  after  that  the  Holy  Ghost  is  come  upon 
you  :  and  ye  shall  be  witnesses  unto  me  both  in  Jerusalem,  and 
in  all  Judea,  and  in  Samaria,  and  unto  the  uttermost  part  of  the 
earth.  And  he  said  unto  them.  All  power  is  given  unto  me  in 
heaven  and  in  earth.  Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the 
gospel  to  every  creature,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost  :  teaching  them 
to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you  :  he 
that  believeth  and  is  baptized  shall  be  saved ;  but  he  that 
believeth  not  shall  be  damned.  And  these  signs  shall  follow 
thjm  that  believe  ;  In  my  name  shall  they  cast  out  devils  ;  they 
shall  speak  with  new  tongues  ;  they  shall  take  up  serpents  ;  and 
if  they  drink  any  deadly  thing,  it  shall  not  hurt  them  ;  they 
shall  lay  hands  on  the  sick,  and  they  shall  recover :  and,  lo,  I 
am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.     Amen. 


588  THE   BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

See  !  He  lifts  His  hands  above  ; 
See  !  He  shows  the  prints  of  love  ; 
Hark!   His  gracious  lips  bestow 
Blessings  on  His  church  below  : 
Still  for  us  He  intercedes, 
Prevalent  His  death  He  pleads  ; 
Next  Himself  prepares  our  place, 
Saviour  of  the  human  race. 

So  then,  after  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  them  these  things, 
he  hfted  up  his  hands,  and  blessed  them.  And  it  came  to  pass, 
while  he  blessed  them,  he  was  parted  from  them,  and  carried  up 
into  heaven,  and  sat  on  the  right  hand  of  God.  And  they  wor- 
shipped him. 

For,  in  like  manner  as  He  went,  — 

My  soul,  hast  thou  forgot  ?  — 
Shall  be  His  terrible  descent, 

When  man  expecteth  not  ! 
Strength,  Son  of  Man,  against  that  hour, 

Be  to  our  spirits  given. 
When  Thou  shalt  come  again  with  power 

Upon  the  clouds  of  heaven  ! 

And  while  they  looked  steadfastly  toward  heaven  as  he  went 
up,  behold,  two  men  stood  by  them  in  white  apparel ;  which  also 
said,  Ye  men  of  Galilee,  why  stand  ye  gazing  up  into  heaven } 
this  same  Jesus,  which  is  taken  up  from  you  into  heaven,  shall 
so  come  in  Hke  manner  as  ye  have  seen  him  go  into  heaven. 
Then  returned  they  unto  Jerusalem  from  the  mount  called 
Olivet,  which  is  from  Jerusalem  a  sabbath  day's  journey,  and 
were  continually  in  the  temple,  praising  and  blessing  God. 

The  heavenly  realms  with  joys  unknown, 
Only-begotted,  welcome  Thee  ! 
The  mighty  victory  is  wrought. 

The  prince  of  this  world  heth  low ; 

The  Son  of  God  presenteth  now 
The  human  flesh  in  which  He  fought. 
High  o'er  the  clouds  He  comes  to  reign, 

Gives  liopes  to  those  who  in  Him  trust : 

The  Paradise  which  Adam  lost, 
He  opens  wide  to  man  again. 

And  they  went  forth,  and  preached  every  where,  the  Lord 
working  with  them,  and  confirming  the  word  with  signs  follow- 
insr.     Amen. 


PERIOD    VIII. 

THE   TEACHINGS   AND   TESTIMONIES   OF   THE 
APOSTLES. 

A.D.    30-70. 


CHAPTER  CCXLVI. 

PENTECOST. THE     DISPENSATION     OF     THE     HOLY     GHOST 

SIGNALLY    BEGUN. 

Come,  Holy  Spirit,  like  the  fire. 
With  burning  zeal  our  souls  inspire  ; 
Come,  like  the  south  wind  breathing  balm, 
Our  joys  refresh,  our  passions  calm  ; 
Come  like  the  sun's  enlightening  beam  ; 
Come  like  the  cooling  cleansing  stream; 
With  all  Thy  graces  present  be  — 
Spirit  of  God,  we  wait  for  Thee. 

AND  when  the  day  of  Pentecost  was  fully  come,  they  were  all 
with  one  accord  in  one  place.  And  suddenly  there  came 
a  sound  from  heaven  as  of  a  rushing  mighty  wind,  and  it  filled 
all  the  house  where  they  were  sitting.  And  there  appeared  unto 
them  cloven  tongues  like  as  of  fire,  and  it  sat  upon  each  of  them. 
And  they  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  began  to 
speak  with  other  tongues,  as  the  Spirit  gave  them  utterance. 
And  there  were  dwelling  at  Jerusalem  Jews,  devout  men,  out  of 
every  nation  under  heaven.  Now  when  this  was  noised  abroad, 
the  multitude  came  together,  and  were  confounded,  because  that 
every  man  heard  them  speak  in  his  own  language.  And  they 
were  all  amazed  and  marvelled,  saying  one  to  another,  Behold, 
are  not  all  these  which  speak  Galileans  ?  And  how  hear  we 
every  man  in  our  own  tongue,  wherein  we  were  born  .''     And  they 


590  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

were  in  doubt,  saying  one  to   another,   What   meaneth    this  ? 
Others  mocking  said,  These  men  are  full  of  new  wine. 

Swiftly  and  straight  each  tongue  of  flame 

Through  cloud  and  breeze  unwavering  came, 

And  darted  to  its  place  of  rest 

On  some  meek  brow,  of  Jesus  blest. 

Nor  fades  it  yet,  that  living  gleam, 

And  still  those  lambent  lightnings  stream  ; 

Where'er  the  Lord  is,  there  are  they  ; 

In  every  heart  that  gives  them  room, 

They  light  His  altar  every  day, 

Zeal  to  inflame,  and  vice  consume. 

But  Peter,  standing  up  with  the  eleven,  lifted  up  his  voice, 
and  said  unto  them,  Ye  men  of  Judea,  and  all  ye  that  dwell  at 
Jerusalem,  be  this  known  unto  you,  and  hearken  to  my  words : 
for  these  are  not  drunken,  as  ye  suppose,  seeing  it  is  but  the 
third  hour  of  the  day.  But  this  is  that  which  was  spoken  by  the 
prophet  Joel  ;  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days,  saith 
God,  I  will  pour  out  of  my  Spirit  upon  all  flesh  :  and  your  sons 
and  your  daughters  shall  prophesy,  and  your  young  men  shall  see 
visions,  and  your  old  men  shall  dream  dreams  :  and  on  my  ser- 
vants and  on  my  handmaidens  I  will  pour  out  in  those  days  of 
my  Spirit ;  and  they  shall  prophesy  :  and  I  will  shew  wonders  in 
heaven  above,  and  signs  in  the  earth  beneath  ;  blood,  and  fire, 
and  vapour  of  smoke :  the  sun  shall  be  turned  into  darkness,  and 
the  moon  into  blood,  before  that  great  and  notable  day  of  the 
Lord  come :  and  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  whosoever  shall  call 
on  the  name  of  the  Lord  shall  be  saved.  Ye  men  of  Israel,  hear 
these  words ;  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  a  man  approved  of  God  among 
you  by  miracles  and  wonders  and  signs,  which  God  did  by  him 
in  the  midst  of  you,  as  ye  yourselves  also  know  :  him,  being 
delivered  by  the  determinate  counsel  and  foreknowledge  of  God, 
ye  have  taken,  and  by  wicked  hands  have  crucified  and  slain : 
whom  God  hath  raised  up,  having  loosed  the  pains  of  death : 
because  it  was  not  possible  that  he  should  be  holden  of  it. 

See  the  Saviour,  sinners  slew  Him; 

Yet  for  sinners  He  was  slain  ; 
Sinners  now  are  welcome  to  Him, 

Such  compose  the  Saviour's  train ; 

Sinners  ransomed  by  His  blood, 

Sinners  reconciled  to  God. 


THE  BIBLE   AND    THE  POETS.  591 

For  David  speaketh  concerning  him,  I  foresaw  the  Lord 
always  before  my  face  ;  for  he  is  on  my  right  hand,  that  I  should 
not  be  moved  :  therefore  did  my  heart  rejoice,  and  my  tongue 
was  glad:  moreover  also  my  flesh  shall  rest  in  hope:  because 
thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in  hell,  neither  wilt  thou  suffer  thine 
Holy  One  to  see  corruption.  Thou  hast  made  known  to  me  the 
ways  of  life  ;  thou  shalt  make  me  full  of  joy  with  thy  countenance. 
Men  and  brethren,  let  me  freely  speak  unto  you  of  the  patriarch 
David,  that  he  is  both  dead  and  buried,  and  his  sepulchre  is  with 
us  unto  this  day.  Therefore  being  a  prophet,  and  knowing  that 
God  had  sworn  with  an  oath  to  him,  that  of  the  fruit  of  his  loins, 
according  to  the  flesh,  he  would  raise  up  Christ  to  sit  on  his 
throne  ;  he,  seeing  this  before,  spake  of  the  resurrection  of  Christ, 
that  his  soul  was  not  left  in  hell,  neither  his  flesh  did  see  corrup- 
tion. This  Jesus  hath  God  raised  up,  whereof  we  all  are  wit- 
nesses. Therefore  being  by  the  right  hand  of  God  exalted,  and 
having  received  of  the  Father  the  promise  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  he 
hath  shed  forth  this,  which  ye  now  see  and  hear.  For  David  is 
not  ascended  into  the  heavens  :  but  he  saith  himself,  The  Lord 
said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  on  my  right  hand,  until  I  make  thy 
foes  thy  footstool.  Therefore  let  all  the  house  of  Israel  know 
assuredly,  that  God  hath  made  that  same  Jesus,  whom  ye  have 
crucified,  both  Lord  and  Christ. 

Now  when  they  heard  this,  they  were  pricked  in  their  heart, 
and  said  unto  Peter  and  to  the  rest  of  the  apostles.  Men  and 
brethren,  what  shall  we  do  .''  Then  Peter  said  unto  them,  Re- 
pent, and  be  baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the  gift  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.  For  the  promise  is  unto  you,  and  to  your 
children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off,  even  as  many  as  the  Lord 
our  God  shall  call.  And  with  many  other  words  did  he  testify 
and  exhort,  saying.  Save  yourselves  from  this  untoward  genera- 
tion. 

Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word  were  baptized:  and 
the  same  day  there  were  added  unto  them  about  three  thousand 
souls.  And  they  continued  steadfastly  in  the  apostles'  doctrine 
and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers.  And 
fear  came  upon  every  soul :  and  many  wonders  and  signs  were 
done  by  the  apostles.  And  the  Lord  added  to  the  church  daily 
such  as  should  be  saved. 


592  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Spirit  Divine  !  attend  our  prayer, 

And  make  our  hearts  Thy  home  ; 
Descend  with  all  Thy  gracious  power: 

Come,  Holy  Spirit,  come  ! 
Come  as  the  light ;  to  us  reveal 

Our  sinfulness  and  woe  ; 
And  lead  us  in  those  paths  of  life, 

Where  all  the  righteous  go. 


CHAPTER   CCXLVII. 

THE    MIRACLE  AT    THE    BEAUTIFUL  GATE. PETEr's   SECOND 

SERMON. 

Mercy,  that  shining  attribute. 

The  sinner's  hope  and  plea  ! 
Huge  hosts  of  sins  in  their  pursuit. 

Are  drowned  in  thy  Red  Sea. 
Mercy  is  God's  memorial. 

And  in  all  ages  praised  : 
My  God,  Thine  only  Son  did  fall, 

That  Mercy  might  be  raised. 

NOW  Peter  and  John  went  up  together  into  the  temple  at 
the  hour  of  prayer,  being  the  ninth  hour.  And  a  certain 
man  lame  from  his  mother's  womb  was  carried,  whom  they  laid 
daily  at  the  gate  of  the  temple  which  is  called  Beautiful,  to 
ask  alms  of  them  that  entered  into  the  temple  ;  who,  seeing 
Peter  and  John  about  to  go  into  the  temple,  asked  an  alms. 
And  Peter,  fastening  his  eyes  upon  him  with  John,  said,  Look 
on  us.  And  he  gave  heed  unto  them,  expecting  to  receive 
something  of  them.  Then  Peter  said,  Silver  and  gold  have  I 
none  ;  but  such  as  I  have  give  I  thee :  In  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ  of  Nazareth  rise  up  and  walk.  And  he  took  him  by  the 
right  hand,  and  lifted  him  up  :  and  immediately  his  feet  and 
ankle  bones  received  strength.  And  he  leaping  up  stood,  and 
walked,  and  entered  with  them  into  the  temple,  walking,  and  leap- 
ing, and  praising  God.  And  all  the  people  saw  him  walking  and 
praising  God  :  and  they  knew  that  it  was  he  which  sat  for  alms 
at  the  Beautiful  gate  of  the  temple :   and  they  were  filled  with 


THE   BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  593 

wonder  and  amazement  at  that  which  had  happened  unto  him. 
And  as  the  lame  man  which  was  healed  held  Peter  and  John, 
all  the  i)cople  ran  together  unto  them  in  the  porch  that  is  called 
Solomon's,  greatly  wondering. 

I  say  that  miracle  was  duly  wrought 
When,  save  for  it,  no  faith  was  possible. 
So  faith  grew,  making  void  more  miracles, 
Because,  too  much,  they  would  compel,  not  help. 
I  say,  the  acknowledgment  of  God  in  Christ 
Accepted  by  thy  reason,  solves  for  thee 
All  questions  in  the  earth  and  out  of  it, 
And  has  so  far  advanced  thee  to  be  wise. 

And  when  Peter  saw  it,  he  answered  unto  the  people.  Ye  men 
of  Israel,  wjiy  marvel  ye  at  this  }  or  why  look  ye  so  earnestly  on 
us,  as  though  by  our  own  power  or  holiness  we  had  made  this 
man  to  walk  .-'  The  God  of  Abraham,  and  of  Isaac,  and  of  Jacob, 
the  God  of  our  fathers,  hath  glorified  his  Son  Jesus  ;  whom  ye 
delivered  up,  and  denied  him  in  the  presence  of  Pilate,  when  he 
was  determined  to  let  him  go.  But  ye  denied  the  Holy  One 
and  the  Just,  and  desired  a  murderer  to  be  granted  unto  you  ; 
and  killed  the  Prince  of  life,  whom  God  hath  raised  from  the 
dead  ;  whereof  we  are  witnesses.  And  his  name,  through  faith 
in  his  name,  hath  made  this  man  strong,  whom  ye  see  and  know  : 
yea,  the  faith  which  is  by  him  hath  given  him  this  perfect 
soundness  in  the  presence  of  you  all.  And  now,  brethren,  I 
wot  that  through  ignorance  ye  did  it,  as  did  also  your  rulers. 
But  those  things,  which  God  before  had  shewed  by  the  mouth 
of  all  his  prophets,  that  Christ  should  suffer,  he  hath  so  fulfilled. 

Repent  ye  therefore,  and  be  converted,  that  your  sins  may  be 
blotted  out,  when  the  times  of  refreshing  shall  come  from  tl  e 
presence  of  the  Lord  ;  and  he  shall  send  Jesus  Christ,  which 
before  was  preached  unto  you  :  whom  the  heaven  must  receive 
until  the  times  of  restitution  of  all  things,  which  God  hath  spoken 
by  the  mouth  of  all  his  holy  prophets  since  the  world  began. 
For  Moses  truly  said  unto  the  fathers,  A  Prophet  shall  the  Lord 
your  God  raise  up  unto  you,  of  your  brethren,  like  unto  me  ;  him 
shall  ye  hear  in  all  things,  whatsoever  he  shall  say  unto  you. 
And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  every  soul  which  will  not  hear 
that  Prophet,  shall  be  destroyed  from  among  the  people.  Yea, 
and  all  the  prophets  from  Samuel,  and  those  that  follow  after,  as 
many  as  have  spoken,  have  likewise  foretold  of  these  days.     Ye 

3S 


594  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

are  the  children  of  the  prophets,  and  of  the  covenant  which  God 
made  with  our  fathers,  saying  unto  Abraham,  And  in  thy  seed 
shall  all  the  kindreds  of  the  earth  be  blessed.  Unto  you  first, 
God  having  raised  up  his  Son  Jesus,  sent  him  to  bless  you,  in 
turning  away  every  one  of  you  from  his  iniquities. 

Strong  Son  of  God,  immortal  Love, 
Whom  we,  that  have  not  seen  Thy  face, 
By  faith,  and  faith  alone,  embrace, 
Believing  where  we  cannot  prove  ! 
Thou  seemest  human  and  divine. 
The  highest,  hoHest  manhood,  Thou  : 
Our  wills  are  ours,  we  know  not  how,  — 
Our  wills  are  ours,  to  make  them  Thine. 

And  as  they  spake  unto  the  people,  the  priests,  and  the  captain 
of  the  temple,  and  the  Sadducees  came  upon  them,  being  grieved 
that  they  taught  the  people,  and  preached  through  Jesus  the 
resurrection  from  the  dead.  And  they  laid  hands  on  them,  and 
put  them  in  hold  unto  the  next  day :  for  it  was  now  eventide. 
Howbeit,  many  of  them  which  heard  the  word,  believed  ;  and 
the  number  of  the  men  was  about  five  thousand. 

O  Christian  brothers  !  glorious  shall  be  the  conflicts  close : 
The  Cross  hath  been  victorious,  and  shall  be,  o'er  its  foes. 
Faith  is  our  battle-token  —  our  Leader  all  controls  ; 
Our  trophies,  fetters  broken,  our  captives,  ransomed  souls. 


CHAPTER   CCXLVIII. 

Stephen's  vindication  and  martyrdom. 

Not  in  vain  the  martyr's  robe  of  fire 
Is  worn,  nor  the  sad  prisoner's  fretting  chain  ; 
Since  all,  who  suffer  for  Thy  truth,  send  forth, 
Electrical,  with  every  throb  of  pain, 
Unquenchable  sparks,  Thy  own  baptismal  rain 
I  Of  fire  and  spirit  over  all  the  earth. 

AND  Stephen,  full  of  faith  and  power,  did  great  wonders  and 
miracles  among  the  people.  Then  there  arose  certain  of 
the  synagogue,  disputing  with  Stephen.  And  they  stirred  up 
the  people,  and  the  elders,  and  the  scribes,  and  came  upon  him, 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  595 

and  caught  him,  and  brought  him  to  the  council,  and  set  up  false 
witnesses,  which  said,  This  man  ceaseth  not  to  speak  blasphe- 
mous words  against  this  holy  place,  and  the  law  :  for  we  have 
heard  him  say,  that  this  Jesus  of  Nazareth  shall  destroy  this  place, 
and  shall  change  the  customs  which  Moses  delivered  us.  And 
all  that  sat  in  the  council,  looking  steadfastly  on  him,  saw  his 
face  as  it  had  been  the  face  of  an  angel. 

Saw  ye  not,  even  now,  a  blessed  troop 
Invite  me  to  a  banquet;  whose  bright  faces 
Cast  thousand  beams  upon  me,  like  the  sun  1 
They  promised  me  eternal  happiness. 

Then  said  the  high  priest,  Are  these  things  so  ?  And  he  said, 
Men,  brethren,  and  fathers,  hearken  ;  The  God  of  glory  appeared 
unto  our  father  Abraham,  when  he  was  in  Mesopotamia,  before 
he  dwelt  in  Charran,  and  said  unto  him,  Get  thee  out  of  thy 
country,  and  from  thy  kindred,  and  come  into  the  land  which 
I  shall  shew  thee.  Then  came  he  out  of  the  land  of  the  Chal- 
deans, and  dwelt  in  Charran  :  and  from  thence,  when  his  father 
was  dead,  he  removed  him  into  this  land,  wherein  ye  now  dwell. 

And  he  gave  him  none  inheritance  in  it,  no,  not  so  much  as 
to  set  his  foot  on  :  yet  he  promised  that  he  would  give  it  to  him 
for  a  possession,  and  to  his  seed  after  him,  when  as  yet  he  had 
no  child.  And  God  spake  on  this  wise.  That  his  seed  should 
sojourn  in  a  strange  land  ;  and  that  they  should  bring  them 
into  bondage,  and  entreat  them  evil  four  hundred  years.  And 
the  nation  to  whom  they  shall  be  in  bondage  will  I  judge,  said 
God  :  and  after  that  shall  they  come  forth,  and  serve  mc  in  this 
place.  And  he  gave  him  the  covenant  of  circumcision  :  and  so 
Abraham  begat  Isaac,  and  circumcised  him  the  eighth  day  ; 
and  Isaac  begat  Jacob  ;  and  Jacob  begat  the  twelve  patriarchs. 
And  the  patriarchs,  moved  with  envy,  sold  Joseph  into  Egypt : 
but  God  was  with  him,  and  delivered  him  out  of  all  his  afflic- 
tions, and  gave  him  favour  and  wisdom  in  the  sight  of  Pharaoh 
king  of  Egypt ;  and  he  made  him  governor  over  Egypt  and  all 
his  house.  Now  there  came  a  dearth  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt 
and  Canaan,  and  great  affliction  :  and  our  fathers  found  no  sus- 
tenance. But  when  Jacob  heard  that  there  was  corn  in  Egypt, 
he  sent  out  our  fathers  first.  And  at  the  second  time  Joseph 
was  made  known  to  his  brethren  ;  and  Joseph's  kindred  was 
made  known  unto  Pharaoh.     Then  sent  Joseph,  and  called  his 


59^  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

father  Jacob  to  him,  and  all  his  kindred,  threescore  and  fifteen 
souls.  So  Jacob  went  down  into  Egypt,  and  died,  he,  and  our 
fathers.  And  Moses  was  learned  in  all  the  wisdom  of  the 
Egyptians,  and  was  mighty  in  words  and  in  deeds.  And  when 
forty  years  were  expired,  there  appeared  to  him  in  the  wilder- 
ness of  mount  Sina  an  angel  of  the  Lord  in  a  flame  of  fire  in  a 
bush.  When  Moses  saw  it,  he  wondered  at  the  sight :  and  as 
he  drew  near  to  behold  it,  the  voice  of  the  Lord  came  unto  him. 
Saying,  I  am  the  God  of  thy  fathers,  the  God  of  Abraham,  and 
the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob.  Then  Moses  trembled, 
and  durst  not  behold.  Then  said  the  Lord  to  him,  Put  off  thy 
shoes  from  thy  feet :  for  the  place  where  thou  standest  is  holy 
ground. 

This  is  that  Moses,  which  said  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
A  Prophet  shall  the  Lord  your  God  raise  up  unto  you  of  your 
brethren,  like  unto  me  ;  him  shall  ye  hear.  This  is  he,  that  was 
in  the  church  in  the  wilderness  with  the  angel  which  spake  to 
him  in  the  mount  Sina,  and  with  our  fathers  :  who  received  the 
lively  oracles  to  give  unto  us  :  to  whom  our  fathers  would  not 
obey,  but  thrust  him  from  them,  and  in  their  hearts  turned  back 
again  into  Egypt.  Howbeit  the  Most  High  dwelleth  not  in  temples 
made  with  hands  ;  as  saith  the  prophet,  Heaven  is  my  throne,  and 
earth  is  my  footstool :  what  house  will  ye  build  me  }  saith  the 
Lord :  or  what  is  the  place  of  my  rest  .'*  Hath  not  my  hand 
made  all  these  things  .-' 

Ye  stiff-necked  and  uncircumcised  in  heart  and  ears,  ye  do 
always  resist  the  Holy  Ghost :  as  your  fathers  did,  so  do  ye. 
Which  of  the  prophets  have  not  your  fathers  persecuted .-'  and 
they  have  slain  them  which  shewed  before  of  the  coming  of  the 
Just  One  ;  of  whom  ye  have  been  now  the  betrayers  and  mur- 
derers :  who  have  received  the  law  by  the  disposition  of  angels, 
and  have  not  kept  it. 

When  persecution's  torrent  blaze 

Wraps  the  unshrinking  martyr's  head, 

When  fade  all  earthly  flowers  and  bays, 
When  summer  friends  are  gone  and  fled, 

Is  he  alone  in  that  dark  hour, 

Who  owns  the  Lord  of  love  and  power  ? 

When  they  heard  these  things,  they  were  cut  to  the  heart,  and, 
they  gnashed  on  him  with  their  teeth.     But  he,  being  full  of  the 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  597 

Holy  Ghost,  looked  up  steadfastly  into  heaven,  and  saw  the 
glory  of  God,  and  Jesus  standing  on  the  right  hand  of  God,  and 
said,  Behold,  I  see  the  heavens  opened,  and  the  Son  of  man 
standing  on  the  right  hand  of  God.  Then  they  cried  out  with 
a  loud  voice,  and  stopped  their  ears,  and  ran  upon  him  with  one 
accord,  and  cast  him  out  of  the  city,  and  stoned  him :  and  the 
witnesses  laid  down  their  clothes  at  a  young  man's  feet,  whose 
name  was  Saul,  And  they  stoned  Stephen,  calling  upon  God, 
and  saying.  Lord  Jesus,  receive  my  spirit.  And  he  kneeled 
down,  and  cried  with  a  loud  voice.  Lord,  lay  not  this  sin  to  their 
charge.     And  when  he  had  said  this,  he  fell  asleep. 

With  awful  dread  his  murderers  shook, 

As,  radiant  and  serene, 
The  lustre  of  his  dying  look 

Was  like  an  angel's  seen  ; 
Or  Moses'  face  of  paly  light, 

When  down  the  mount  he  trod, 
All  glowing  from  the  glorious  sight 

And  presence  of  his  God. 


CHAPTER   CCXLIX. 

SIMON    THE    SORCERER    EXPOSED    AND    ADMONISHED. 

Mighty  Lord  !  extend  Thine  empire  !  be  the  truth  with  triumph  crowned  ! 

Let  the  lands  that  sit  in  darkness  hear  the  glorious  gospel's  sound. 

From  our  borders,  to  the  world's  remotest  bound. 

By  Thine  arm,  eternal  Father,  scatter  far  the  shades  of  night  ! 

Let  the  great  Immanuel's  kingdom  open  like  the  morning  hght,  - 

And  the  future  realize  our  visions  bright. 

THEN  Philip  went  down  to  the  city  of  Samaria,  and  preached 
Christ  unto  them.  And  the  people  with  one  accord  gave 
heed  unto  those  things  which  Philip  spake,  hearing  and  seeing 
the  miracles  which  he  did.  For  unclean  spirits,  crying  with 
loud  voice,  came  out  of  many  that  were  possessed  with  them  : 
and  many  taken  with  palsies,  and  that  were  lame,  were  healed. 
And  there  was  great  joy  in  that  city.  But  there  was  a  certain 
man,  called   Simon,  which   beforetime  in  the   same   city   used 


59^  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

sorcery,  and  bewitched  the  people  of  Samaria,  giving  out  that 
himself  was  some  great  one :  to  whom  they  all  gave  heed,  from 
the  least  to  the  greatest,  saying.  This  man  is  the  great  power  of 
God.  And  to  him  they  had  regard,  because  that  of  long  time 
he  had  bewitched  them  with  sorceries.  But  when  they  believed 
Philip  preaching  the  things  concerning  the  kingdom  of  God, 
and  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  they  were  baptized,  both  men 
and  women.  Then  Simon  himself  believed  also :  and  when  he 
was  baptized,  he  continued  with  Philip,  and  wondered,  beholding 
the  miracles  and  signs  which  were  done.  Now  when  the  apos- 
tles which  were  at  Jerusalem  heard  that  Samaria  had  received 
the  word  of  God,  they  sent  unto  them  Peter  and  John  :  who, 
when  they  were  come  down,  prayed  for  them,  that  they  might 
receive  the  Holy  Ghost :  for  as  yet  he  was  fallen  upon  none  of 
them  :  only  they  were  baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 
Then  laid  they  their  hands  on  them,  and  they  received  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Seems  he  a  dove  ?  his  feathers  are  but  borrowed, 
For  he's  disposed  as  the  hateful  raven. 
Is  he  a  lamb  ?  his  skin  is  surely  lent  him, 
For  he's  inclined  as  are  the  ravenous  wolves. 
Who  cannot  steal  a  shape  that  means  deceit  } 

And  when  Simon  saw  that  through  laying  on  of  the  apostles' 
hands  the  Holy  Ghost  was  given,  he  offered  them  money,  say- 
ing. Give  me  also  this  power,  that  on  whomsoever  I  lay  hands, 
he  may  receive  the  Holy  Ghost.  But  Peter  said  unto  him.  Thy 
money  perish  with  thee,  because  thou  hast  thought  that  the  gift 
of  God  may  be  purchased  with  money.  Thou  hast  neither  part 
nor  lot  in  this  matter  :  for  thy  heart  is  not  right  in  the  sight  of 
God.  Repent  therefore  of  this  thy  wickedness,  and  pray  God, 
if  perhaps  the  thought  of  thine  heart  may  be  forgiven  thee. 
For  I  perceive  that  thou  art  in  the  gall  of  bitterness,  and  in  the 
bond  of  iniquity.  Then  answered  Simon,  and  said,  Pray  ye  to 
the  Lord  for  me,  that  none  of  these  things  which  ye  have  spoken 

come  upon  me. 

Pray,  can  I  not, 
Though  inclination  be  as  sharp  as  will  ; 
My  stronger  guilt  defeats  my  strong  intent  ; 
And,  like  a  man  to  double  business  bound, 
'  I  stand  in  pause  where  I  shall  first  begin, 
And  both  neglect. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  599 


CHAPTER   CCL. 

SAUL     THE     PERSECUTOR     ARRESTED. HIS    CONVERSION. 

HIS    BAPTISM. 

And  hark ! 
Some  Voice  tremendous,  like  the  fearful  roar 
Of  rushing  cataracts,  pervades  the  air  — 
Saul !  Saul !  what  madness  lifts  thine  impious  arm 
To  brave  the  Omnipotence  of  Heaven  ?     Forbear, 
Rash  mortal !     Check  thine  unavailing  rage. 
Nor  longer,  with  eternal  Adamant, 
Wage  fruitless  war. 

AND  Saul,  yet  breathing  out  threatenings  and  slaughter 
against  the  disciples  of  the  Lord,  went  unto  the  high 
priest,  and  desired  of  him  letters  to  Damascus  to  the  synagogues, 
that  if  he  found  any  of  this  way,  whether  they  were  men  or 
women,  he  might  bring  them  bound  unto  Jerusalem.  And  as  he 
journeyed,  he  came  near  Damascus  :  and  suddenly  there  shined 
round  about  him  a  light  from  heaven  :  and  he  fell  to  the  earth, 
and  heard  a  voice  saying  unto  him,  Saul,  Saul,  why  persecutest 
thou  me  }  And  he  said,  Who  art  thou.  Lord  .-•  And  the  Lord 
said,  I  am  Jesus  whom  thou  persecutest :  it  is  hard  for  thee  to 
kick  against  the  pricks.  And  he  trembling  and  astonished  said, 
Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  .-•  And  the  Lord  said  unto 
him.  Arise,  and  go  into  the  city,  and  it  shall  be  told  thee  what 
thou  must  do.  And  the  men  which  journeyed  with  him  stood 
speechless,  hearing  a  voice,  but  seeing  no  man.  And  Saul 
arose  from  the  earth  ;  and  when  his  eyes  were  opened,  he  saw 
no  man  :  but  they  led  him  by  the  hand,  and  brought  him  into 
Damascus.  And  he  was  three  days  without  sight,  and  neither 
did  eat  nor  drink. 

Lo  !  the  Light  shone  !  the  sun's  vailed  beams  expire  — 

A  Saviour's  self  a  Saviour's  lips  proclaim  ! 

Whose  is  yon  form,  stretched  on  the  earth's  cold  bed. 

With  smitten  soul  and  tears  of  agony, 

Mourning  the  past.-*     Bowed  is  the  lofty  head  — 

Rayless  the  orbs  that  flashed  with  victory. 

Over  the  raging  waves  of  human  will 

The  Saviour's  Spirit  walked  —  and  all  was  still ! 


6oo  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

And  there  was  a  certain  disciple  at  Damascus,  named  Ananias  ; 
and  to  him  said  the  Lord  in  a  vision,  Ananias.  And  he  said. 
Behold,  I  am  here.  Lord.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Arise, 
and  go  into  the  street  which  is  called  Straight,  and  inquire  in 
the  house  of  Judas  for  one  called  Saul,  of  Tarsus  :  for,  behold,  he 
prayeth,  and  hath  seen  in  a  vision  a  man  named  Ananias  coming 
in,  and  putting  his  hand  on  him,  that  he  might  receive  his  sight. 
Then  Ananias  answered,  Lord,  I  have  heard  by  many  of  this 
man,  how  much  evil  he  hath  done  to  thy  saints  at  Jerusalem  : 
and  here  he  hath  authority  from  the  chief  priests  to  bind  all  that 
call  on  thy  name.  But  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Go  thy  way :  for 
he  is  a  chosen  vessel  unto  me,  to  bear  my  name  before  the  Gen- 
tiles, and  kings,  and  the  children  of  Israel :  for  I  will  show  him 
how  great  things  he  must  suffer  for  my  name's  sake.  And 
Ananias  went  his  way,  and  entered  into  the  house  ;  and  putting 
his  hands  on  him,  said,  Brother  Saul,  the  Lord,  even  Jesus,  that 
appeared  unto  thee  in  the  way  as  thou  camest,  hath  sent  me, 
that  thou  mightest  receive  thy  sight,  and  be  filled  with  the  Holy 
Ghost.  And  immediately  there  fell  from  his  eyes  as  it  had  been 
scales :  and  he  received  sight  forthwith,  and  arose,  and  was  bap- 
tized. And  when  he  had  received  meat,  he  was  strengthened. 
Then  was  Saul  certain  days  with  the  disciples  which  were  at 
Damascus.  And  straightway  he  preached  Christ  in  the  syna- 
gogues, that  he  is  the  Son  of  God.  But  all  that  heard  him  were 
amazed,  and  said  ;  Is  not  this  he  that  destroyed  them  which 
called  on  this  name  in  Jerusalem,  and  came  hither  for  that  intent, 
that  he  might  bring  them  bound  unto  the  chief  priests  .''  But 
Saul  increased  the  more  in  strength,  and  confounded  the  Jews 
which  dwelt  at  Damascus,  proving  that  this  is  very  Christ. 

O  Thou  best  gift  of  heaven, 
Thou  who  Thyself  hast  given,  — 

For  Thou  hast  died  ! 
This  Thou  hast  done  for  me  : 
What  have  I  done  for  Thee, 

Thou  crucified? 

Do  Thou  but  point  the  way, 
And  give  me  strength  to  obey  ; 

Thy  will  be  mine  : 
Then  can  I  think  it  joy 
To  suffer  or  to  die, 

Since  I  am  Thine. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  6oi 


CHAPTER   CCLI. 

THE    VISIONS    OF    PETER    AND    CORNELIUS. THE    GOSPEL 

FOR    GENTILES    AS    WELL    AS    JEWS. 

Come,  Holy  Ghost ;  Creator,  come. 
And  visit  all  the  souls  of  Thine  : 
Thou  hast  inspired  our  hearts  with  life  : 
Inspire  them  now  with  life  divine. 
Thou  art  the  Comforter,  the  gift 
Of  God  most  high  ;  the  fire  of  love, 
The  everlasting  spring  of  joy, 
And  holy  unction  from  above. 

THERE  was  a  certain  man  in  Cesarea  called  Cornelius,  a 
centurion  of  the  band  called  the  Italian  band,  a  devout 
man,  and  one  that  feared  God  with  all  his  house,  which  gave 
much  alms  to  the  people,  and  prayed  to  God  always.  He  saw  in 
a  vision  evidently,  about  the  ninth  hour  of  the  day,  an  angel  of 
God  coming  in  to  him,  and  saying  unto  him,  Cornelius.  And 
when  he  looked  on  him,  he  was  afraid,  and  said.  What  is  it.  Lord  ? 
And  he  said  unto  him.  Thy  prayers  and  thine  alms  arc  come 
up  for  a  memorial  before  God.  And  now  send  men  to  Joppa, 
and  call  for  one  Simon,  whose  surname  is  Peter :  he  lodgeth  with 
one  Simon  a  tanner,  whose  house  is  by  the  sea  side  :  he  shall  tell 
thee  what  thou  oughtest  to  do.  And  when  the  angel  which  spake 
unto  Cornelius  was  departed,  he  called  two  of  his  household 
servants,  and  a  devout  soldier  of  them  that  waited  on  him  con- 
tinually ;  and  when  he  had  declared  all  these  things  unto  them, 
he  sent  them  to  Joppa. 

On  the  morrow,  as  they  went  on  their  journey,  and  drew  nigh 
unto  the  city,  Peter  went  up  upon  the  housetop  to  pray  about  the 
sixth  hour  :  and  he  became  very  hungry,  and  would  have  eaten  : 
but  while  they  made  ready,  he  fell  into  a  trance,  and  saw  heaven 
opened,  and  a  certain  vessel  descending  unto  him,  as  it  had  been 
a  great  sheet  knit  at  the  four  corners,  and  let  down  to  the  earth : 
wherein  were  all  manner  of  fourfooted  beasts  of  the  earth,  and 
wild  beasts,  and  creeping  things,  and  fowls  of  the  air.  And  there 
came  a  voice  to  him.  Rise,  Peter  ;  kill,  and  eat.     Rut  Peter  said. 


602  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Not  so,  Lord  ;  for  I  have  never  eaten  any  thing  that  is  common 
or  unclean.  And  the  voice  spake  unto  him  again  the  second 
time,  What  God  hath  cleansed,  that  call  not  thou  common.  This 
was  done  thrice :  and  the  vessel  was  received  up  again  into 
heaven.  Now  while  Peter  doubted  in  himself  what  this  vision 
which  he  had  seen  should  mean,  behold,  the  men  which  were  sent 
from  Cornelius  had  made  inquiry  for  Simon's  house,  and  stood 
before  the  gate,  and  called,  and  asked  whether  Simon,  which  was 
surnamed  Peter,  were  lodged  there. 

E'en  as  the  ointment  whose  sweet  odours  blended, 
From  Aaron's  head  upon  his  beard  descended, 

And,  falling  thence,  with  rich  perfume  ran  o'er 

The  holy  garb  the  prophet  wore  : 
So  doth  the  unity  that  lives  with  brothers, 
Share  its  best  blessings  and  its  joys  with  others. 

While  Peter  thought  on  the  vision,  the  Spirit  said  unto  him, 

Behold,  three  men  seek  thee.    Arise  therefore,  and  get  thee  down, 

and   go  with   them,   doubting  nothing  :  for   I   have   sent   them. 

Then  Peter  went  down  to  the  men  which  were  sent  unto  him 

from  Cornelius  ;  and  said,  Behold,  I  am  he  whom  ye  seek :  what 

is  the  cause  wherefore  ye  are  come  t     And  they  said,  Cornelius 

the  centurion,  a  just  man,  and  one  that  feareth  God,  and  of  good 

report  among  all  the  nation  of  the  Jews,  was  warned  from  God 

by  a  holy  angel  to  send  for  thee  into  his  house,  and  to  hear  words 

of  thee.     Then  called  he  them  in,  and  lodged  them.    And  on  the 

morrow  Peter  went  away  with  them,  and  certain  brethren  from 

Joppa  accompanied  him.      And  the  morrow  after  they  entered 

into  Cesarea.     And  Cornelius  waited  for  them,  and  had  called 

together  his  kinsmen  and  near  friends.    And  as  Peter  was  coming 

in,  Cornelius  met  him,  and  fell  down  at  his  feet,  and  worshipped 

him.     But  Peter  took  him  up,  saying.  Stand  up  ;  I  myself  also  am 

a  man.    And  as  he  talked  with  him,  he  went  in,  and  found  many 

that  were  come  together.     And  he  said  unto  them.  Ye  know 

how  that  it  is  an  unlawful  thing  for  a  man  that  is  a  Jew  to  keep 

company,  or  come  unto  one  of  another  nation  ;  but  God  hath 

shewed  me  that  I  should  not  call  any  man  common  or  unclean. 

Therefore  came  I  unto  you  without  gainsaying,  as  soon  as  I  was 

sent  for  :  I  ask  therefore  for  what  intent  ye  have  sent  for  me  ? 

And  Cornelius  said.  Four  days  ago  I  was  fasting  until  this  hour ; 

and  at  the  ninth  hour  I  prayed  in  my  house,  and,  behold,  a  man 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  603 

Stood  before  me  in  bright  clothing,  and  said,  Cornchus,  thy  prayer 
is  heard,  and  thine  ahns  are  had  in  remembrance  in  the  sight  of 
God.  Send  therefore  to  Joppa,  and  call  hither  Simon,  whose 
surname  is  Peter  ;  he  is  lodged  in  the  house  of  one  Simon  a 
tanner  by  the  sea  side :  who,  when  he  cometh,  shall  speak  unto 
thee.  Immediately  therefore  I  sent  to  thee  ;  and  thou  hast  well 
done  that  thou  art  come.  Now  therefore  are  we  all  here  present 
before  God,  to  hear  all  things  that  are  commanded  thee  of  God. 
Then  Peter  opened  his  mouth,  and  said,  Of  a  truth  I  perceive 
that  God  is  no  respecter  of  persons  :  but  in  every  nation  he  that 
feareth  him,  and  worketh  righteousness,  is  accepted  wiih  him. 
The  word  which  God  sent  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  how  God 
anointed  Jesus  of  Nazareth  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  power: 
who  went  about  doing  good,  and  healing  all  that  were  oppressed 
•of  the  devil  ;  for  God  was  with  him.  And  we  are  witnesses  of 
all  things  which  he  did  both  in  the  land  of  the  Jews,  and  in 
Jerusalem  ;  whom  they  slew  and  hanged  on  a  tree :  him  God 
raised  up  the  third  day,  and  shewed  him  openly ;  not  to  all  the 
people,  but  unto  witnesses  chosen  before  of  God,  even  to  us,  who 
did  eat  and  drink  with  him  after  he  rose  from  the  dead.  And  he 
commanded  us  to  preach  unto  the  people,  and  to  testify  that  it 
is  he  which  was  ordained  of  God  to  be  the  Judge  of  quick  and 
dead.  To  him  give  all  the  prophets  witness,  that  through  his 
name  whosoever  believeth  in  him  shall  receive  remission  of  sins. 
While  Peter  yet  spake  these  words,  the  Holy  Ghost  fell  on 
all  them  which  heard  the  word.  And  they  of  the  circumcision 
which  believed  were  astonished,  as  many  as  came  with  Peter, 
because  that  on  the  Gentiles  also  was  poured  out  the  gift  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.  For  they  heard  them  speak  with  tongues,  and 
magnify  God.  Then  answered  Peter,  Can  any  man  forbid  water, 
that  these  should  not  be  baptized,  which  have  received  the  Holy 
Ghost  as  well  as  we .-'  And  he  commanded  them  to  be  baptized 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  Then  prayed  they  him  to  tarry  certain 
days. 

Death  pierced  through  all  this  life  of  mine, 
But  Thou  my  foe  hast  slain  ; 

Thy  holy  baptism  is  his  grave ; 
He  perishes  beneath  the  flood 

Of  His  most  precious  death  and  blood, 
Who  died  our  life  to  save. 


604  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CCLII. 

BARNABAS    AND    SAUL   AT  ANTIOCH,  THE   CHRISTIAN   METROP- 
OLIS.  THEIR    MISSION    THENCE    TO    ANTIOCH    IN    PISIDIA. 

PAUL    THE    APOSTLE. 

My  soul  shall  cry  to  Thee,  O  Lord  ! 
To  Thee,  supreme  incarnate  Word  ! 
My  rock  and  fortress,  shield  and  friend  ; 
Creator,  Saviour,  source  and  end  ! 
■   Yea,  Thou  wilt  hear  Thy  servant's  prayer. 
Though  death  and  darkness  speak  despair. 

NOW  they  which  were  scattered  abroad  upon  the  persecution 
that  arose  about  Stephen  travelled  as  far  as  Phenice,  and 
Cyprus,  and  Antioch,  preaching  the  word  to  none  but  unto  the 
Jews  only.  And  some  of  them  were  men  of  Cyprus  and  Cyrene, 
which,  when  they  were  come  to  Antioch,  spake  unto  the  Gre- 
cians, preaching  the  Lord  Jesus.  And  the  hand  of  the  Lord 
was  with  them  :  and  a  great  number  believed,  and  turned  unto 
the  Lord. 

Then  tidings  of  these  things  came  unto  the  ears  of  the  church 
which  was  in  Jerusalem  :  and  they  sent  forth  Barnabas,  that  he 
should  go  as  far  as  Antioch.  Who,  when  he  came,  and  had  seen 
the  grace  of  God,  was  glad,  and  exhorted  them  all,  that  with 
purpose  of  heart  they  would  cleave  unto  the  Lord.  For  he  was 
a  good  man,  and  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  of  faith  :  and  much 
people  was  added  unto  the  Lord.  Then  departed  Barnabas  to 
Tarsus,  for  to  seek  Saul  :  and  when  he  had  found  him,  he 
brought  him  unto  Antioch.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  a  whole 
year  they  assembled  themselves  with  the  church,  and  taught 
much  people.     And  the  disciples  were  called  Christians  first  in 

Antioch. 

A  Christian  is  the  highest  style  of  man. 

Now  there  were  in  the  church  that  was  at  Antioch  certain 
prophets  and  teachers  ;  as  Barnabas,  and  Simeon  that  was  called 
Niger,  and  Lucius  of  Cyrene,  and  Manaen,  which  had  been 
brought  up  with  Herod  the  tetrarch,  and  Saul.     As  they  minis- 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  605 

tered  to  the  Lord,  and  fasted,  the  Holy  Ghost  said,  Separate  me 
Barnabas  and  Saul  for  the  work  vvhereunto  I  have  called  them. 
And  when  they  had  fasted  and  prayed,  and  laid  their  hands  on 
them,  they  sent  them  away.  So  they,  being  sent  forth  by  the 
Holy  Ghost,  departed  unto  Selcucia ;  and  from  thence  they 
sailed  to  Cyprus.  And  when  they  were  at  Salamis,  they 
preached  the  word  of  God  in  the  synagogues  of  the  Jews : 
and  they  had  also  John  to  their  minister.  And  when  they  had 
gone  through  the  isle  unto  Paphos,  they  found  a  certain  sorcerer, 
a  false  prophet,  a  Jew,  whose  name  was  Barjesus  :  which  was 
with  the  deputy  of  the  country,  Sergius  Paulus,  a  prudent  man  ; 
who  called  for  Barnabas  and  Saul,  and  desired  to  hear  the  word 
of  God. 

Bad  is  that  angel  that  erst  fell  from  heaven, 

But  not  so  bad  as  he,  nor  in  worse  case, 

Who  hides  a  traitorous  mind  with  smihng  face, 
And  with  a  dove's  white  feathers  clothes  a  raven: 

Each  sin,  some  colour  has  it  to  adorn  ; 

Hypocrisy,  Almighty  God  doth  scorn. 

But  Elymas  the  sorcerer  withstood  them,  seeking  to  turn 
away  the  deputy  from  the  faith.  Then  Saul,  who  also  is  called 
Paul,  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  set  his  eyes  on  him,  and  said, 
O  full  of  all  subtilty  and  all  mischief,  thou  child  of  the  devil, 
thou  enemy  of  all  righteousness,  wilt  thou  not  cease  to  pervert 
the  right  ways  of  the  Lord .-'  And  now,  behold,  the  hand  of  the 
Lord  is  upon  thee,  and  thou  shalt  be  blind,  not  seeing  the  sun 
for  a  season.  And  immediately  there  fell  on  him  a  mist  and  a 
darkness  ;  and  he  went  about  seeking  some  to  lead  him  by  the 
hand.  Then  the  deputy,  when  he  saw  what  was  done,  believed, 
being  astonished  at  the  doctrine  of  the  Lord. 

Oh  !  Light  which  makest  the  light,  which  makes  the  day ! 

Which  settest  the  eye  without,  and  mind  within, 
Lighten  my  soul  with  one  clear  heavenly  ray, 

Which  now  to  view  itself  doth  first  begin. 

Now  when  Paul  and  his  company  loosed  from  Paphos,  they 
came  to  Perga  in  Pamphylia :  and  when  they  departed  from 
Perga,  they  came  to  Antioch  in  Pisidia,  and  went  into  the  syna- 
gogue on  the  sabbath  day,  and  sat  down.  And  after  the  reading 
of  the  law  and  the  prophets,  the  rulers  of  the  synagogue  sent 


6o6  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

unto  them,  saying,  Ye  men  and  brethren,  if  ye  have  any  word  of 
exhortation  for  the  people,  say  on.  Then  Paul  stood  up,  and 
beckoning  with  his  hand  said.  Men  and  brethren,  children  of  the 
stock  of  Abraham,  and  whosoever  among  you  feareth  God,  to 
you  is  the  word  of  this  salvation  sent.  And  we  declare  unto 
you  glad  tidings,  how  that  the  promise  which  was  made  unto 
the  fathers,  God  hath  fulfilled  the  same  unto  us  their  children, 
in  that  he  hath  raised  up  Jesus  again  ;  as  it  is  also  written  in  the 
second  psalm,  Thou  art  my  Son,  this  day  have  I  begotten  thee. 
And  as  concerning  that  he  raised  him  up  from  the  dead,  now  no 
more  to  return  to  corruption,  he  said  on  this  wise,  I  will  give 
you  the  sure  mercies  of  David.  Wherefore  he  saith  also  in 
another  psalm.  Thou  shalt  not  suffer  thine  Holy  One  to  see  cor- 
ruption. For  David,  after  he  had  served  his  own  generation  by 
the  will  of  God,  fell  on  sleep,  and  was  laid  unto  his  fathers,  and 
saw  corruption  :  but  he,  whom  God  raised  again,  saw  no  corrup- 
tion. 

Be  it  known  unto  you  therefore,  men  and  brethren,  that 
through  this  man  is  preached  unto  you  the  forgiveness  of  sins  : 
and  by  him  all  that  believe  are  justified  from  all  things,  from 
which  ye  could  not  be  justified  by  the  law  of  Moses.  Beware 
therefore,  lest  that  come  upon  you,  which  is  spoken  of  in  the 
prophets  ;  Behold,  ye  despisers,  and  wonder,  and  perish  :  for  I 
work  a  work  in  your  days,  a  work  which  ye  shall  in  no  wise 
believe,  though  a  man  declare  it  unto  you. 

And  the  next  sabbath  day  came  almost  the  whole  city  together 
to  hear  the  word  of  God.  But  when  the  Jews  saw  the  multi- 
tudes, they  were  filled  with  envy,  and  spake  against  those  things 
which  were  spoken  by  Paul,  contradicting  and  blaspheming. 
Then  Paul  and  Barnabas  waxed  bold,  and  said,  it  was  necessary 
that  the  word  of  God  should  first  have  been  spoken  to  you :  but 
seeing  ye  put  it  from  you,  and  judge  yourselves  unworthy  of 
everlasting  life,  lo,  we  turn  to  the  Gentiles.  For  so  hath  the 
Lord  commanded  us,  saying,  I  have  set  thee  to  be  a  light  of  the 
Gentiles,  that  thou  shouldest  be  for  salvation  unto  the  ends  of 
the  earth.  And  when  the  Gentiles  heard  this,  they  were  glad, 
and  glorified  the  word  of  the  Lord  :  and  as  many  as  were  or- 
dained to  eternal  life  believed.  And  the  disciples  were  filled 
with  joy,  and  with  the  Holy  Ghost. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  TOETS.  607 

Oh  be  not  faithless  !  with  the  morn, 

Scatter  abroad  thy  grain  ; 
At  noontide  —  faint  not  thou  forlorn  ; 

At  evening,  —  sow  again  ! 
Blessed  are  they,  whate'er  betide, 
Who  thus  all  waters  sow  beside. 

Thou  knowest  not  which  seed  shall  grow, 

Or  which  may  die  or  live  ; 
In  faith  and  hope  and  patience,  sow! 

The  increase  God  will  give,  — 
According  to  His  gracious  will, 
As  best  His  purpose  may  fulfil. 


CHAPTER   CCLIII. 

Paul's    vision.  —  lydia    converted.  —  an    evil    spirit 

exorcised,  paul      and     silas     imprisoned.  the 

jailer   converted. a   signal   deliverance. 

Ye  Christian  heralds,  go  proclaim 
Salvation  in  Immanuel's  name  ; 
To  distant  climes  the  tidings  bear, 
And  plant  the  rose  of  Sharon  there. 

AND  Paul  chose  Silas,  and  departed,  being  recommended  by 
the  brethren  unto  the  grace  of  God.  And  they  passing 
by  Mysia  came  down  to  Troas.  And  a  vision  appeared  to  Paul 
in  the  night ;  There  stood  a  man  of  Macedonia,  and  prayed  him, 
saying,  Come  over  into  Macedonia,  and  help  us.  And  after  he 
had  seen  the  vision,  immediately  we  endeavoured  to  go  into 
Macedonia,  assuredly  gathering  that  the  Lord  had  called  us  for 
to  preach  the  gospel  unto  them.  Therefore  loosing  from  Troas, 
we  came  with  a  straight  course  to  Samothracia,  and  the  next  day 
to  Neapolis  ;  and  from  thence  to  Philippi,  which  is  the  chief  city 
of  that  part  of  Macedonia,  and  a  colony :  and  we  were  in  that 
city  abiding  certain  days.  And  on  the  sabbath  we  went  out  of 
the  city  by  a  river  side,  where  prayer  was  wont  to  be  made  ;  and 
we  sat  down,  and  spake  unto  the  women  which  resorted  thither. 
And  a  certain  woman  named  Lydia,  a  seller  of  purple,  of  the 
city  of  Thyatira,  which  worshipped  God,  heard  us :  whose  heart 


6o8  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

the  Lord  opened,  that  she  attended  unto  the  things  which  were 
spoken  of  Paul.  And  when  she  was  baptized,  and  her  household, 
she  besought  us  saying,  If  ye  have  judged  me  to  be  faithful  to 
the  Lord,  come  into  my  house,  and  abide  there.  And  she  con- 
strained us. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  as  we  went  to  prayer,  a  certain  damsel 
possessed  with  a  spirit  of  divination  met  us,  which  brought  her 
masters  much  gain  by  soothsaying :  the  same  followed  Paul  and 
us,  and  cried,  saying,  These  men  are  the  servants  of  the  most 
high  God,  which  shew  unto  us  the  way  of  salvation.  And  this 
did  she  many  days.  But  Paul,  being  grieved,  turned  and  said  to 
the  spirit,  I  command  thee  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  to  come 
out  of  her.     And  he  came  out  the  same  hour. 

And  when  her  masters  saw  that  the  hope  of  their  gains  was 
gone,  they  caught  Paul  and  Silas,  and  drew  them  into  the  market- 
place unto  the  rulers,  and  brought  them  to  the  magistrates,  say- 
ing, These  men,  being  Jews,  do  exceedingly  trouble  our  city,  and 
teach  customs,  which  are  not  lawful  for  us  to  receive,  neither  to 
observe,  being  Romans.  And  the  multitude  rose  up  together 
against  them  ;  and  the  magistrates  rent  off  their  clothes,  and 
commanded  to  beat  them.  And  when  they  had  laid  many  stripes 
upon  them,  they  cast  them  into  prison,  charging  the  jailer  to 
keep  them  safely :  who,  having  received  such  a  charge,  thrust- 
them  into  the  inner  prison,  and  made  their  feet  fast  in  the 
stocks. 

And  at  midnight  Paul  and  Silas  prayed,  and  sang  praises  unto 
God  :  and  the  prisoners  heard  them.  And  suddenly  there  was  a 
great  earthquake,  so  that  the  foundations  of  the  prison  were 
shaken :  and  immediately  all  the  doors  were  opened,  and  every 
one's  bands  were  loosed.  And  the  keeper  of  the  prison  awaking 
out  of  his  sleep,  and  seeing  the  prison  doors  open,  he  drew  out ' 
his  sword,  and  would  have  killed  himself,  supposing  that  the 
prisoners  had  been  fled. 

Is't  returned,  as  'twas  sent  ?     Is't  no  worse  for  the  wear  "i 
Think  first,  what  you  are  !     Call  to  mind  what  you  were  ! 
I  gave  you  innocence,  I  gave  you  hope, 
Gave  health,  and  genius,  and  an  ample  scope, 
Return  you  me  guilt,  lethargy,  despair  ? 
Make  out  the  inventory  ;  inspect,  compare  ! 
Then  die  —  if  die  you  dare  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  609 

But  Paul  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  Do  thyself  no  harm  : 
for  we  are  all  here.  Then  he  called  for  a  light,  and  sprang  in, 
and  came  trembling,  and  fell  down  before  Paul  and  Silas,  and 
brought  them  out,  and  said,  Sirs,  what  must  I  do  to  be  saved  ? 
And  they  said,  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  thou  shalt 
be  saved,  and  thy  house.  And  they  spake  unto  him  the  word  of 
the  Lord,  and  to  all  that  were  in  his  house.  And  he  took  them 
the  same  hour  of  the  night,  and  washed  their  stripes  ;  and  was 
baptized,  he  and  all  his,  straightway.  And  when  he  had  brought 
them  into  his  house,  he  set  meat  before  them,  and  rejoiced, 
believing  in  God  with  all  his  house. 

Wlien  man  is  born  anew, 
And  being's  perfect  bliss  is  given, 

Lo  !  a  new  Eden  starts  to  view, 
While  angel-harps  rejoice  in  heaven: 
'Tis  wondrous  all,  divinely  bright, 
And  the  new  creature  walks  in  light. 

And  when  it  was  day,  the  magistrates  sent  the  sergeants,  say- 
ing. Let  those  men  go.  And  the  keeper  of  the  prison  told  this 
saying  to  Paul,  The  magistrates  have  sent  to  let  you  go  :  now 
therefore  depart,  and  go  in  peace.  But  Paul  said  unto  them, 
they  have  beaten  us  openly  uncondemned,  being  Romans,  and 
have  cast  us  into  prison  ;  and  now  do  they  thrust  us  out  privily  ? 
nay  verily ;  but  let  them  come  themselves  and  fetch  us  out. 
And  the  sergeants  told  these  words  unto  the  magistrates  :  and 
they  feared,  when  they  heard  that  they  were  Romans.  And  they 
came  and  besought  them,  and  brought  them  out,  and  desired 
them  to  depart  out  of  the  city.  And  they  went  out  of  the  prison, 
and  entered  into  the  house  of  Lydia :  and  when  they  had  seen 
the  brethren,  they  comforted  them,  and  departed. 

True  courage  is  a  fixed,  not  sudden  heat ; 
Is  always  humble,  lives  in  self-distrust, 
And  will  itself  into  no  danger  thrust. 
Devote  yourself  to  God,  and  you  will  find 
God  fights  the  battles  of  a  will  resigned. 


39 


6lO  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

CHAPTER    CCLIV. 

PAUL    PREACHING    AT    ATHENS. 

BUT  when  the  Jews  of  Thessalonica  had  knowledge  that  the 
word  of  God  was  preached  of  Paul  at  Berea,  they  came 
thither  also,  and  stirred  up  the  people.  And  then  immediately 
the  brethren  sent  away  Paul  to  go  as  it  were  to  the  sea :  but 
Silas  and  Timotheus  abode  there  still.  And  they  that  con- 
ducted Paul  brought  him  unto  Athens  :  and  receiving  a  com- 
mandment unto  Silas  and  Timotheus  for  to  come  to  him  with  all 
speed,  they  departed. 

Go,  messenger  of  peace  and  love  ! 

To  people  plunged  in  shades  of  night, 
Like  angels  sent  from  fields  above, 

Be  thine  to  shed  celestial  light. 
On  barren  rock  and  desert  isle. 

Go,  bid  the  rose  of  Sharon  bloom  ; 
Till  arid  wastes  around  thee  smile, 

And  bear  to  heaven  a  sweet  perfume. 

Now  while  Paul  waited  for  them  at  Athens,  his  spirit  was 
stirred  in  him,  when  he  saw  the  city  wholly  given  to  idolatry. 
Therefore  disputed  he  in  the  synagogue  with  the  Jews,  and  with 
the  devout  persons,  and  in  the  market  daily  with  them  that  met 
with  him.  Then  certain  philosophers  of  the  Epicureans,  and  of 
the  Stoics,  encountered  him.  And  some  said,  What  will  this 
babbler  say .''  other  some,  He  seemeth  to  be  a  setter  forth  of 
strange  gods  :  because  he  preached  unto  them  Jesus,  and  the 
resurrection.  And  they  took  him,  and  brought  him  unto  Areop- 
agus, saying.  May  we  know  what  this  new  doctrine,  whereof 
thou  speakest,  is  }  For  thou  bringest  certain  strange  things  to 
our  ears  :  we  would  know  therefore  what  these  things  mean. 
For  all  the  Athenians,  and  strangers  which  were  there,  spent 
their  time  in  nothing  else,  but  either  to  tell  or  to  hear  some  new 

thing. 

He  brings  you  news  of  One 
Above  Olympian  Jove  ;  One  in  whose  light 
Your  gods  shall  fade  like  stars  before  the  sun. 

On  your  bewildered  night, 
That  Unknown  God,  of  whom  ye  darkly  dream, 
In  all  His  burnin^r  radiance  shall  beam. 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  6ll 

But,  brighter  tidings  still  ! 
He  tells  of  One  whose  precious  blood  was  spilt 
In  lavish  streams  upon  Judea's  hill, 

A  ransom  for  your  guilt ;  — 
Who  triumphed  o'er  the  grave,  and  broke  its  chain  ; 
Who  conquered  Death  and  Hell,  and  rose  again. 

Then  Paul  stood  in  the  midst  of  Mars'  hill,  and  said,  Ye  men 
of  Athens,  I  perceive  that  in  all  things  ye  are  too  superstitious. 
For  as  I  passed  by,  and  beheld  your  devotions,  I  found  an  altar 
with  this  inscription,  TO  THE  UNKNOWN  GOD.  Whom 
therefore  ye  ignorantly  worship,  him  declare  I  unto  you.  God 
that  made  the  world  and  all  things  therein,  seeing  that  he  is 
Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  dwelleth  not  in  temples  made  with 
hands  ;  neither  is  worshipped  with  men's  hands,  as  though  he 
needed  any  thing,  seeing  he  giveth  to  all  life,  and  breath,  and 
all  things  ;  and  hath  made  of  one  blood  all  nations  of  men  for 
to  dwell  on  all  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  hath  determined  the 
times  before  appointed,  and  the  bounds  of  their  habitation  ;  that 
they  should  seek  the  Lord,  if  haply  they  might  feel  after  him, 
and  find  him,  though  he  be  not  far  from  every  one  of  us  :  for  in 
him  we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being ;  as  certain  also  of 
your  own  poets  have  said,  For  we  are  also  his  offspring.  Foras- 
much then  as  we  are  the  offspring  of  God,  we  ought  not  to 
think  that  the  Godhead  is  like  unto  gold,  or  silver,  or  stone 
graven  by  art  and  man's  device.  And  the  times  of  this  igno- 
rance God  winked  at ;  but  now  commandeth  all  men  everywhere 
to  repent :  because  he  hath  appointed  a  day,  in  the  which  he 
will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness  by  that  man  whom  he 
hath  ordained  ;  whereof  he  hath  given  assurance  unto  all  men, 
in  that  he  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead. 

There  stands  the  messenger  of  truth  :  there  stands 

The  legate  of  the  skies  ;  his  theme  divine, 

His  office  sacred,  his  credentials  clear. 

By  him,  the  violated  law  speaks  out 

Its  thunders,  and  by  him,  in  strains  as  sweet 

As  angels  use,  the  Gospel  whispers  peace. 

And  when  they  heard  of  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  some 
mocked :  and  others  said.  We  will  hear  thee  again  of  this  mat- 
ter. So  Paul  departed  from  among  them.  Howbeit  certain  men 
clave  unto  him,  and  believed  :  among  the  which  was  Dionysius 


6l2  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

the  Areopagite,  and  a  woman  named  Damaris,  and  others  with 
them. 

Oft  have  I  heard  of  Thine  Almighty  power, 
But  never  saw  Thee  till  this  dreadful  hour. 
O'erwhelmed  with  shame,  the  Lord  of  life  I  see, 
Abhor  myself,  and  give  my  soul  to  Thee. 
Nor  shall  my  weakness  tempt  Thine  anger  more : 
Man  was  not  made  to  qtiestiori,  but  adore. 


CHAPTER   CCLV. 

Paul's  idea  of  preaching. 

Would  I  describe  a  preacher  such  as  Paul, 
Were  he  on  earth,  would  hear,  approve,  and  own, 
Paul  should  himself  direct  me.     I  would  trace 
His  master-strokes,  and  draw  from  his  design. 
I  would  express  him  simple,  grave,  sincere  ; 
In  doctrine  uncorrupt ;  in  language  plain  ; 
And  plain  in  manner.     Decent,  solemn,  chaste, 
And  natural  in  gesture.     Much  impressed 
Himself,  as  conscious  of  his  awful  charge, 
And  anxious  mainly  that  the  flock  he  feeds 
May  feel  it  too.     Affectionate  in  look. 
And  tender  in  address,  as  well  becomes 
A  messenger  of  grace  to  guilty  men. 

NOW  this  I  say,  that  Christ  sent  me  not  to  baptize,  but  to 
preach  the  gospel :  not  with  wisdom  of  words,  lest  the 
cross  of  Christ  should  be  made  of  none  effect.  For  the  preach- 
ing of  the  cross  is  to  them  that  perish,  foolishness  ;  but  unto  us 
which  are  saved,  it  is  the  power  of  God.  For  it  is  written,  I 
will  destroy  the  wisdom  of  the  wise,  and  will  bring  to  nothing 
the  understanding  of  the  prudent.  Where  is  the  wise }  where 
is  the  scribe }  where  is  the  disputer  of  this  world }  hath  not 
God  made  foolish  the  wisdom  of  this  world  }  For  after  that 
in  the  wisdom  of  God  the  world  by  wisdom  knew  not  God,  it 
pleased  God  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching  to  save  them  that 
believe.  For  the  Jews  require  a  sign,  and  the  Greeks  seek  after 
wisdom  :  but  we  preach  Christ  crucified,  unto  the  Jews  a  stum- 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  613 

blingblock,  and  unto  the  Greeks  foolishness;  but  unto  them 
which  are  called,  both  Jews  and  Greeks,  Christ  the  power  of 
God,  and  the  wisdom  of  God.  Because  the  foolishness  of  God 
is  wiser  than  men  ;  and  the  weakness  of  God  is  stronger  than 
men. 

Is  Christ  the  abler  teacher,  or  the  schools  ? 
If  Christ,  then  why  resort,  at  every  turn, 
To  Athens,  or  to  Rome,  for  wisdom  short 
Of  man's  occasions,  when  in  Him  reside 
Grace,  knowledge,  comfort,  an  unfathomed  store  ! 
How  oft,  when  Paul  has  served  us  with  a  text, 
Has  Epictetus,  Plato,  Tully  preached  ! 

Therefore  if  any  man  be  in  Christ,  he  is  a  new  creature :  old 
things  are  passed  away  ;  behold,  all  things  are  become  new. 
And  all  things  are  of  God,  who  hath  reconciled  us  to  himself 
by  Jesus  Christ,  and  hath  given  to  us  the  ministry  of  reconcilia- 
tion ;  to  wit,  that  God  was  in  Christ,  reconciling  the  world  unto 
himself,  not  imputing  their  trespasses  unto  them  ;  and  hath 
committed  unto  us  the  word  of  reconciliation.  Now  then  we 
are  ambassadors  for  Christ,  as  though  God  did  beseech  you  by 
us  :  we  pray  you  in  Christ's  stead,  be  ye  reconciled  to  God. 
For  he  hath  made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin  ;  that 
we  might  be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  him. 

What  !  —  will  a  man  play  tricks,  will  he  indulge 
A  silly  fond  conceit  of  his  fair  form 
And  just  proportion,  fashionable  mien 
And  pretty  face,  in  presence  of  his  God  ? 
Or  will  he  seek  to  dazzle  me  with  tropes, 
As  with  the  diamond  on  his  lily  hand. 
And  play  his  brilliant  parts  before  my  eyes 
When  I  am  hungry  for  the  bread  of  life? 

And  I,  brethren,  when  I  came  to  you,  came  not  with  excel- 
lency of  speech  or  of  wisdom,  declaring  unto  you  the  testimony 
of  God.  For  I  determined  not  to  know  any  thing  among  you, 
save  Jesus  Christ,  and  him  crucified.  And  I  was  with  you  in 
weakness,  and  in  fear,  and  in  much  trembling.  And  my  speech 
and  my  preaching  was  not  with  enticing  words  of  man's  wisdom, 
but  in  demonstration  of  the  Spirit  and  of  power  :  that  )-our  faith 
should  not  stand  in  the  wisdom  of  men,  but  in  the  power  of  God. 
Howbeit  we  speak  wisdom  among  them  that  are  perfect :   yet 


6 14  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

not  the  wisdom  of  this  world,  nor  of  the  princes  of  this  world, 
that  come  to  nought :   but  we  speak  the  wisdom  of  God  in  a 
mystery,  even  the  hidden  wisdom,  which  God  ordained  before 
the  world  unto   our  glory  ;    which  none  of  the  princes  of  this 
world  knew  :  for  had  they  known  it,  they  would  not  have  cruci- 
fied the  Lord  of  glory.     But  as  it  is  written,  Eye  hath  not  seen, 
nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man,  the 
things  which  God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  him.     But 
God  hath  revealed  them  unto  us  by  his  Spirit :  for  the  Spirit 
searcheth  all  things,  yea,  the  deep  things  of  God.     For  what 
man  knoweth  the  things  of  a  man,  save  the  spirit  of  man  which 
is  in  him }  even  so  the  things  of  God  knoweth  no  man,  but  the 
Spirit  of  God.     Now  we  have  received,  not  the  spirit  of  the  world, 
but  the  spirit  which  is  of  God  ;   that  we  might  know  the  things 
that  are  freely  given  to  us  of  God.     Which  things  also  we  speak, 
not  in  the  words  which  man's  wisdom  teacheth,  but  which  the 
Holy  Ghost  teacheth  ;  comparing  spiritual  things  with  spiritual. 
But  the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things  of  the  Spirit  of 
God  ;  for  they  are  foolishness  unto  him  :  neither  can  he  know 
them,  because  they  are  spiritually  discerned.     But  he  that  is 
spiritual  judgeth  all  things,  yet  he  himself  is  judged  of  no  man. 
For  who  hath  known  the  mind  of  the  Lord,  that  he  may  instruct 
him  .-•     But  we  have  the  mind  of  Christ. 

Revealed  religion  first  informed  thy  sight. 
And  Reason  saw  not  till  Faith  sprung  to  light. 
Hence  all  thy  natural  worship  takes  the  source  : 
'Tis  Revelation,  what  thou  think'st  discourse, 
Else  how  com'st  thou  to  see  these  truths  so  clear, 
Which  so  obscure  to  heathens  did  appear  ? 


CHAPTER   CCLVI. 

CHARITY    THE    CHIEF    NEED    AND    ORNAMENT. 

NOW  concerning  spiritual  gifts,  brethren,  I  would  not  have 
you  ignorant.     There  are  diversities  of  gifts,  but  the  same 
Spirit.     And  there  are  differences  of  administrations,  but  the 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  615 

same  Lord,  And  there  are  diversities  of  operations,  but  it  is 
the  same  God  which  worketh  all  in  all.  ]^ut  the  manifestation 
of  the  Spirit  is  given  to  every  man  to  profit  withal.  Vox  by  one 
Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into  one  body,  whether  we  be  Jews  or 
Gentiles,  whether  we  be  bond  or  free  ;  and  have  been  all  made 
to  drink  into  one  Spirit.  For  the  body  is  not  one  member,  but 
many.  And  whether  one  member  suffer,  all  the  members  suffer 
with  it  ;  or  one  member  be  honoured,  all  the  members  rejoice 
with  it.  Now  ye  are  the  body  of  Christ,  and  members  in  partic- 
ular. But  covet  earnestly  the  best  gifts :  and  yet  shew  I  unto 
you  a  more  excellent  way. 

The  tongues  of  teachers  shall  be  dumb, 
Prophets  discern  not  things  to  come, 
Knowledge  shall  vanish  out  of  thought, 
And  miracles  no  more  be  wrought ; 

But  Charity  shall  never  fail  — 

Her  anchor  lies  within  the  vail. 

Though  I  speak  with  the  tongues  of  men  and  of  angels,  and 
have  not  charity,  I  am  become  as  sounding  brass,  or  a  tinkling 
cymbal.  And  though  I  have  the  gift  of  prophecy,  and  understand 
all  mysteries,  and  all  knowledge ;  and  though  I  have  all  faith,  so 
that  I  could  remove  mountains,  and  have  not  charity,  I  am  nothing. 
And  though  I  bestow  all  my  goods  to  feed  the  poor,  and  though 
I  give  my  body  to  be  burned,  and  have  not  charity,  it  profiteth  me 
nothing.  Charity  suffereth  long,  and  is  kind  ;  charity  envieth  not ; 
charity  vaunteth  not  itself,  is  not  puffed  up,  doth  not  behave  itself 
unseemly,  seeketh  not  her  own,  is  not  easily  provoked,  thinketh  no 
evil ;  rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity,  but  rejoiceth  in  the  truth  ;  bearcth 
all  things,  believeth  all  things,  hopeth  all  things,  endureth  all 
things.  Charity  never  faileth  :  but  whether  there  be  prophecies, 
they  'shall  fail  ;  whether  there  be  tongues,  they  shall  cease  ; 
whether  there  be  knowledge,  it  shall  vanish  away.  For  we  know 
in  part,  and  we  prophesy  in  part.  But  when  that  which  is  perfect 
is  come,  then  that  which  is  in  part  shall  be  done  away.  When  I 
was  a  child,  I  spake  as  a  child,  I  understood  as  a  child,  I  thought 
as  a  child  :  but  when  I  became  a  man,  I  put  away  childish  things. 
For  now  we  see  through  a  glass,  darkly  ;  but  then  face  to  face : 
now  I  know  in  part  ;  but  then  shall  I  know  even  as  also  I  am 
known.  And  now  abideth  faith,  hojDe,  charity,  these  three ;  but 
the  greatest  of  these  is  charity. 


6l6  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Faith  must  conquer,  Hope  must  bloom, 

As  our  onward  way  we  wend, 
Else  we  come  not  through  the  gloom; 

But  with  earth  they  also  end. 
Thou,  O  Love,  dost  stretch  afar 

Through  the  wide  eternity, 
And  the  soul  arrayed  in  thee 

Shines  for  ever  as  a  star. 
Faith  and  Hope  must  pass  away 
Thou,  O  Love,  endurest  aye. 


CHAPTER   CCLVII. 

THE    RESURRECTION    OF   THE    DEAD    DEMONSTRATED. 

In  sleep,  we  know  not  whether  our  closed  eyes 
Shall  ever  wake  ;  from  Death  we're  sure  to  rise  : 
Ay,  but  'tis  long  first.     Oh  !  is  that  our  fears  ? 
Dare  we  trust  God  for  nights,  and  not  for  years  .'' 

MOREOVER,  brethren,  I  declare  unto  you  the  gospel  which 
I  preached  unto  you,  which  also  ye  have  received,  and 
wherein  ye  stand  ;  by  which  also  ye  are  saved,  if  ye  keep  in 
memory  what  I  preached  unto  you,  unless  ye  have  believed  in 
vain.  For  I  delivered  unto  you  first  of  all  that  which  I  also 
received,  how  that  Christ  died  for  our  sins  according  to  the 
Scriptures  :  and  that  he  was  buried,  and  that  he  rose  again  the 
third  day  according  to  the  Scriptures  :  and  that  he  was  seen  of 
Cephas,  then  of  the  twelve :  after  that,  he  was  seen  of  above 
five  hundred  brethren  at  once  ;  of  whom  the  greater  part  remain 
unto  this  present,  but  some  are  fallen  asleep.  After  that,  he  was 
seen  of  James  ;  then  of  all  the  apostles.  And  last  of  all  he  was 
seen  of  me  also,  as  of  one  born  out  of  due  time.  Now  if  Christ 
be  preached  that  he  rose  from  the  dead,  how  say  some  among 
you  that  there  is  no  resurrection  of  the  dead  }  But  if  there 
be  no  resurrection  of  the  dead,  then  is  Christ  not  risen  :  and  if 
Christ  be  not  risen,  then  is  our  preaching  vain,  and  your  faith  is 
also  vain.  Yea,  and  we  are  found  false  witnesses  of  God  ;  because 
we  have  testified  of  God  that  he  raised  up  Christ  :  whom  he 
raised  not  up,  if  so  be  that  the  dead  rise  not.     For  if  the  dead 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  617 

rise  not,  then  is  not  Christ  raised  :  and  if  Christ  be  not  raised, 
your  faith  is  vain  ;  ye  are  yet  in  your  sins.  Then  they  also  which 
are  fallen  asleep  in  Christ  are  perished.  If  in  this  life  only  we 
have  hope  in  Christ,  we  are  of  all  men  most  miserable.  Hut  now 
is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  become  the  first-fruits  of  them 
that  slept.  For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man  came  also  the 
resurrection  of  the  dead.  For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in 
Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive.  But  every  man  in  his  own  order : 
Christ  the  first-fruits  ;  afterward  they  that  are  Christ's  at  his 
coming.  Then  cometh  the  end,  when  he  shall  have  delivered  up 
the  kingdom  to  God,  even  the  Father ;  when  he  shall  have  put 
down  all  rule,  and  all  authority  and  power.  For  he  must  reign, 
till  he  hath  put  all  enemies  under  his  feet.  The  last  enemy  that 
shall  be  destroyed  is  death. 

The  dead  !  the  sainted  dead  !  why  should  we  weep 

At  the  last  change  their  settled  features  take  ? 

At  the  calm  impress  of  that  holy  sleep 

Which  care  and  sorrow  never  more  shall  break  ? 

Believe  we  not  His  word  who  rends  the  tomb, 

And  bids  the  slumberers  from  that  transient  gloom 

In  their  Redeemer's  glorious  image  wake  ? 

Approach  we  not  the  same  sepulchral  bourne 

Swift  as  the  shadow  fleets  ? —  What  time  have  we  to  mourn  ? 

But  some  man  will  say,  How  are  the  dead  raised  up  .''  and  wath 
what  body  do  they  come .''  Thou  fool,  that  which  thou  sowest  is 
not  quickened,  except  it  die :  and  that  which  thou  sowest,  thou 
sowest  not  that  body  that  shall  be,  but  bare  grain,  it  may  chance 
of  wheat,  or  of  some  other  grain  :  but  God  giveth  it  a  body  as  it 
hath  pleased  him,  and  to  ev-ery  seed  his  own  body.  All  flesh  is  not 
the  same  flesh  :  but  there  is  one  kind  of  flesh  of  men,  another 
flesh  of  beasts,  another  of  fishes,  and  another  of  birds.  There 
are  also  celestial  bodies,  and  bodies  terrestrial :  but  the  glory  of 
the  celestial  is  one,  and  the  glory  of  the  terrestrial  is  another. 
There  is  one  glory  of  the  sun,  and  another  glory  of  the  moon,  and 
another  glory  of  the  stars  ;  for  one  star  differeth  from  another  star 
in  glory.  So  also  is  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  It  is  sown  in 
corruption,  it  is  raised  in  incorruption  :  it  is  sown  in  dishonour,  it 
is  raised  in  glory :  it  is  sown  in  weakness,  it  is  raised  in  power : 
it  is  sown  a  natural  body,  it  is  raised  a  spiritual  body.  There  is 
a  natural  body,  and  there  is  a  spiritual  body.    And  so  it  is  written, 


6l8  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

The  first  man  Adam  was  made  a  living  soul ;  the  last  Adam  was 
made  a  quickening  spirit. 

When  we  regain  our  flesh,  made  pure  and  bright 
Our  persons,  rendered  perfect  and  complete, 
More  pleasing  will  become  ;  —  since  to  the  light, 
Assigned  unto  us  now  by  God's  free  grace, 
A  greater  share  will  then  be  given,  that  meet 
We  may  become  to  look  upon  His  face. 
Wherefore  the  vision  granted  us  must  needs 
Increase  —  increase  the  ardor  glowing  thence  — 
Increase  the  radiance,  that  from  it  proceeds. 

Howbeit  that  was  not  first  which  is  spiritual,  but  that  which  is 
natural ;  and  afterward  that  which  is  spiritual.  The  first  man  is  of 
the  earth,  earthy ;  the  second  man  is  the  Lord  from  heaven.  As 
is  the  earthy,  such  are  they  also  that  are  earthy :  and  as  is  the 
heavenly,  such  are  they  also  that  are  heavenly.  And  as  we  have 
borne  the  image  of  the  earthy,  we  shall  also  bear  the  image  of 
the  heavenly.  Now  this  I  say,  brethren,  that  flesh  and  blood 
cannot  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God  ;  neither  doth  corruption 
inherit  incorruption.  Behold,  I  shew  you  a  mystery ;  We  shall 
not  all  sleep,  but  we  shall  all  be  changed,  in  a  moment,  in  the 
twinkling  of  an  eye,  at  the  last  trump  :  for  the  trumpet  shall 
sound,  and  the  dead  shall  be  raised  incorruptible,  and  we  shall 
be  changed.  For  this  corruptible  must  put  on  incorruption,  and 
this  mortal  must  put  on  immortality. 

The  dead  in  Christ  shall  first  arise 

At  the  last  trumpet's  sounding, 
Caught  up  to  meet  Him  in  the  skies, 

With  joy  their  Lord  surrounding; 
No  gloomy  fears  their  souls  dismay  ; 

His  presence  sheds  eternal  day 
On  those  prepared  to  meet  Him. 

So  when  this  corruptible  shall  have  put  on  incorruption,  and 
this  mortal  shall  have  put  on  immortality,  then  shall  be  brought 
to  pass  the  saying  that  is  written,  Death  is  swallowed  up  in 
victory.  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  .-*  O  grave,  where  is  thy 
victory  ?  The  sting  of  death  is  sin  ;  and  the  strength  of  sin 
is  the  law.  But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren, 
be  ye  steadfast,  unmoveable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  619 

the  Lord,  forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  your  labour  is  not  in  vain 
in  the  Lord. 

Break  off  your  tears,  ye  saints,  and  tell 

How  high  your  great  Deliverer  reigns  ; 
Sing  how  He  spoiled  the  hosts  of  hell, 

And  led  the  monster  Death  in  chains  ! 
Say,  Live  for  ever,  wondrous  King  ! 

Born  to  redeem,  and  strong  to  save  ! 
Then  ask  the  monster  —  Where's  thy  sting  ? 

And  Where's  thy  victory,  boasting  grave  ? 


CHAPTER   CCLVIII. 

THE    CHRISTIAN    PREACHEr's    GROUNDS    FOR    STEADFASTNESS 

AND    ZEAL. 

Rest  is  not  quitting  the  busy  career  ; 
Rest  is  the  fitting  of  self  to  its  sphere. 
'Tis  the  brook's  motion,  clear  without  strife, 
Fleeting  to  ocean,  after  its  hfe. 
'Tis  loving  and  serving  the  highest  and  best : 
'Tis  onward  and  upward,  and  that  is  true  rest. 

THEREFORE,  seeing  we  have  this  ministry,  as  we  have 
received  mercy,  we  faint  not  ;  but  have  renounced  the 
hidden  things  of  dishonesty,  not  walking  in  craftiness,  nor  hand- 
ling the  word  of  God  deceitfully ;  but,  by  manifestation  of  the 
truth,  commending  ourselves  to  every  man's  conscience  in  the 
sight  of  God.  For  we  preach  not  ourselves,  but  Christ  Jesus 
the  Lord  ;  and  ourselves  your  servants  for  Jesus'  sake.  For 
God,  who  commanded  the  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  hath 
shined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the 
glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ.  But  we  have  this 
treasure  in  earthen  vessels,  that  the  excellency  of  the  jjower  may 
be  of  God,  and  not  of  us.  We  are  troubled  on  every  side,  yet 
not  distressed  ;  we  are  perplexed,  but  not  in  despair  ;  persecuted, 
but  not  forsaken  ;  cast  down,  but  not  destroyed  ;  always  bearing 
about  in  the  body  the  dying  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  the  life  also 
of  Jesus  might  be  made  manifest  in  our  body.     For  we  which 


620  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

live  are  alway  delivered  unto  death  for  Jesus'  sake,  that  the 
life  also  of  Jesus  might  be  made  manifest  in  our  mortal  flesh. 
Knowing  that  he  which  raised  up  the  Lord  Jesus  shall  raise  up 
us  also  by  Jesus,  and  shall  present  us  with  you.  For  all  things 
are  for  your  sakes,  that  the  abundant  grace  might  through  the 
thanksgiving  of  many  redound  to  the  glory  of  God.  For  which 
cause  we  faint  not ;  but  though  our  outward  man  perish,  yet  the 
inward  man  is  renewed  day  by  day.  For  our  light  affliction,  which 
is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory  ;  while  we  look  not  at  the  things  which 
are  seen,  but  at  the  things  which  are  not  seen  :  for  the  things 
which  are  seen  are  temporal ;  but  the  things  which  are  not  seen 
are  eternal. 

What  are  earthly  joys  ?  a  weary 
Chase  of  mist,  or  wind-borne  foam  ! 

On  this  desert  black  and  dreary 
Sins  and  vices  have  their  home  ; 

Thine,  O  World,  are  war  and  strife, 

Mocking  pleasures,  dying  life  ; 

But  in  heaven  is  no  annoy. 

Only  peace  and  love  and  joy. 

Oh  the  music  and  the  singing 

Of  the  host  redeemed  by  love  ! 
Oh  the  hallelujahs  ringing 

Through  the  halls  of  light  above  ! 
Thine,  O  World,  the  scornful  sneer, 
Misery  thy  reward,  and  fear  ; 
But  in  heaven  is  no  alloy, 
Only  peace  and  love  and  joy. 

For  we  know  that,  if  our  earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle 
were  dissolved,  we  have  a  building  of  God,  a  house  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.  For  in  this  we  groan, 
earnestly  desiring  to  be  clothed  upon  with  our  house  which  is 
from  heaven  :  if  so  be  that  being  clothed  we  shall  not  be  found 
naked.  For  we  that  are  in  this  tabernacle  do  groan,  being  bur- 
dened :  not  for  that  we  would  be  unclothed,  but  clothed  upon, 
that  mortality  might  be  swallowed  up  of  life.  Now  he  that  hath 
wrought  us  for  the  self-same  thing  is  God,  who  also  hath  given  unto 
us  the  earnest  of  the  Spirit.  Therefore  we  are  always  confident, 
knowing  that,  whilst  we  are  at  home  in  the  body,  we  are  absent 
from  the  Lord  :  we  are  confident,  I  say,  and  willing  rather  to  be 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  62 1 

absent  from  the  body,  and  to  be  present  with  the  Lord.  Where- 
fore we  labour,  that,  whether  present  or  absent,  we  may  be 
accepted  of  him.  For  we  must  all  appear  before  the  judgment 
seat  of  Christ  ;  that  every  one  may  receive  the  things  done  in 
his  body,  according  to  that  he  hath  done,  whether  it  be  good  or 
bad.  Knowing  therefore  the  terror  of  the  Lord,  we  persuade 
men  ;  but  we  are  made  manifest  unto  God  ;  and  I  trust  also  arc 
made  manifest  in  your  consciences.  For  we  commend  not  our- 
selves again  unto  you,  but  give  you  occasion  to  glory  on  our 
behalf,  that  ye  may  have  somewhat  to  answer  them  which  glory 
in  appearance,  and  not  in  heart.  For  whether  we  be  beside  our- 
selves, it  is  to  God  :  or  whether  we  be  sober,  it  is  for  your  cause. 
For  the  love  of  Christ  constraineth  us  ;  because  we  thus  judge, 
that  if  one  died  for  all,  then  were  all  dead  :  and  that  he  died  for 
all,  that  they  which  live  should  not  henceforth  live  unto  them- 
selves, but  unto  him  which  died  for  them,  and  rose  again. 

Love  as  He  loved  !  —  How  can  we  soar  so  high  ?  — 
He  can  add  wings,  when  He  commands  to  fly. 
Nor  should  we  be  with  this  command  dismayed  ; 
He  that  examples  gives  will  give  His  aid  : 
For  He  took  flesh,  that  where  His  precepts  fail, 
His  practice,  as  a  pattern,  may  prevail. 
Will  for  the  deed  He  takes  ;  we  may  with  ease 
Obedient  be,  for  if  we  love  we  please. 
Weak  though  we  are,  to  love  is  no  hard  task. 
And  love  for  love  is  all  that  Heaven  does  ask. 


CHAPTER   CCLIX. 

PAUL     TO     ROMAN    BELIEVERS. THE    GLORIOUS    REMEDY. 

BY    WHOM    NEEDED. 

The  deepest  reverence  of  the  mind, 

Pay,  O  my  soul  !  to  God ; 
Lift,  with  thy  hands,  a  holy  heart, 

To  His  sublime  abode. 
With  sacred  awe  pronounce  His  name, 

Whom  words  nor  thoughts  can  reach  ; 
A  broken  heart  shall  please  Him  more 

Than  noblest  forms  of  speech. 


622  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  ] 

PAUL,  a  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  called  to  be  an  apostle,  sepa- 
rated unto  the  gospel  of  God,  (which  he  had  promised  afore 
by  his  prophets  in  the  holy  Scriptures,)  concerning  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  which  was  made  of  the  seed  of  David 
according  to  the  flesh  ;  and  declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with 
power,  according  to  the  Spirit  of  holiness,  by  the  resurrection 
from  the  dead :  by  whom  we  have  received  grace  and  apostle- 
ship,  for  obedience  to  the  faith  among  all  nations,  for  his  name : 
among  whom  are  ye  also  the  called  of  Jesus  Christ  :  to  all  that 
be  in  Rome,  beloved  of  God,  called  to  be  saints  :  Grace  to  you, 
and  peace,  from  God  our  Father  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

My  soul  is  caught: 
Heaven's  sovereign  blessings,  clustering  from  the  cross, 
Rush  on  her  in  a  throng,  and  close  her  round, 
The  prisoner  of  amaze  !  —  In  His  blessed  life 
I  see  the  path,  and,  in  His  death,  the  price. 
And  in  His  great  ascent  the  proof  supreme 
Of  immortality. 

First,  I  thank  my  God  through  Jesus  Christ  for  you  all,  that 
your  faith  is  spoken  of  throughout  the  whole  world.  For  God 
is  my  witness,  whom  I  serve  with  my  spirit  in  the  gospel  of 
his  Son,  that  without  ceasing  I  make  mention  of  you  always 
in  my  prayers  ;  making  request,  if  by  any  means  now  at  length 
I  might  have  a  prosperous  journey  by  the  will  of  God  to  come 
unto  you.  For  I  long  to  see  you,  that  I  may  impart  unto  you 
some  spiritual  gift,  to  the  end  ye  may  be  established  ;  that  I 
might  have  some  fruit  among  you  also,  even  as  among  other 
Gentiles.  I  am  debtor  both  to  the  Greeks,  and  to  the  Barba- 
rians ;  both  to  the  wise,  and  to  the  unwise.  So,  as  much  as  in 
me  is,  I  am  ready  to  preach  the  gospel  to  you  that  are  at  Rome 
also.  For  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ :  for  it  is 
the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  every  one  that  believeth  ;  to 
the  Jew  f^rst,  and  also  to  the  Greek.  For  therein  is  the  right- 
eousness of  God  revealed  from  faith  to  faith:  as  it  is  written. 
The  just  shall  live  by  faith.  For  the  wrath  of  God  is  revealed 
from  heaven  against  all  ungodliness  and  unrighteousness  of  men, 
who  hold  the  truth  in  unrighteousness  ;  because  that  which  may 
be  known  of  God  is  manifest  in  them  ;  for  God  hath  shewed  it 
unto  them.  For  the  invisible  things  of  him  from  the  creation 
of  the  world  are  clearly  seen,  being  understood  by  the  things 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  623 

that  arc  made,  even  his  eternal  power  and  Godhead  ;  so  that 
they  are  without  excuse  :  because  that,  when  they  knew  God, 
they  glorified  him  not  as  God,  neither  were  thankful  ;  but 
became  vain  in  their  imaginations,  and  their  foolish  heart  was 
darkened.  Professing  themselves  to  be  wise,  they  became  fools, 
and  changed  the  glory  of  the  uncorruptible  God  into  an  image 
made  like  to  corruptible  man,  and  to  birds,  and  four-footed 
beasts,  and  creeping  things.  Wherefore  God  also  gave  them  up 
to  uncleanness,  through  the  lusts  of  their  own  hearts,  to  dis- 
honour their  own  bodies  between  themselves  :  who  changed  the 
truth  of  God  into  a  lie,  and  worshipped  and  served  the  creature 
more  than  the  Creator,  who  is  blessed  for  ever.     Amen. 

The  flesh  being  proud,  Desire  doth  fight  with  Grace, 
And  there  it  revels  ;  and  when  that  decays 
The  guilty  rebel  for  remission  prays. 

Therefore  thou  art  inexcusable,  O  man,  whosoever  thou  art  that 
judgest :  for  wherein  thou  judgest  another,  thou  condemnest  thy- 
self ;  for  thou  that  judgest  doest  the  same  things.  But  we  are 
sure  that  the  judgment  of  God  is  according  to  truth  against  them 
which  commit  such  things.  And  thinkest  thou  this,  O  man,  that 
judgest  them  which  do  such  things,  and  doest  the  same,  that  thou 
shalt  escape  the  judgment  of  God  .-'  Or  despisest  thou  the  riches 
of  his  goodness  and  forbearance  and  long-suffering  ;  not  knowing 
that  the  goodness  of  God  leadeth  thee  to  repentance  .^  But,  after 
thy  hardness  and  impenitent  heart,  treasurest  up  unto  thyself 
wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath  and  revelation  of  the  righteous 
judgment  of  God  ;  who  will  render  to  every  man  according  to  his 
deeds  :  to  them  who  by  patient  continuance  in  well  doing  seek  for 
glory  and  honour  and  immortality,  eternal  life :  but  unto  them 
that  are  contentious,  and  do  not  obey  the  truth,  but  obey  un- 
righteousness, indignation  and  wrath,  tribulation  and  anguish, 
upon  every  soul  of  man  that  doeth  evil  ;  of  the  Jew  first,  and 
also  of  the  Gentile  ;  but  glory,  honour,  and  peace,  to  every  man 
that  worketh  good  ;  to  the  Jew  first,  and  also  to  the  Gentile  : 
for  there  is  no  respect  of  persons  with  God.  For  as  many  as 
have  sinned  without  law  shall  also  perish  without  law ;  and  as 
many  as  have  sinned  in  the  law  shall  be  judged  by  the  law  ;  in 
the  day  when  God  shall  judge  the  secrets  of  men  by  Jesus 
Christ  according  to  my  gospel. 


624  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

O  Judge  of  the  world  !  when,  arrayed  in  Thy  glory, 

Thv  summons  again  shall  be  heard  from  on  high  ; 
While  nature  stands  trembling  and  naked  before  Thee, 

And  waits  on  Thy  sentence  to  live  or  to  die  ; 
When  the  heaven  shall  fly  fast  from  the  sound  of  Thy  thunder, 

And  the  sun  in  Thy  lightnings  grow  languid  and  pale, 
And  the  sea  yield  her  dead,  and  the  tomb  cleave  asunder,  — 

In  the  hour  of  Thy  terrors,  let  mercy  prevail ! 


CHAPTER   CCLX. 

THE  ADVANTAGE  OF  THE  JEW. THE  ADVANTAGE  OF  FAITH 

IN  CHRIST. 

Thrice  happy  nation  !  favourite  of  Heaven  ! 
Selected  from  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth 
To  be  His  chosen  race,  ordained  to  spread 
His  glory  through  remotest  realms,  and  teach 
The  Gentile  world  Jehovah's  awful  name. 

WHAT  advantage  then  hath  the  Jew  ?  or  what  profit  is  there 
of  circumcision  ?  Much  every  way :  chiefly,  because 
that  unto  them  were  committed  the  oracles  ot  God.  For  what 
if  some  did  not  believe  1  shall  their  unbelief  make  the  faith  of 
God  without  effect .''  God  forbid  :  yea,  let  God  be  true,  but 
every  man  a  liar  ;  as  it  is  written,  That  thou  mightest  be  justi- 
fied in  thy  sayings,  and  mightest  overcome  when  thou  art  judged. 
What  then  .-'  are  we  better  than  they  }  No,  in  no  wise  :  for  we 
have  before  proved  both  Jews  and  Gentiles,  that  they  are  all 
under  sin  ;  as  it  is  written,  There  is  none  righteous,  no,  not 
one :  there  is  none  that  understandeth,  there  is  none  that  seek- 
eth  after  God.  They  are  all  gone  out  of  the  way,  they  are  to- 
gether become  unprofitable  ;  there  is  none  that  doeth  good,  no, 
not  one.  Their  throat  is  an  open  sepulchre  ;  with  their  tongues 
they  have  used  deceit ;  the  poison  of  asps  is  under  their  lips  : 
whose  mouth  is  full  of  cursing  and  bitterness :  their  feet  are 
swift  to  shed  blood  :  destruction  and  misery  are  in  their  ways : 
and  the  way  of  peace  have  they  not  known :  there  is  no  fear 
of  God  before  their  eyes.     Now  we  know  that  what  things  so- 


THE  BIBLE   AND    THE   POETS.  625 

ever  the  law  saith,  it  saith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law  :  that 
every  mouth  may  be  stopped,  and  all  the  world  may  become 
guilty  before  God.  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law  there 
shall  no  flesh  be  justified  in  his  sight :  for  by  the  law  is  the 
knowledge  of  sin.  But  now  the  righteousness  of  God  without 
the  law  is  manifested,  being  witnessed  by  the  law  and  the 
prophets  ;  even  the  righteousness  of  God  which  is  by  faith  of 
Jesus  Christ  unto  all  and  upon  all  them  that  believe  ;  for  there 
is  no  difference  :  for  all  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of  the  glory 
of  God  ;  being  justified  freely  by  his  grace  through  the  redemp- 
tion that  is  in  Christ  Jesus  :  whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a 
propitiation  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteous- 
ness for  the  remission  of  sins  that  are  past,  through  the  forbear- 
ance of  God  ;  to  declare,  I  say,  at  this  time  his  righteousness  : 
that  he  might  be  just,  and  the  justifier  of  him  which  believeth 
in  Jesus. 

If  Heaven 

Did  in  the  balance  of  strict  justice  weigh 

The  iniquity  of  men,  who  could  abide 

Its  judgment  ?     Did  not  Mercy  temper  wrath, 

Eternal  ruin  would  o'erwhelm  mankind. 

Therefore  being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  :  by  whom  also  we  have  access 
by  faith  into  this  grace  wherein  we  stand,  and  rejoice  in  hope 
of  the  glory  of  God.  And  not  only  so,  but  we  glory  in  tribula- 
tions also  ;  knowing  that  tribulation  worketh  patience ;  and 
patience,  experience  ;  and  experience,  hope :  and  hope  maketh 
not  ashamed  ;  because  the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  our 
hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost  which  is  given  unto  us.  For  when 
we  were  yet  without  strength,  in  due  time  Christ  died  for  the 
ungodly.  For  scarcely  for  a  righteous  man  will  one  die :  yet 
peradventure  for  a  good  man  some  would  even  dare  to  die.  But 
God  commendeth  his  love  toward  us,  in  that,  while  we  were  yet 
sinners,  Christ  died  for  us.  Much  more  then,  being  now  justified 
by  his  blood,  we  shall  be  saved  from  wrath  through  him.  For 
if,  when  we  were  enemies,  we  were  reconciled  to  God  by  the 
death  of  his  Son  ;  much  more,  being  reconciled,  we  shall  be 
saved  by  his  life.  And  not  only  so,  but  we  also  joy  in  God 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  we  have  now  received 
the  atonement.     Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  sin  entered  into  the 

40 


626  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

world,  and  death  by  sin  ;  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  men,  for 
that  all  have  sinned  :  therefore,  as  by  the  offence  of  one  judg- 
ment came  upon  all  men  to  condemnation  ;  even  so  by  the 
righteousness  of  one  the  free  gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  jus- 
tification of  life.  For  as  by  one  man's  disobedience  many 
were  made  sinners,  so  by  the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be 
made  righteous.  Moreover  the  law  entered,  that  the  offence 
might  abound.  But  where  sin  abounded,  grace  did  much  more 
abound  :  that  as  sin  hath  reigned  unto  death,  even  so  might 
grace  reign  through  righteousness  unto  eternal  life  by  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

Redemption  !  O,  thou  beauteous  mystic  plan  ! 
Thou  salutary  source  of  life  to  man  ! 
What  tongue  can  speak  thy  comprehensive  grace  ? 
What  thought  thy  depths  unfathomable  trace  ? 
When  lost  in  sin  our  ruined  nature  lay, 
When  awful  Justice  claimed  her  righteous  pay, 
See  the  mild  Saviour  bend  his  pitying  eye, 
And  stop  the  hghtning  just  prepared  to  fly  ! 


CHAPTER   CCLXI. 

THE    BLESSEDNESS    OF    UNION    WITH    CHRIST    BY    FAITH. 

No  condemnation  now  I  dread,  — 

Jesus,  with  all  in  Him,  is  mine ; 
Alive  in  Him,  my  living  Head, 

And  clothed  in  righteousness  divine, 
Bold  I  approach  the  eternal  throne. 
And  claim  the  crown  through  Christ  my  own. 

THERE  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  which 
are  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after 
the  Spirit.  For  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus  hath 
made  me  free  from  the  law  of  sin  and  death.  For  what  the  law 
could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  flesh,  God  sending 
his  own  Son  in  the  Ukeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  for  sin,  condemned 
sin  in  the  flesh :  that  the  righteousness  of  the  law  might  be  ful- 
filled in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit,    For 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  627 

they  that  are  after  the  flesh  do  mind  the  things  of  tlie  flesh  ; 
but  they  that  are  after  the  Spirit,  the  things  of  the  Spirit.  Vox 
to  be  carnally  minded  is  death  ;  but  to  be  spiritually  minded  is 
life  and  peace.  Because  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God  : 
for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be. 
So  then  they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please  God.  But  ye  are 
not  in  the  flesh,  but  in  the  Spirit,  if  so  be  that  the  Spirit  of  God 
dwell  in  you.  Now  if  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ, 
he  is  none  of  his.  And  if  Christ  be  in  you,  the  body  is  dead 
because  of  sin  ;  but  the  Spirit  is  life  because  of  righteousness. 
For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  they  are  the  sons 
of  God.  For  ye  have  not  received  the  spirit  of  bondage  again  to 
fear  ;  but  ye  have  received  the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we 
cry,  Abba,  Father.  The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with  our 
spirit,  that  we  are  the  children  of  God  :  and  if  children,  then 
heirs  ;  heirs  of  God,  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ ;  if  so  be  that  we 
suffer  with  him,  that  we  may  be  also  glorified  together.  P'or  I 
reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  this  present  time  are  not  worthy 
to  be  compared  with  the  glory  which  shall  be  revealed  in  us. 
For  the  earnest  expectation  of  the  creature  waiteth  for  the 
manifestation  of  the  sons  of  God. 

The  whole  creation  groans  and  waits 

Till  we,  who  love  Thee,  Lord, 
Shall  stand  within  Thy  temple  gates, 

And  shine,  — the  sons  of  God. 

The  sons  of  God,  —  how  bright  they  shine  ! 

No  mortal  eye  can  see  ; 
We,  sinners,  shall  be  made  divine  ! 

We  shall  be  one  with  Thee  ! 

For  we  are  saved  by  hope  :  but  hope  that  is  seen  is  not  hope : 
for  what  a  man  seeth,  why  doth  he  yet  hope  for .''  But  if  we 
hope  for  that  we  see  not,  then  do  we  with  patience  wait  for  it. 
Likewise  the  Spirit  also  helpeth  our  infirmities  :  for  we  know 
not  what  we  should  pray  for  as  we  ought :  but  the  Spirit  itself 
maketh  intercession  for  us  with  groanings  which  cannot  be 
uttered.  And  he  that  searcheth  the  hearts  knoweth  what  is  the 
mind  of  the  Spirit,  because  he  maketh  intercession  for  the  saints 
according  to  the  will  of  God.  And  we  know  that  all  things  work 
together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the 
called  according  to  his  purpose.     For  whom  he  did  foreknow,  he 


628  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

also  did  predestinate  to  be  conformed  to  the  image  of  his  Son, 
that  he  might  be  the  first-born  among  many  brethren.  Moreover, 
whom  he  did '  predestinate,  them  he  also  called  :  and  whom  he 
called,  them  he  also  justified  :  and  whom  he  justified,  them  he 
also  glorified.  What  shall  we  then  say  to  these  things  .''  If  God 
be  for  us,  who  can  be  against  us .-'  He  that  spared  not  his  own 
Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all,  how  shall  he  not  with  him 
also  freely  give  us  all  things  ^  Who  shall  lay  any  thing  to  the 
charge  of  God's  elect.'*  It  is  God  that  justifieth.  Who  is  he 
that  condemneth  ^  It  is  Christ  that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is 
risen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who  also 
maketh  intercession  for  us.  Who  shall  separate  us  from  the  love 
of  Christ .''  shall  tribulation,  or  distress,  or  persecution,  or  famine, 
or  nakedness,  or  peril,  or  sword  .'*  As  it  is  written,  For  thy  sake 
we  are  killed  all  the  day  long  ;  we  are  accounted  as  sheep  for  the 
slaughter.  Nay,  in  all  these  things  we  are  more  than  conquerors 
through  him  that  loved  us.  For  I  am  persuaded,  that  neither 
death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor 
things  present,  nor  things  to  come,  nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor 
any  other  creature,  shall  be  able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of 
God,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

The  world  may  fail  and  flee, 

Thou  standest  fast  for  ever, 
Nor  fire  or  sword,  or  plague,  from  Thee 

My  trusting  soul  shall  sever. 

No  hunger,  and  no  thirst, 

No  poverty  or  pain, 
Let  mighty  princes  do  their  worst, 

Shall  fright  me  back  again. 

No  joys  that  angels  know. 

No  throne  or  wide-spread  fame, 
No  love  or  loss,  no  fear  or  woe,        ^ 

No  grief  of  heart  or  shame  — 

Man  cannot  aught  conceive 

Of  pleasure  or  of  harm. 
That  e'er  could  tempt  my  soul  to  leave 

Her  refuge  in  Thine  arm. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  629 


CHAPTER   CCLXII. 

CHRISTIAN    DUTIES    AFFECTIONATELY    ENJOINED. 

From  marble  domes  and  gilded  spires 

Shall  clouds  of  incense  rise  ? 
And  gems,  and  gold,  and  garlands  deck 

The  costly  sacrifice  ? 

Vain,  sinful  man  !  —  creation's  Lord 

Thine  offerings  well  may  spare  ; 
But  give  thy  heart,  and  thou  shalt  find 

Thy  God  will  hear  thy  prayer. 

I  BESEECH  you  therefore,  brethren,  by  the  mercies  of  God, 
that  ye  present  your  bodies  a  living  sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable 
unto  God,  which  is  your  reasonable  service.  And  be  not  con- 
formed to  this  world  :  but  be  ye  transformed  by  the  renewing 
of  your  mind,  that  ye  may  prove  what  is  that  good,  and  accept- 
able, and  perfect  will  of  God.  For  I  say,  through  the  grace 
given  unto  me,  to  every  man  that  is  among  you,  not  to  think 
of  himself  more  highly  than  he  ought  to  think  ;  but  to  think 
soberly,  according  as  God  hath  dealt  to  every  man  the  measure 
of  faith.  For  as  we  have  many  members  in  one  body,  and  all 
members  have  not  the  same  office :  so  we,  being  many,  are  one 
body  in  Christ,  and  every  one  members  one  of  another. 

Mingled  hues  one  bow  compose,  God's  own  sign  to  mortals  given  ; 

One  vast  ocean  ebbs  and  flows,  though  in  countless  billows  driven  ; 

So  one  Church  the  ransomed  prove,  though  from  varied  realms  they  come,  — 

One  community  of  love,  bound  for  one  eternal  home. 

Having  then  gifts  differing  according  to  the  grace  that  is 
given  to  us,  whether  prophecy,  let  us  prophesy  according  to  the 
proportion  of  faith  ;  or  ministry,  let  us  wait  on  our  ministering  ; 
or  he  that  teacheth,  on  teaching  ;  or  he  that  exhorteth,  on  ex- 
hortation :  he  that  giveth,  let  him  do  it  with  simplicity ;  he  that 
ruleth,  with  diligence  ;  he  that  sheweth  mercy,  with  cheerful- 
ness. Let  love  be  without  dissimulation.  Abhor  that  which 
is  evil :  cleave  to  that  which  is  good.  Be  kindly  affectioned 
one  to  another  with  brotherly  love  ;    in  honour  preferring  one 


630  THE   BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

another  ;  not  slothful  in  business  ;  fervent  in  spirit ;  serving  the 
Lord  ;  rejoicing  in  hope  ;  patient  in  tribulation  ;  continuing  in- 
stant in  prayer ;  distributing  to  the  necessity  of  saints  ;  given 
to  hospitality.  Bless  them  which  persecute  you :  bless,  and 
curse  not.  Rejoice  with  them  that  do  rejoice,  and  weep  with 
them  that  weep.  Be  of  the  same  mind  one  toward  another. 
Mind  not  high  things,  but  condescend  to  men  of  low  estate. 
Be  not  wise  in  your  own  conceits.  Recompense  to  no  man  evil 
for  evil.  Provide  things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men.  If  it  be 
possible,  as  much  as  lieth  in  you,  live  peaceably  with  all  men. 
Dearly  beloved,  avenge  not  yourselves,  but  rather  give  place 
unto  wrath  :  for  it  is  written,  Vengeance  is  mine ;  I  will  repay, 
saith  the  Lord.  Therefore  if  thine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him  ; 
if  he  thirst,  give  him  drink :  for  in  so  doing  thou  shalt  heap 
coals  of  lire  on  his  head.  Be  not  overcome  of  evil,  but  over- 
come evil  with  good. 

Father  —  forgive,  —  the  Saviour  cried, 

With  His  expiring  breath, 
And  drew  eternal  blessings  down 

On  those  who  wrought  His  death. 

Jesus,  this  wondrous  love  we  sing, 

And  whilst  we  sing,  admire ; 
Breathe  on  our  souls,  and  kindle  there 

The  same  celestial  fire. 

By  Thine  example  ever  swayed, 

We  for  our  foes  will  pray  ; 
With  love  their  hatred,  and  their  curse 

With  blessings,  will  repay. 


CHAPTER   CCLXIII. 

Paul's  defence  before  agrippa. 

Soldiers  of  Christ,  arise  ! 

And  put  your  armour  on,  — 
Strong  in  the  strength  which  God  supplies 

Through  His  eternal  Son  :  — 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  631 

Strong  in  the  Lord  of  hosts, 

And  in  His  mighty  power; 
Who  in  the  strength  of  Jesus  trusts, 

Is  more  than  conqueror. 

THEN  Agrippa  said  unto  Paul,  Thou  art  permitted  to  speak 
for  thyself.  Then  Paul  stretched  forth  the  hand,  and 
answered  for  himself :  I  think  myself  happy,  king  Agrippa, 
because  I  shall  answer  for  myself  this  day  before  thee  touching 
all  the  things  whereof  I  am  accused  of  the  Jews  :  especially 
because  I  know  thee  to  be  expert  in  all  customs  and  questions 
which  are  among  the  Jews  :  wherefore  I  beseech  thee  to  hear 
me  patiently.  My  manner  of  life  from  my  youth,  which  was  at 
the  first  among  mine  own  nation  at  Jerusalem,  know  all  the 
Jews  ;  which  knew  me  from  the  beginning,  if  they  would  testify, 
that  after  the  most  straitest  sect  of  our  religion  I  lived  a  Phari- 
see. And  now  I  stand  and  am  judged  for  the  hope  of  the 
promise  made  of  God  unto  our  fathers :  unto  which  promise  our 
twelve  tribes,  instantly  serving  God  day  and  night,  hope  to 
come.  For  which  hope's  sake,  king  Agrippa,  I  am  accused  of 
the  Jews. 

Whence  springs  this  pleasing  hope,  this  fond  desire, 

This  longing  after  immortahty  ? 

Or,  wiience  this  secret  dread,  and  inward  horror. 

Of  falling  into  nought  .'' —  Wliy  shrinks  the  soul 

Back  on  itself,  and  startles  at  destruction? 

'Tis  the  Divinity  that  stirs  within  us  ; 

'Tis  Heaven  itself  that  points  out  an  hereafter, 

And  intimates  eternity  to  man. 

Eternity  !  thou  pleasing,  dreadful  thought ! 

Through  what  variety  of  untried  being. 

Through  what  new  scenes  and  changes  must  we  pass  ! 

The  wide,  the  unbounded  prospect  lies  before  me  ; 

But  shadows,  clouds,  and  darkness  rest  upon  it 

Why  should  it  be  thought  a  thing  incredible  with  you,  that 
God  should  raise  the  dead  .-'  I  verily  thought  with  myself,  that  I 
ought  to  do  many  things  contrary  to  the  name  of  Jesus  of  Naza- 
reth. Which  thing  I  also  did  in  Jerusalem  :  and  many  of  the 
saints  did  I  shut  up  in  prison,  having  received  authority  from 
the  chief  priests  ;  and  when  they  were  put  to  death,  I  gave  my 
voice  against  them.  And  I  punished  them  oft  in  every  syna- 
gogue, and  compelled  them  to  blaspheme  ;  and  being  exceedingly 


6^2  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

mad  against  them,  I  persecuted  them  even  unto  strange  cities. 
Whereupon  as  I  went  to  Damascus  with  authority  and  commis- 
sion from  the  chief  priests,  at  mid-day,  O  king,  I  saw  in  the  way 
a  light  from  heaven,  above  the  brightness  of  the  sun,  shining 
round  about  me  and  them  which  journeyed  with  me.  And  when 
we  were  all  fallen  to  the  earth,  I  heard  a  voice  speaking  unto 
me,  and  saying  in  the  Hebrew  tongue,  Saul,  Saul,  why  perse- 
cutest  thou  me .-'  it  is  hard  for  thee  to  kick  against  the  pricks. 
And  I  said,  Who  art  thou.  Lord  .-'  And  he  said,  I  am  Jesus 
whom  thou  persecutest.  But  rise,  and  stand  upon  thy  feet :  for 
I  have  appeared  unto  thee  for  this  purpose,  to  make  thee  a  min- 
ister and  a  witness  both  of  these  things  which  thou  hast  seen, 
and  of  those  things  in  the  which  I  will  appear  unto  thee  ;  deliver- 
ing thee  from  the  people,  and  from  the  Gentiles,  unto  whom 
now  I  send  thee,  to  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from  dark- 
ness to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  they 
may  receive  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance  among  them 
which  are  sanctified  by  faith  that  is  in  me.  Whereupon,  O  king 
Agrippa,  I  was  not  disobedient  unto  the  heavenly  vision  :  but 
shewed  first  unto  them  of  Damascus,  and  at  Jerusalem,  and 
throughout  all  the  coasts  of  Judea,  and  then  to  the  Gentiles, 
that  they  should  repent  and  turn  to  God,  and  do  works  meet  for 
repentance.  For  these  causes  the  Jews  caught  me  in  the  temple, 
and  went  about  to  kill  me.  Having  therefore  obtained  help  of 
God,  I  continue  unto  this  day,  witnessing  both  to  small  and 
great,  saying  none  other  things  than  those  which  the  prophets 
and  Moses  did  say  should  come :  that  Christ  should  suffer,  and 
that  he  should  be  the  first  that  should  rise  from  the  dead,  and 
should  shew  light  unto  the  people,  and  to  the  Gentiles. 

O  how  wonderful  to  see 
Death  and  Life  in  conflict  meet ! 

Life  hath  won  the  victory, 
Trodden  Death  beneath  his  feet. 
Even  as  the  Scripture  shows, 
He  hath  conquered  all  our  foes  ; 
Death  was  slain,  but  Jesus  rose  ! 

And  as  he  thus  spake  for  himself,  Festus  said  with  a  loud 
voice,  Paul,  thou  art  beside  thyself  ;  much  learning  doth  make 
thee  mad.  But  he  said,  I  am  not  mad,  most  noble  Festus  ;  but 
speak  forth  the  words  of  truth  and  soberness.     For  the  king 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  633 

knoweth  of  these  things,  before  whom  also  I  speak  freely :  for  I 
am  persuaded  that  none  of  these  things  are  hidden  from  him  ; 
for  this  thing  was  not  done  in  a  corner.  King  Agrippa,  believest 
thou  the  prophets  ?  I  know  that  thou  believest.  Then  Agrippa 
said  unto  Paul,  Almost  thou  persuadest  me  to  be  a  Christian. 
And  Paul  said,  I  would  to  God,  that  not  only  thou,  but  also  all 
that  hear  me  this  day,  were  both  almost,  and  altogether  such  as 
I  am,  except  these  bonds.  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken,  the 
king  rose  up,  and  the  governor,  and  Bernice,  and  they  that  sat 
with  them  :  and  when  they  were  gone  aside,  they  talked  between 
themselves,  saying,  This  man  doeth  nothing  worthy  of  death  or 
of  bonds.  Then  said  Agrippa  unto  Festus,  This  man  might 
have  been  set  at  liberty,  if  he  had  not  appealed  unto  Cesar. 

Hail,  Jesus  !  all  victorious  Lord  ! 
Be  Thou  by  all  mankind  adored  ! 
For  us  didst  Thou  the  fight  maintain, 
And  o'er  our  foes  the  victory  gain, 
That  we  with  Thee  might  ever  reign 
In  endless  day. 

Fight  on,  ye  conquering  souls,  fight  on  ! 
And  when  the  conquest  you  have  won, 
Then  palms  of  victory  you  shall  bear, 
And  in  His  kingdom  have  a  share, 
And  crowns  of  glory  ever  wear, 
In  endless  day. 


CHAPTER  CCLXIV. 

THE    METHOD    OF   SALVATION    A    WONDERFUL    MYSTERY. 

Ere  earth's  foundatjons  yet  were  laid. 
Or  heaven's  fair  roof  was  spread  abroad  ; 

Ere  man  a  living  soul  was  made. 
Love  stirred  within  the  heart  of  God. 

O  Love,  that  long  ere  time  began, 

This  precious  name  of  child  bestowed  ; 

That  opened  heav'en  on  earth  to  man, 
And  called  us  sinners,  sons  of  God  ! 


634  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

PAUL,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ  by  the  will  of  God,  to  the 
saints  which  are  at  Ephesus,  and  to  the  faithful  in  Christ 
Jesus  :    Grace  be  to  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Father  and 
from   the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  blessed  us  with  all  spiritual 
blessings   in  heavenly  places  in  Christ :   according  as  he  hath 
chosen  us  in  him  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we 
should  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  him  in  love :  having 
predestinated  us  unto  the  adoption  of  children  by  Jesus  Christ 
to  himself,  according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will,  to  the 
praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he  hath  made  us  ac- 
cepted in  the  beloved :  in  whom  we  have  redemption  through 
his  blood,  the  forgiveness   of  sins,  according  to  the  riches  of 
his  grace  ;  wherein  he  hath  abounded  toward  us  in  all  wisdom 
and  prudence  ;   having   made   known   unto  us   the  mystery  of 
his  will,  according  to  his  good  pleasure  which  he  hath  purposed 
in  himself :  that  in  the  dispensation  of  the  fulness  of  times  he 
might  gather  together  in  one  all  things  in  Christ,  both  which 
are  in  heaven,  and  which  are  on  earth  ;  even  in  him  :  in  whom 
also  we  have   obtained  an  inheritance,  being  predestinated  ac- 
cording to  the  purpose  of  him  who  worketh  all  things  after  the 
counsel  of  his  own  will :  that  we  should  be  to  the  praise  of  his 
glory,  who  first  trusted  in  Christ.     In  whom   ye  also  trusted, 
after  that  ye  heard  the  word  of  truth,  the  gospel  of  your  salva- 
tion :  in  whom  also,  after  that  ye  believed,  ye  were  sealed  with 
that  Holy  Spirit  of  promise,  which  is  the  earnest  of  our  inherit- 
ance until  the  redemption  of  the  purchased  possession,  unto  the 
praise  of  his  glory.     Wherefore  I   also,  after  I  heard  of  your 
faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  love  unto  all  the  saints,  cease  not 
to  give  thanks  for  you,  making  mention  of  you  in  my  prayers  ; 
that  the  God  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Father  of  glory,  may 
give  unto  you  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  revelation  in  the  knowl- 
edge of  him :  the  eyes  of  your  understanding  being  enlightened  ; 
that  ye  may  know  what  is  the  hope  of  his  calling,  and  what  the 
riches  of  the  glory  of  his  inheritance  in  the  saints,  and  what 
is  the  exceeding  greatness  of  his  power  to  us-ward  who  believe, 
according  to  the  working  of  his  mighty  power,  which  he  wrought 
in  Christ,  when  he  raised  him  from  the  dead,  and  set  him  at  his 
own  right  hand  in  the  heavenly  places,  far  above  all  principality, 
and  power,  and  might,  and  dominion,  and  every  name  that  is 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  635 

named,  not  only  in  this  world,  but  also  in  that  which  is  to  come : 
and  hath  put  all  things  under  his  feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  the 
head  over  all  things  to  the  church,  which  is  his  body,  the  fulness 
of  him  that  filleth  all  in  all. 

Hail  to  the  Prince  of  life  and  peace, 
Who  holds  the  keys  of  deatli  and  hell  I 

The  spacious  world  unseen  is  His, 

And  sovereign  power  becomes  Him  well. 

For  ever  reign,  victorious  King  ! 

Wide  through  the  earth  Thy  name  be  known ; 
And  call  my  longing  soul  to  sing 

Sublimer  anthems  near  Thy  throne. 


CHAPTER   CCLXV. 

SALVATION     A     FREE     GIFT. 

All  that  I  was,  my  sin,  my  guilt, 

My  death,  was  all  my  own  : 
All  that  I  am  I  owe  to  Thee, 

My  gracious  God,  alone. 

Thy  grace  first  made  me  feel  my  sin. 

And  taught  me  to  believe  : 
Then,  in  believing,  peace  I  found, 

And  now,  I  live,  I  live  ! 

AND  you,  who  were  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins,  God,  who  is 
rich  in  mercy,  for  his  great  love  wherewith  he  loved  us, 
hath  quickened,  and  hath  raised  us  up  together,  and  made  us  sit 
together  in  heavenly  places  in  Christ  Jesus  :  that  in  the  ages  to 
come  he  might  shew  the  exceeding  riches  of  his  grace,  in  his 
kindness  toward  us,  through  Christ  Jesus.  For  by  grace  are  ye 
saved  through  faith  ;  and  that  not  of  yourselves  :  it  is  the  gift 
of  God :  not  of  works,  lest  any  man  should  boast.  For  we  are 
his  workmanship,  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works, 
which  God  hath  before  ordained  that  we  should  walk  in  them. 
Wherefore  remember,  that  ye  being  in  time  past  Gentiles  in  the 
flesh,  who  are  called  Uncircumcision  by  that  which  is  called  the 
Circumcision  in  the  flesh  made  by  hands ;  that  at  that  time  ye 


636  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

were  without  Christ,  being  aliens  from  the  commonwealth  of 
Israel,  and  strangers  from  the  covenants  of  promise,  having  no 
hope,  and  without  God  in  the  world  :  but  now,  in  Christ  Jesus,  ye 
who  sometime  were  far  off  are  made  nigh  by  the  blood  of  Christ. 
For  he  is  our  peace,  who  hath  made  both  one,  and  hath  broken 
down  the  middle  wall  of  partition  between  us  ;  having  abolished 
in  his  flesh  the  enmity,  even  the  law  of  commandments  con- 
tained in  ordinances  ;  for  to  make  in  himself  of  twain  one  new 
man,  so  making  peace ;  and  that  he  might  reconcile  both  unto 
God  in  one  body  by  the  cross,  having  slain  the  enmity  thereby : 
and  came  and  preached  peace  to  you  which  were  afar  off,  and  to 
them  that  were  nigh.  For  through  him  we  both  have  access  by 
one  Spirit  unto  the  Father.  Now  therefore  ye  are  no  more 
strangers  and  foreigners,  but  fellow  citizens  with  the  saints,  and 
of  the  household  of  God  ;  and  are  built  upon  the  foundation  of 
the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus  Christ  himself  being  the  chief 
corner  stone ;  in  whom  all  the  building  fitly  framed  together 
groweth  unto  a  holy  temple  in  the  Lord  :  in  whom  ye  also  are 
builded  together  for  a  habitation  of  God  through  the  Spirit. 

He  perfects  what  His  hand  begins, 

And  stone  on  stone  He  lays, 
Till  firm  and  fair  the  building  rise, 

A  temple  to  His  praise. 

The  songs  of  everlasting  years 

That  mercy  shall  attend. 
Which  leads  through  sufferings  of  an  hour, 

To  joys  that  never  end. 

Unto  me,  who  am  less  than  the  least  of  all  saints,  is  this  grace 
given,  that  I  should  preach  among  the  Gentiles  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ ;  and  to  make  all  men  see  what  is  the  fellow- 
ship of  the  mystery,  which  from  the  beginning  of  the  world 
hath  been  hid  in  God,  who  created  all  things  by  Jesus  Christ : 
to  the  intent  that  now  unto  the  principalities  and  powers  in 
heavenly  places  might  be  known  by  the  church  the  manifold 
wisdom  of  God,  according  to  the  eternal  purpose  which  he 
purposed  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord  :  in  whom  we  have  boldness 
and  access  with  confidence  by  the  faith  of  him.  Wherefore  I 
desire  that  ye  faint  not  at  my  tribulations  for  you,  which  is  your 
glory.     For  this  cause  I  bow  my  knees  unto  the  Father  of  our 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  6^7 

Lord  Jesus  Christ,  of  whom  the  whole  kmily  in  heaven  and 
earth  is  named,  that  he  would  grant  you,  according  to  the  riches 
of  his  glory,  to  be  strengthened  with  might  by  his  Spirit  in  the 
inner  man  ;  that  Christ  may  dwell  in  your  hearts  by  faith  ;  that 
ye,  being  rooted  and  grounded  in  love,  may  be  able  to  compre- 
hend with  all  saints  what  is  the  breadth,  and  length,  and  depth, 
and  height  ;  and  to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which  passelh 
knowledge,  that  ye  might  be  filled  with  all  the  fulness  of  God. 
Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly  above 
all  that  we  ask  or  think,  according  to  the  power  that  worketh  in 
us,  unto  him  be  glory  in  the  church  by  Christ  Jesus  throughout 
all  ages,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Yet  while,  at  length,  who  scorned  Thy  might 

Shall  feel  Thee  a  consuming  fire, 
How  sweet  the  joys,  the  crown  how  bright, 

Of  those  who  to  Thy  love  aspire  ! 
AH  creatures,  praise  the  eternal  Name  ! 

Ye  hosts  that  to  His  court  belong  — 
Cherubic  choirs  —  seraphic  flames  — 

Awake  the  everlasting  song  ! 
Thrice  holy  !  Thine  the  Kingdom  is  — 

The  power  omnipotent  is  Thine  ; 
And  when  created  nature  dies, 

Thy  never-ceasing  glories  shine. 


CHAPTER   CCLXVI. 

APOSTOLIC    SOLICITUDE    AND    LOVING    FIDELITY. PAUL's 

JOYFUL   ASSURANCE. 

PAUL  and  Timotheus,  the  servants  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  all  the 
saints  in  Christ  Jesus  which  arc  at  Philippi,  with  the  bishops 
and  deacons  :  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our 
Father  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  I  thank  my  God  upon 
every  remembrance  of  you,  always  in  every  prayer  of  mine  for 
you  all  making  request  with  joy,  for  your  fellowship  in  the  gospel 
from  the  first  day  until  now  ;  being  confident  of  this  very  thing, 
that  he  which  hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you  will  perform  it 


638  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ :  for  to  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to 
die  is  gain.  But  if  I  live  in  the  flesh,  this  is  the  fruit  of  my 
labour :  yet  what  I  shall  choose  I  wot  not.  For  I  am  in  a  strait 
betwixt  two,  having  a  desire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Christ ; 
which  is  far  better :  nevertheless  to  abide  in  the  flesh  is  more 
needful  for  you.  And  having  this  confidence,  I  know  that  I  shall 
abide  and  continue  with  you  all  for  your  furtherance  and  joy  of 
faith  ;  that  your  rejoicing  may  be  more  abundant  in  Jesus  Christ 
for  me  by  my  coming  to  you  again.  Only  let  your  conversation 
be  as  it  becometh  the  gospel  of  Christ :  that  whether  I  come  and 
see  you,  or  else  be  absent,  I  may  hear  of  your  affairs,  that  ye 
stand  fast  in  one  spirit,  with  one  mind  striving  together  for  the 
faith  of  the  gospel ;  and  in  nothing  terrified  by  your  adversaries : 
which  is  to  them  an  evident  token  of  perdition,  but  to  you  of 
salvation,  and  that  of  God.  For  unto  you  it  is  given  in  the  behalf 
of  Christ,  not  only  to  believe  on  him,  but  also  to  suffer  for  his 
sake  ;  having  the  same  conflict  which  ye  saw  in  me,  and  now 
hear  to  be  in  me. 

Afflictions  from  above  arc  angels  sent  on  embassies  of  love,  — 
A  fiery  legion,  at  thy  birth,  of  chastening  woes  were  given, 

To  pluck  thy  flowers  of  hope  from  earth, 

And  plant  them  high  o'er  yonder  sky, 
Transformed  to  stars,  and  fixed  in  heaven. 

If  there  be  therefore  any  consolation  in  Christ,  if  any  comfort 
of  love,  if  any  fellowship  of  the  Spirit,  if  any  bowels  and  mercies, 
fulfil  ye  my  joy,  that  ye  be  like-minded,  having  the  same  love, 
being  of  one  accord,  of  one  mind.  Let  this  mind  be  in  you, 
which  was  also  in  Christ  Jesus  :  who,  being  in  the  form  of  God, 
thought  it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God ;  but  made  himself 
of  no  reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and 
was  made  in  the  likeness  of  men  :  and  being  found  in  fashion  as 
a  man,  he  humbled  himself,  and  became  obedient  unto  death, 
even  the  death  of  the  cross.  Wherefore  God  also  hath  highly 
exalted  him,  and  given  him  a  name  which  is  above  every  name  : 
that  at  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee  should  bow,  of  things  in 
heaven,  and  things  in  earth,  and  things  under  the  earth  ;  and 
that  every  tongue  should  confess  that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  to 
the  glory  of  God  the  Father.  Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye 
have  always  obeyed,  not  as  in  my  presence  only,  but  now  much 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  639 

more  in  my  absence,  work  out  your  own  salvation  with  fear  and 
trembling :  for  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you  both  to  will  and 
to  do  of  his  good  pleasure.  Do  all  things  without  murmurings 
and  disputings :  that  ye  may  be  blameless  and  harmless,  the  sons 
of  God,  without  rebuke,  in  the  midst  of  a  crooked  and  perverse 
nation,  among  whom  ye  shine  as  lights  in  the  world  ;  holding 
forth  the  word  of  life  ;  that  I  may  rejoice  in  the  day  of  Christ, 
that  I  have  not  run  in  vain,  neither  laboured  in  vain. 

O  King  of  love,  Thy  blessed  fire. 

Does  such  sweet  flames  excite, 
That  first  it  raises  the  desire. 

Then  fills  it  with  delight. 

Come  then,  dear  Lord,  possess  my  heart, 

Chase  thence  the  shades  of  night ; 
Bid  all  but  perfect  love  depart, 

Before  Thy  shining  light. 

Finally,  my  brethren,  rejoice  in  the  Lord.  For  we  worship  God 
in  the  spirit,  and  rejoice  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  have  no  confidence  in 
the  flesh.  Though  I  might  also  have  confidence  in  the  flesh.  If 
any  other  man  thinketh  that  he  hath  whereof  he  might  trust  in 
the  flesh,  I  more :  circumcised  the  eighth  day,  of  the  stock  of 
Israel,  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  a  Hebrew  of  the  Hebrews  ;  as 
touching  the  law,  a  Pharisee  ;  concerning  zeal,  persecuting  the 
church  ;  touching  the  righteousness  which  is  in  the  law,  blameless. 
But  what  things  were  gain  to  me,  those  I  counted  loss  for  Christ. 
Yea  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency 
of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord  :  for  whom  I  have 
suffered  the  loss  of  all  things,  and  do  count  them  but  dung,  that 
I  may  win  Christ,  and  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own 
righteousness,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the 
faith  of  Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith  :  that 
I  may  know  him,  and  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and  the 
fellowship  of  his  sufferings,  being  made  conformable  unto  his 
death ;  if  by  any  means  I  might  attain  unto  the  resurrection  of 
the  dead.  Not  as  though  I  had  already  attained,  cither  were 
already  perfect :  but  I  follow  after,  if  that  I  may  apprehend  that 
for  which  also  I  am  apprehended  of  Christ  Jesus.  Brethren,  I 
count  not  myself  to  have  apprehended :  but  this  one  thing  I  do, 
forgetting  those  things  which  are  behind,  and  reaching  forth  unto 


640  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

those  things  which  are  before,  I  press  toward  the  mark  for  the 
prize  of  tlie  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Through  night  to  Hght !  —  and  though  to  mortal  eyes 

Creation's  face  a  pall  of  horror  wear, 
Good  cheer  !  good  cheer !     The  gloom  of  midnight  flies  • 

Then  shall  a  sunrise  follow,  mild  and  fair. 

Through  cross  to  crown  !     And  though  the  spirit's  life 

Trials  untold  assail,  with  giant  strength  ; 
Good  cheer  !  good  cheer  !     Soon  ends  the  bitter  strife, 

And  thou  shalt  reign,  in  peace,  with  Christ,  at  length. 


CHAPTER   CCLXVII. 

EXHORTATIONS    TO    STEADFASTNESS    IN    THE    FAITH,    AND    IN 
life's    MANIFOLD    DUTIES. 

But  know  we  not  that  he,  who  intermits 
The  appointed  task  and  duties  of  the  day, 
Untunes  full  oft  the  pleasures  of  the  day  ; 
Checking  the  finer  spirits  that  refuse 
To  flow,  when  purposes  are  lightly  changed  ? 

AS  ye  have  therefore  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so  walk 
ye  in  him  :  rooted  and  built  up  in  him,  and  stablished  in 
the  faith,  as  ye  have  been  taught,  abounding  therein  with  thanks- 
giving. Beware  lest  any  man  spoil  you  through  philosophy  and 
vain  deceit,  after  the  tradition  of  men,  after  the  rudiments  of  the 
world,  and  not  after  Christ.  For  in  him  dwelleth  all  the  fulness 
of  the  Godhead  bodily.  And  ye  are  complete  in  him,  which  is 
the  head  of  all  principality  and  power :  in  whom  also  ye  are  cir- 
cumcised with  the  circumcision  made  without  hands,  in  putting 
off  the  body  of  the  sins  of  the  flesh  by  the  circumcision  of  Christ : 
buried  with  him  in  baptism,  wherein  also  ye  are  risen  with  him 
through  the  faith  of  the  operation  of  God,  who  hath  raised  him 
from  the  dead.  And  you,  being  dead  in  your  sins  and  the  un- 
circumcision  of  your  flesh,  hath  he  quickened  together  with  him, 
having  forgiven  you  all  trespasses  ;  blotting  out  the  handwriting 
of  ordinances  that  was  against  us,  which  was  contrary  to  us,  and 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  641 

took  it  out  of  the  way,  nailing  it  to  his  cross  ;  and  having  spoiled 
principalities  and  powers,  he  made  a  shew  of  them  openly,  tri- 
umphing over  them  in  it. 

'Tis  by  comparison  an  easy  task 
Earth  to  despise  ;  but  to  converse  with  heaven,  — 
This  is  not  easy  :  —  to  rehnquish  all 
We  have,  or  hope,  of  happiness  and  joy, 
And  stand  in  freedom  loosened  irom  this  world, 
I  deem  not  arduous  ;  but  must  needs  confess 
That  'tis  a  thing  impossible  to  frame 
Conceptions  equal  to  the  soul's  desires  ; 
And  the  most  difficult  of  tasks  to  keep 
Heights  which  the  soul  is  competent  to  gain. 

If  ye  then  be  risen  with  Christ,  seek  those  things  which  are 
above,  where  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God.  Set  your 
affection  on  things  above,  not  on  things  on  the  earth.  For  ye 
are  dead,  and  your  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God.  When  Christ, 
who  is  our  life,  shall  appear,  then  shall  ye  also  appear  with  him 
m  glory.  Mortify  therefore  your  members  which  are  upon  the 
earth  ;  fornication,  uncleanness,  inordinate  affection,  evil  con- 
cupiscence, and  covetousness,  which  is  idolatry :  for  which 
things'  sake  the  wrath  of  God  cometh  on  the  children  of  dis- 
obedience :  in  the  which  ye  also  walked  sometime,  when  ye 
lived  in  them.  But  now  ye  also  put  off  all  these  ;  anger, 
wrath,  malice,  blasphemy,  filthy  communication  out  of  your 
mouth.  Lie  not  one  to  another,  seeing  that  ye  have  put  off 
the  old  man  with  his  deeds  ;  and  have  put  on  the  new  man, 
which  is  renewed  in  knowledge  after  the  image  of  him  that 
created  him  :  where  there  is  neither  Greek  nor  Jew,  circum- 
cision nor  uncircumcision,' Barbarian,  Scythian,  bond  nor  free: 
but  Christ  is  all,  and  in  all.  Put  on  therefore,  as  the  elect  of 
God,  holy  and  beloved,  bowels  of  mercies,  kindness,  humbleness 
of  mind,  meekness,  long-suffering ;  forbearing  one  another,  and 
forgiving  one  another,  if  any  man  have  a  quarrel  against  any : 
even  as  Christ  forgave  you,  so  also  do  ye.  And  above  all  these 
things  put  on  charity,  which  is  the  bond  of  perfectness.  And 
let  the  peace  of  God  rule  in  your  hearts,  to  the  which  also  ye 
are  called  in  one  body ;  and  be  ye  thankful.  Let  the  word  of 
Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in  all  wisdom  ;  teaching  and  admon- 
ishing one  another  in  psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual  songs, 

41 


642  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

singing  with  grace  in  your  hearts  to  the  Lord.  And  whatsoever 
ye  do  in  word  or  deed,  do  all  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
giving  thanks  to  God  and  the  Father  by  him.  Wives,  submit 
yourselves  unto  your  own  husbands,  as  it  is  fit  in  the  Lord. 
Husbands,  love  your  wives,  and  be  not  bitter  against  them. 
Children,  obey  your  parents  in  all  things  :  for  this  is  well  pleas- 
ing unto  the  Lord.  Fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to  anger, 
lest  they  be  discouraged.  Servants,  obey  in  all  things  your 
masters  according  to  the  flesh  ;  not  with  eye-service,  as  men- 
pleasers ;  but  in  singleness  of  heart,  fearing  God :  and  whatso- 
ever ye  do,  do  it  heartily,  as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  unto  men  ; 
knowing  that  of  the  Lord  ye  shall  receive  the  reward  of  the  in- 
heritance :  for  ye  serve  the  Lord  Christ.  .But  he  that  doeth 
wrong  shall  receive  for  the  wrong  which  he  hath  done :  and 
there  is  no  respect  of  persons. 

Art  thou  faithful  ?  then  oppose 

Sin  and  wrong  with  all  thy  might ; 
Care  not  how  the  tempest  blows, 

Only  care  to  win  the  fight. 
Fight,  though  it  may  cost  thy  life  ; 

Storm  the  kingdom,  but  prevail ; 
Let  not  Satan's  fiercest  strife 

Make  thee,  warrior,  faint  or  quaiL 


CHAPTER  CCLXVin. 

PERSUASIVES    TO    PRACTICAL    PIETY. 

Each  care,  each  ill  of  mortal  birth, 

Is  sent  in  pitying  love. 
To  lift  the  lingering  heart  from  earth, 

And  speed  its  flight  above. 
And  every  pang  that  wrings  the  breast, 

And  every  joy  that  dies, 
Tell  us  to  seek  a  purer  rest, 

And  trust  to  holier  ties. 

JAMES,  a  servant  of  God  and  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to 
the  twelve  tribes  which  are  scattered  abroad,  greeting.     My 
brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when  ye  fall  into  divers  temptations  ; 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  643 

knowing  this,  that  the  trying  of  your  faith  worivcth  patience. 
But  let  patience  have  her  perfect  work,  that  ye  may  be  perfect 
and  entire,  wanting  nothing.  If  any  of  you  lack  wisdom,  let 
him  ask  of  God,  that  giveth  to  all  men  liberally,  and  upbraideth 
not ;  and  it  shall  be  given  him.  But  let  him  ask  in  faith,  nothinf' 
wavering :  for  he  that  wavereth  is  like  a  wave  of  the  sea  driven 
with  the  wind  and  tossed.  For  let  not  that  man  think  that  he 
shall  receive  any  thing  of  the  Lord. 

Who  are  the  blest  .-* 
They  who  have  kept  their  sympathies  awake. 
And  scattered  joy  for  more  than  custom's  sake  — 
Steadfast  and  tender  in  the  hour  of  need, 
Gentle  in  thought,  benevolent  in  deed ; 
Whose  looks  have  power  to  make  dissension  cease  — 
Whose  smiles  are  pleasant,  and  whose  words  are  peace : 
They  who  have  lived  as  harmless  as  the  dove, 
Teachers  of  truth  and  ministers  of  love  ; 
Love  for  all  moral  power  —  all  mental  grace  — 
Love  for  the  humblest  of  the  human  race  — 
Love  for  that  tranquil  joy  that  virtue  brings  — 
Love  for  the  Giver  of  all  goodly  things  ; 
True  followers  of  that  soul-exalting  jilan 
Which  Christ  laid  down  to  bless  and  govern  man  : 
These  are  the  only  blest ! 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation :  for  when  he 
is  tried,  he  shall  receive  the  crown  of  life,  which  the  Lord  hath 
promised  to  them  that  love  him.  Let  no  man  say  when  he  is 
tempted,  I  am  tempted  of  God :  for  God  cannot  be  tempted  with 
evil,  neither  tempteth  he  any  man :  but  every  man  is  tempted, 
when  he  is  drawn  away  of  his  own  lust,  and  enticed.  Then 
when  lust  hath  conceived,  it  bringeth  forth  sin  ;  and  sin,  when 
it  is  finished,  bringeth  forth  death.  Do  not  err,  my  beloved 
brethren.  Every  good  gift  and  every  perfect  gift  is  from  above, 
and  Cometh  down  from  the  Father  of  lights,  with  whom  is 
no  variableness,  neither  shadow  of  turning.  Of  his  own  will 
begat  he  us  with  the  word  of  truth,  that  we  should  be  a  kind  of 
first-fruits  of  his  creatures.  Wherefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  let 
every  man  be  swift  to  hear,  slow  to  speak,  slow  to  wrath  :  for  the 
wrath  of  man  worketh  not  the  righteousness  of  God.  Where- 
fore lay  apart  all  filthiness  and  superfluity  of  naughtiness,  and 
receive  with  meekness  the  engrafted  word,  which  is  able  to  save 


644  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

your  souls.  But  be  ye  doers  of  the  word,  and  not  hearers  only, 
deceiving  your  own  selves.  For  if  any  be  a  hearer  of  the  word, 
and  not  a  doer,  he  is  like  unto  a  man  beholding  his  natural  face 
in  a  glass  :  for  he  beholdeth  himself,  and  goeth  his  way,  and 
straightway  forgetteth  what  manner  of  man  he  was.  But  whoso 
looketh  into  the  perfect  law  of  liberty,  and  continueth  therein, 
he  being  not  a  forgetful  hearer,  but  a  doer  of  the  work,  this  man 
shall  be  blessed  in  his  deed.  If  any  man  among- you  seem  to  be 
religious,  and  bridleth  not  his  tongue,  but  deceiveth  his  own 
heart,  this  man's  religion  is  vain.  Pure  religion  and  undefiled 
before  God  and  the  Father  is  tnis,  To  visit  the  fatherless  and 
widows  in  their  affliction,  and  to  keep  himself  unspotted  from 
the  world. 

Think  on  the  dungeon's  grim  confine, 
Where  guilt  and  poor  misfortune  pine! 
Guilt,  erring  man,  relenting  view  ! 
But  shall  thy  legal  rage  pursue 
The  wretch,  already  crushed  low 
By  cruel  fortune's  undeserved  blow  ? 
Affliction's  sons  are  brothers  in  distress! 
A  brother  to  relieve,  how  exquisite  the  bliss  ! 

My  brethren,  have  not  the  faith  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the 
Lord  of  glory,  with  respect  of  persons.  For  if  there  come  unto 
your  assembly,  a  man  with  a  gold  ring,  in  goodly  apparel,  and 
there  come  in  also  a  poor  man  in  vile  raiment ;  and  ye  have 
respect  to  him  that  weareth  the  gay  clothing,  and  say  unto 
him,  Sit  thou  here  in  a  good  place  ;  and  say  to  the  poor.  Stand 
thou  there,  or  sit  here  under  my  footstool :  are  ye  not  then 
partial  in  yourselves,  and  are  become  judges  of  evil  thoughts.'' 
If  ye  fulfil  the  royal  law  according  to  the  Scripture,  Thou  shalt 
love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself,  ye  do  well :  but  if  ye  have  respect 
to  persons,  ye  commit  sin,  and  are  convinced  of  the  law  as 
transgressors;  For  whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  yet 
offend  in  one  point,  he  is  guilty  of  all.  For  he  that  said.  Do  not 
commit  adultery,  said  also,  Do  not  kill.  Now  if  thou  commit 
no  adultery,  yet  if  thou  kill,  thou  art  become  a  transgressor  of 
the  law.  So  speak  ye,  and  so  do,  as  they  that  shall  be  judged 
by  the  law  of  liberty.  For  he  shall  have  judgment  without 
mercy,  that  hath  shewed  no  mercy ;  and  mercy  rejoiceth  against 
judgment. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  645 

The  timid  hand  stretched  forth  to  aid  a  brother  in  his  need, 
The  kindly  word  in  grief's  dark  hour  that  proves  a  friend  indeed,— 
The  plea  for  mercy  softly  breathed,  when  justice  threatens  high. 
The  sorrow  of  a  contrite  heart  —  These  things  shall  never  die. 

Let  nothing  pass,  for  every  hand  must  find  some  work  to  do ; 
Lose  not  a  chance  to  waken  love  —  be  firm,  and  just,  and  true. 
So  shall  a  I'ght  that  cannot  fade  beam  on  thee  from  on  high, 
And  angel  voices  say  to  thee  —  These  things  shall  never  die. 


CHAPTER   CCLXIX. 

ANOTHER    LESSON    IN    PRACTICAL    RELIGION. 

Man  is  God's  image  :  but  a  poor  man  is 

Christ's  stamp  to  boot.     Both  images  regard. 

God  reckons  for  him  ;  counts  the  favour  His. 

Write  "  So  much  given  to  God."     Thou  shalt  be  heard. 

Let  thy  alms  go  before,  and  keep  heaven's  gate 

Open  for  thee  ;  or  both  may  come  too  late. 

WHAT  doth  it  profit,  my  brethren,  though  a  man  say  he 
hath  faith,  and  have  not  works  1  can  faith  save  him  .■* 
If  a  brother  or  sister  be  naked,  and  destitute  of  daily  food, 
and  one  of  you  say  unto  them,  Depart,  in  peace,  be  ye  warmed 
and  filled  ;  notwithstanding  ye  give  them  not  those  things 
which  are  needful  to  the  body  ;  what  doth  it  profit .-'  Even 
so  faith,  if  it  hath  not  works,  is  dead,  being  alone.  Yea,  a 
man  may  say,  Thou  hast  faith,  and  I  have  works  :  shew  me 
thy  faith  without  thy  works,  and  I  will  shew  thee  my  faith  by 
my  works.  Thou  believest  that  there  is  one  God  ;  thou  doest 
well :  the  devils  also  believe,  and  tremble.  But  wilt  thou  know, 
O  vain  man,  that  faith  without  works  is  dead }  Was  not  Abra- 
ham our  father  justified  by  works,  when  he  had  offered  Isaac  his 
son  upon  the  altar  .■•  Seest  thou  how  faith  wrought  with  his 
works,  and  by  works  was  faith  made  perfect  t  And  the  Script- 
ure was  fulfilled  which  saith,  Abraham  believed  God,  and  it  was 
imputed  unto  him  for  righteousness  :  and  he  was  called  the 
Friend  of  God.  Ye  see  then  how  that  by  works  a  man  is  justi- 
fied, and  not  by  faith  only. 


646  THE  BIBLE  AND  THE  POETS. 

Who  loveth  most,  he  sings  the  sweetest  psalm ; 
Who  worketh  best,  he  prays  the  hohest  prayer. 
Not  paters  pattered  in  devotion  weeds, 
Nor  fasts  long  drawn,  nor  vigils  kept  in  pain, 
But  pious  words  spelled  out  in  gentle  deeds, 
Shall  soothe  earth's  griefs  and  still  its  sad  refrain. 

Who  is  a  wise  man  and  endued  with  knowledge  among  you  ? 
let  him  shew  out  of  a  good  conversation  his  works  with  meek- 
ness of  wisdom.  But  if  ye  have  bitter  envying  and  strife  in 
your  hearts,  glory  not,  and  lie  not  against  the  truth.  This 
wisdom  descendeth  not  from  above,  but  is  earthly,  sensual, 
devilish.  For  where  envying  and  strife  is,  there  is  confusion 
and  every  evil  work.  But  the  wisdom  that  is  from  above  is  first 
pure,  then  peaceable,  gentle,  and  easy  to  be  entreated,  full  of 
mercy  and  good  fruits,  without  partiality,  and  without  hypocrisy. 
And  the  fruit  of  righteousness  is  sown  in  peace  of  them  that 
make  peace. 

Blest  are  the  pure  in  heart.     Would'st  thou  be  blest  ? 

He'll  cleanse  thy  spotted  soul.     Would'st  thou  find  rest .-' 

Around  thy  toils  and  cares  He'll  breathe  a  calm. 

And  to  thy  wounded  spirit  lay  a  balm  ; 

From  fear  draw  love  !  and  teach  thee  where  to  seek 

Lost  strength  and  grandeur,  with  the  bowed  and  meek. 

Draw  nigh  to  God,  and  he  will  draw  nigh  to  you.  Cleanse 
your  hands,  ye  sinners  ;  and  purify  your  hearts,  ye  double-minded. 
Be  afflicted,  and  mourn,  and  weep  :  let  your  laughter  be  turned 
to  mourning,  and  your  joy  to  heaviness.  Humble  yourselves  in 
the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  lift  you  up.  Speak  not  evil 
one  of  another,  brethren.  He  that  speaketh  evil  of  his  brother, 
and  judgeth  his  brother,  speaketh  evil  of  the  law,  and  judgeth 
the  law  :  but  if  thou  judge  the  law,  thou  art  not  a  doer  of  the 
law,  but  a  judge.  There  is  one  lawgiver,  who  is  able  to  save 
and  to  destroy  :  who  art  thou  that  judgest  another }  Go  to  now, 
ye  that  say.  To-day  or  to-morrow  we  will  go  into  such  a  city, 
and  continue  there  a  year,  and  buy  and  sell,  and  get  gain  : 
whereas  ye  know  not  what  shall  be  on  the  morrow.  For  what 
is  your  life  .-'  It  is  even  a  vapour,  that  appeareth  for  a  little 
time,  and  then  vanisheth  away.  For  that  ye  ought  to  say,  If 
the  Lord  will,  we  shall  live,  and  do  this,  or  that.  But  now  ye 
rejoice  in  your  boastings :  all  such  rejoicing  is  evil.     Therefore 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  G^j 

to  him  that  knoweth  todo  good,  and  doeth  it  not,  to  him  it  is  sin. 
But  above  all  things,  my  brethren,  swear  not,  neither  by  heaven, 
neither  by  the  earth,  neither  by  any  other  oath :  but  let  your 
yea  be  yea  ;  and  your  nay,  nay  ;  lest  ye  fall  into  condemnation. 
Is  any  among  you  afflicted  ^  let  him  pray.  Is  any  merry  '>  let 
him  sing  psalms.  Is  any  sick  among  you  .-*  let  him  call  for  the 
elders  of  the  church  ;  and  let  them  pray  over  him,  anointing  him 
with  oil  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  :  and  the  prayer  of  faith  shall 
save  the  sick,  and  the  Lord  shall  raise  him  up  ;  and  if  he  have 
committed  sins,  they  shall  be  forgiven  him.  Confess  your  faults 
one  to  another,  and  pray  one  for  another,  that  ye  may  be  healed. 
The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man  availeth  much. 

Then  gently  scan  your  brother  man, 

Still  gentler  sister  woman  ; 
Though  they  may  gang  a  kennin'  wrang, 

To  step  aside  is  human  : 
One  point  must  still  be  greatly  dark, 

The  moving  why  they  do  it : 
And  just  as  lamely  can  ye  mark 

How  far  perhaps  they  rue  it. 
Who  made  the  heart  'tis  He  alone 

Decidedly  can  try  us  ; 
He  knows  each  chord  —  its  various  tone, 

Each  spring —  its  various  bias  : 
Then  at  the  balance  let's  be  mute, 

We  never  can  adjust  it; 
What's  done  we  partly  may  compute, 

But  know  not  what's  resisted. 


CHAPTER   CCLXX. 

CHRIST,    THE    LORD    OF    ANGELS    AND    MEN. 

No  word  is  sung  more  sweet  than  this  ; 
No  name  is  heard  more  full  of  bliss  ; 
No  thought  brings  sweeter  comfort  nigh, 
Than  Jesus,  Son  of  God,  most  high. 

O  Jesus,  King  of  wondrous  might ; 
O  victor,  glorious  from  the  figlit ; 
Sweetness  that  may  not  be  expressed. 
And  altogether  loveliest ! 


648  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

GOD,  who  at  sundry  times  and  in  divers  manners  spake  in 
time  past  unto  the  fathers  by  the  prophets,  hath  in  these 
last  days  spoken  unto  us  by  his  Son,  whom  he  hath  appointed 
heir  of  all  things,  by  whom  also  he  made  the  worlds  ;  who  being 
the  brightness  of  his  glory,  and  the  express  image  of  his  person, 
and  upholding  all  things  by  the  word  of  his  power,  when  he  had 
by  himself  purged  our  sins,  sat  down  on  the  right  hand  of  the 
Majesty  on  high  ;  being  made  so  much  better  than  the  angels, 
as  he  hath  by  inheritance  obtained  a  more  excellent  name  than 
they.  For  unto  which  of  the  angels  said  he  at  any  time,  Thou 
art  my  Son,  this  day  have  I  begotten  thee  ?  And  again,  I  will 
be  to  him  a  Father,  and  he  shall  be  to  me  a  Son  ?  And  again, 
when  he  bringeth  in  the  first-begotten  into  the  world,  he  saith. 
And  let  all  the  angels  of  God  worship  him.  And  of  the  angels 
he  saith.  Who  maketh  his  angels  spirits,  and  his  ministers  a 
flame  of  fire.  But  unto  the  Son  he  saith,  Thy  throne,  O  God,  is 
for  ever  and  ever :  a  sceptre  of  righteousness  is  the  sceptre  of 
thy  kingdom.  Thou  hast  loved  righteousness,  and  hated  iniquity  ; 
therefore  God,  even  thy  God,  hath  anointed  thee  with  the  oil  of 
gladness  above  thy  fellows.  And,  Thou,  Lord,  in  the  beginning 
hast  laid  the  foundation  of  the  earth  ;  and  the  heavens  are  the 
works  of  thine  hands.  They  shall  perish,  but  thou  remainest :  and 
they  all  shall  wax  old  as  doth  a  garment ;  and  as  a  vesture  shalt 
thou  fold  them  up,  and  they  shall  be  changed :  but  thou  art  the 
same,  and  thy  years  shall  not  fail.  But  to  which  of  the  angels 
said  he  at  any  time.  Sit  on  my  right  hand,  until  I  make  thine 
enemies  thy  footstool }  Are  they  not  all  ministering  spirits,  sent 
forth  to  minister  for  them  who  shall  be  heirs  of  salvation  ? 

How  oft  do  they  their  silver  bowers  leave, 
To  come  to  succour  us  that  succour  want ! 
How  oft  do  they  with  golden  pinions  cleave 
The  flitting  skies,  like  flying  pursuivant, 
Against  foul  fiends  to  aid  us  militant. 
They  for  us  fight,  they  watch  and  duly  ward, 
And  their  bright  squadrons  round  about  us  plant ; 
And  all  for  love,  and  nothing  for  reward  : 
Oh  !  why  should  heavenly  God  to  man  have  such  regard  ! 

Therefore  we  ought  to  give  the  more  earnest  heed  to  the  things 
which  we  have  heard,  lest  at  any  time  we  should  let  them  slip. 
For  if  the  word  spoken  by  angels  was  steadfast,  and  every  trans- 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  649 

gression  and  .disobedience  received  a  just  recompense  of  reward  ; 
how  shall  we  escape,  if  we  neglect  so  great  salvation  ;  which  at 
the  first  began  to  be  spoken  by  the  Lord,  and  was  confirmed  unto 
us  by  them  that  heard  him  ;  God  also  bearing  them  witness,  both 
with  signs  and  wonders,  and  with  divers  miracles,  and  gifts  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  according  to  his  own  will  ?  For  unto  the  angels 
hath  he  not  put  in  subjection  the  world  to  come,  whereof  we 
speak.  But  one  in  a  certain  place  testified,  saying,  What  is  man, 
that  thou  art  mindful  of  him  ?  or  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest 
him  ?  Thou  madest  him  a  little  lower  than  the  angels  ;  thou 
crownedst  him  with  glory  and  honour,  and  didst  set  him  over  the 
works  of  thy  hands  :  thou  hast  put  al!  things  in  subjection  under 
his  feet.  For  in  that  he  put  all  in  subjection  under  him,  he  left 
nothing  that  is  not  put  under  him.  But  now  we  see  not  yet  all 
things  put  under  him.  But  we  see  Jesus,  who  was  made  a  little 
lower  than  the  angels  for  the  suffering  of  death,  crowned  with 
glory  and  honour  ;  that  he  by  the  grace  of  God  should  taste  death 
for  every  man.  For  it  became  him,  for  whom  are  all  things,  and 
by  whom  are  all  things,  in  bringing  many  sons  unto  glory,  to 
make  the  captain  of  their  salvation  perfect  through  sufferings. 
For  verily  he  took  not  on  him  the  nature  of  angels  ;  but  he  took 
on  him  the  seed  of  Abraham.  Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behooved 
him  to  be  made  like  unto  his  brethren,  that  he  might  be  a  merciful 
and  faithful  high  priest  in  things  pertaining  to  God,  to  make 
reconciliation  for  the  sins  of  the  people.  For  in  that  he  himself 
hath  suffered  being  tempted,  he  is  able  to  succour  them  that  are 
tempted. 

No  grief  was  like  that,  which  He  grieved  for  me, 

A  greater  grief  than  can  be  told  : 
And  like  my  grief  for  Him  no  grief  should  be, 

If  I  could  grieve  so,  as  I  would  : 
But  what  I  would,  and  cannot,  He  doth  see, 

And  will  accept,  that  died  for  me. 


650  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER  CCLXXI. 

CHRIST,    THE    ETERNAL    HIGH    PRIEST,    AND    THE    ONE 
SACRIFICE. 

WHEREFORE,  holy  brethren,  partakers  of  the  heavenly 
calling,  consider  the  Apostle  and  High  Priest  of  our 
profession,  Christ  Jesus  ;  who  was  faithful  to  him  that  appointed 
him,  as  also  Moses  was  faithful  in  all  his  house.  For  this  man 
was  counted  worthy  of  more  glory  than  Moses,  inasmuch  as  he 
who  hath  builded  the  house  hath  more  honour  than  the  house. 

Seeing  then  that  we  have  a  great  high  priest,  that  is  passed 
into  the  heavens,  Jesus  the  Son  of  God,  let  us  hold  fast  our  pro- 
fession. For  we  have  not  a  high  priest  which  cannot  be  touched 
with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities  ;  but  was  in  all  points  tempted 
like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin.  Let  us  therefore  come  boldly 
unto  the  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find 
grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 

'Tis  Jesu's  blood  that  washes  white, 

His  hand  tliat  brings  relief; 
His  heart  that's  touched  with  all  our  joys, 

And  feeleth  for  our  grief. 

For  every  high  priest  taken  from  among  men  is  ordained  for 
men  in  things  pertaining  to  God,  that  he  may  offer  both  gifts 
and  sacrifices  for  sins  :  who  can  have  compassion  on  the  ignorant, 
and  on  them  that  are  out  of  the  way  ;  for  that  he  himself  also  is 
compassed  with  infirmity.  And  by  reason  hereof  he  ought,  as  for 
the  people,  so  also  for  himself,  to  offer  for  sins.  And  no  man 
taketh  this  honour  unto  himself,  but  he  that  is  called  of  God,  as 
was  Aaron.  So  also  Christ  glorified  not  himself  to  be  made  a 
high  priest ;  but  he  that  said  unto  him,  Thou  art  my  Son,  to-day 
have  I  begotten  thee.  As  he  saith  also  in  another  place,  Thou 
art  a  priest  for  ever  after  the  order  of  Melchisedec.  Who  in  the 
days  of  his  flesh,  when  he  had  offered  up  prayers  and  supplications 
with  strong  crying  and  tears  unto  him  that  was  able  to  save  him 
from  death,  and  was  heard  in  that  he  feared  ;  though  he  were  a 
Son,  yet  learned  he  obedience  by  the  things  which  he  suffered ; 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  651 

and  being  made  perfect,  he  became  the  author  of  eternal  salvation 
unto  all  them  that  obey  him  ;  called  of  God  a  high  priest  after  the 
order  of  Melchisedec, 

Thou  dear  Redeemer,  dying  Lamb,  I  love  to  hear  of  Thee; 
No  music  hke  Thy  charming  name,  is  hah"  so  sweet  to  me. 
O  let  me  ever  liear  Thy  voice ;  in  mercy  to  me  speak  ; 
And  in  my  Priest  will  1  rejoice,  my  great  Melchisedec  ! 

For  it  is  evident  that  our  Lord  sprang  out  of  Juda  ;  of  which 
tribe  Moses  spake  nothing  concerning  priesthood.  And  it  is  yet 
far  more  evident  :  for  that  after  the  similitude  of  Melchisedec 
there  ariseth  another  priest,  who  is  made,  not  after  the  law  of  a 
carnal  commandment,  but  after  the  power  of  an  endless  life. 
For  he  testifieth.  Thou  art  a  priest  for  ever  after  the  order  of 
Melchisedec.  (For  those  priests  were  made  without  an  oath ; 
but  this  with  an  oath  by  him  that  said  unto  him.  The  Lord 
sware  and  will  not  repent.  Thou  art  a  priest  for  ever  after  the 
order  of  Melchisedec  :)  By  so  much  was  Jesus  made  a  surety  of 
a  better  testament.  And  they  truly  were  many  priests,  because 
they  were  not  suffered  to  continue  by  reason  of  death  :  but  this 
man,  because  he  continueth  ever,  hath  an  unchangeable  priest- 
hood. Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the  uttermost 
that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  inter- 
cession for  them.  For  such  a  high  priest  became  us,  who  is  holy, 
harmless,  undefiled,  sejDarate  from  sinners,  and  made  higher  than 
the  heavens  ;  who  needeth  not  daily,  as  those  high  priests,  to  offer 
up  sacrifice,  first  for  his  own  sins,  and  then  for  the  people's :  for 
this  he  did  once,  when  he  offered  up  himself.  For  the  law  maketh 
men  high  priests,  which  have  infirmity ;  but  the  word  of  the  oath, 
which  was  since  the  law,  maketh  the  Son,  who  is  consecrated  for 
evermore. 

Now  let  our  cheerful  eyes  survey  our  great  High  Priest  above, 
And  celebrate  His  constant  care,  His  sympathy  and  love. 
The  names  of  all  His  saints  He  bears,  deep  graven  on  His  heart ; 
Nor  shall  the  meanest  Christian  say  that  he  has  lost  his  part. 


652  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CCLXXII. 

THE     FOREGOING     TOPIC     ENDED. 

Where  high  the  heavenly  temple  stands, 
The  house  of  God  not  made  with  hands, 
A  great  High  Priest  our  nature  wears,  — 
The  Guardian  of  mankind  appears. 

NOW  of  the  things  which  we  have  spoken  this  is  the  sum  : 
We  have  such  an  high  priest,  who  is  set  on  the  right  hand 
of  the  throne  of  the  Majesty  in  the  heavens  ;  a  minister  of  the 
sanctuary,  and  of  the  true  tabernacle,  which  the  Lord  pitched, 
and  not  man.  For  every  high  priest  is  ordained  to  offer  gifts 
and  sacrifices  :  wherefore  it  is  of  necessity  that  this  man  have 
somewhat  also  to  offer.  For  if  he  were  on  earth,  he  should  not 
be  a  priest,  seeing  that  there  are  priests  that  offer  gifts  accord- 
ing to  the  law  :  who  serve  unto  the  example  and  shadow  of 
heavenly  things,  as  Moses  was  admonished  of  God  when  he 
was  about  to  make  the  tabernacle :  for.  See  (saith  he)  that  thou 
make  all  things  according  to  the  pattern  shewed  to  thee  in  the 
mount.  But  now  hath  he  obtained  a  more  excellent  ministry, 
by  how  much  also  he  is  the  mediator  of  a  better  covenant,  which 
was  established  upon  better  promises.  In  that  he  saith,  A  new 
covenant,  he  hath  made  the  first  old.  Now  that  which  decayeth 
and  waxeth  old,  is  ready  to  vanish  away.  Now  when  these 
things  were  thus  ordained,  the  priests  went  always  into  the  first 
tabernacle,  accomplishing  the  service  of  God.  But  into  the 
second  went  the  high  priest  alone  once  every  year,  not  without 
blood,  which  he  offered  for  himself,  and  for  the  errors  of  the 
people :  the  Holy  Ghost  this  signifying,  that  the  way  into  the 
holiest  of  all  was  not  yet  made  manifest,  while  as  the  first  taber- 
nacle was  yet  standing:  which  was  a  figure  for  the  time  then 
present,  in  which  were  offered  both  gifts  and  sacrifices,  that 
could  not  make  him  that  did  the  service  perfect,  as  pertaining 
to  the  conscience  ;  which  stood  only  in  meats  and  drinks,  and 
divers  washings,  and  carnal  ordinances,  imposed  on  them  until 
the  time  of  reformation.     But  Christ  being  come  a  high  priest 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  653 

of  good  things  to  come,  by  a  greater  and  more  perfect  taberna- 
cle, not  made  with  hands,  that  is  to  say,  not  of  this  buikhng  ; 
neither  by  the  blood  of  goats  and  calves,  but  by  his  own  blood 
he  entered  in  once  into  the  holy  place,  having  obtained  eternal 
redemption  for  us.  For  if  the  blood  of  bulls  and  of  goats,  and 
the  ashes  of  a  heifer  sprinkling  the  unclean,  sanctifielh  to  the 
purifying  of  the  flesh  ;  how  much  more  shall  the  blood  of  Christ, 
who  through  the  eternal  Spirit  offered  himself  without  spot  to 
God,  purge  your  conscience  from  dead  works  to  serve  the  living 
God? 

Paschal  Lamb,  by  God  appointed, 
All  our  sins  were  on  Tliee  laid ; 
By  almighty  love  appointed, 

Thou  hast  full  atonement  made : 
Every  sin  may  be  forgiven 

Through  the  virtue  of  Thy  blood ; 
Opened  is  the  gate  of  heaven  ; 

Peace  is  made  'twixt  man  and  God. 

For  Christ  is  not  entered  into  the  holy  places  made  with 
hands,  which  are  the  figures  of  the  true  ;  but  into  heaven  itself, 
now  to  appear  in  the  presence  of  God  for  us  :  nor  yet  that  he 
should  offer  himself  often,  as  the  high  priest  entereth  into  the 
holy  place  every  year  with  blood  of  others  ;  for  then  must  he 
often  have  suffered  since  the  foundation  of  the  world :  but  now 
once  in  the  end  of  the  world  hath  he  appeared  to  put  away  sin 
by  the  sacrifice  of  himself.  And  as  it  is  appointed  unto  men 
once  to  die,  but  after  this  the  judgment :  so  Christ  was  once 
offered  to  bear  the  sins  of  many  ;  and  unto  them  that  look  for 
him  shall  he  appear  the  second  time  without  sin  unto  salvation. 

Having  therefore,  brethren,  boldness  to  enter  into  the  holiest 
by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  by  a  new  and  living  way,  which  he-halh 
consecrated  for  us,  through  the  vail,  that  is  to  say,  his  flesh ; 
and  having  a  high  priest  over  the  house  of  God  ;  let  us  draw  near 
with  a  true  heart  in  full  assurance  of  faith,  having  our  hearts 
sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience,  and  our  bodies  washed  with 
pure  water. 

Then  let  us  with  a  filial  heart  come  boldly  to  the  throne 

Of  grace  supreme,  to  tell  our  griefs,  and  all  our  wants  make  known ; 

That  mercy  we  may  there  obtain  for  sins  and  errors  past. 

And  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need,  while  days  of  trial  last. 


654  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 


CHAPTER   CCLXXIII. 

FAITH    EXEMPLIFIED. 

Rise,  O  my  soul,  pursue  the  path  by  ancient  worthies  trod  ; 
Aspiring,  view  those  holy  men,  who  lived  and  walked  with  God. 
Though  dead,  they  speak  in  reason's  ear,  and  in  example  live ; 
Their  faith,  and  hope,  and  mighty  deeds  still  fresh  instruction  give. 

NOW  faith  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for,  the  evidence 
of  things  not  seen.  For  by  it  the  elders  obtained  a  good 
report.  Through  faith  we  understand  that  the  worlds  were 
framed  by  the  word  of  God,  so  that  things  which  are  seen  were 
not  made  of  things  which  do  appear.  By  faith  Abel  offered 
unto  God  a  more  excellent  sacrifice  than  Cain,  by  which  he 
obtained  witness  that  he  was  righteous,  God  testifying  of  his 
gifts  :  and  by  it  he  being  dead  yet  speaketh.  By  faith  Enoch 
was  translated  that  he  should  not  see  death  ;  and  was  not  found, 
because  God  had  translated  him  :  for  before  his  translation  he 
had  this  testimony,  that  he  pleased  God.  But  without  faith  it  is 
impossible  to  please  him :  for  he  that  cometh  to  God  must 
believe  that  he  is,  and  that  he  is  a  rewarder  of  them  that  dili- 
gently seek  him.  By  faith  Noah,  being  warned  of  God  of 
things  not  seen  as  yet,  moved  with  fear,  prepared  an  ark  to  the 
saving  of  his  house  ;  by  the  which  he  condemned  the  world,  and 
became  heir  of  the  righteousness  which  is  by  faith.  By  faith 
Abraham,  when  he  was  called  to  go  out  into  a  place  which  he 
should  after  receive  for  an  inheritance,  obeyed ;  and  he  went 
out,  not  knowing  whither  he  went.  By  faith  he  sojourned  in- 
the  land  of  promise,  as  in  a  strange  country,  dwelling  in  taber- 
nacles with  Isaac  and  Jacob,  the  heirs  with  him  of  the  same 
promise :  for  he  looked  for  a  city  which  hath  foundations,  whose 
builder  and  maker  is  God. 

What  is  Hope  ?    The  beauteous  sun 

Which  colours  all  it  shines  upon  ! 

The  beacon  of  life's  dreary  sea  ; 

The  star  of  immortality  ! 

Fountain  of  feeling,  young  and  warm, 

A  day-beam  bursting  through  the  storm  ! 


777^  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  655 

A  tone  of  melody,  whose  birth 

Is,,  oh  !  too  sweet,  too  pure,  for  earth  ! 

A  blossom  of  that  radiant  tree 

Whose  fruit  the  angels  only  see  ! 

A  beauty  and  a  charm,  whose  power 

Is  seen,  enjoyed,  confessed  each  hour ! 

A  portion  of  that  world  to  come. 

When  earth  and  ocean  meet,  —  the  last  o'erwhelming  doom  ! 

By  faith  Abraham,  when  he  was  tried,  offered  up  Isaac  :  and 
he  that  had  received  the  promises  offered  up  his  only  bcgotlcii 
son,  of  whom  it  was  said,  That  in  Isaac  shall  thy  seed  be  called : 
accounting  that  God  was  able  to  raise  him  up,  even  from  the 
dead  ;  from  whence  also  he  received  him  in  a  figure.  By  faith 
Isaac  blessed  Jacob  and  Esau  concerning  things  to  come.  By 
faith  Jacob,  when  he  was  a  dying,  blessed  both  the  sons  of 
Joseph  ;  and  worshipped,  leaning  upon  the  top  of  his  staff.  By 
faith  Joseph,  when  he  died,  made  mention  of  the  departing  of 
the  children  of  Israel ;  and  gave  commandment  concerning  his 
bones.  By  faith  Moses,  when  he  was  born,  was  hid  three 
months  of  his  parents,  because  they  saw  he  was  a  proper 
child  ;  and  they  were  not  afraid  of  the  king's  commandment. 
By  faith  Moses,  when  he  was  come  to  years,  refused  to  be  called 
the  son  of  Pharaoh's  daughter ;  choosing  rather  to  suffer  afflic- 
tion with  the  people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin 
for  a  season  ;  esteeming  the  reproach  of  Christ  greater  riches 
than  the  treasures  in  Egypt :  for  he  had  respect  unto  the  recom- 
pense of  the  reward. 

Grieve  not  for  these  :  nor  dare  lament 

That  thus  from  childhood's  thoughts  we  roam : 
Not  backward  are  our  glances  bent, 

But  forward  to  our  Father's  home. 
Eternal  growth  has  no  such  fears, 

But,  freshening  still  with  seasons  past, 
The  old  man  clogs  its  earlier  years, 

And  simple  childhood  comes  at  last. 

By  faith  he  forsook  Egypt,  not  fearing  the  wrath  of  the  king : 
for  he  endured,  as  seeing  him  who  is  invisible.  Through  failh 
he  kept  the  passover,  and  the  sprinkling  of  blood,  lest  he  that 
destroyed  the  first-born  should  touch  them.  By  faith  they 
passed  through  the  Red  sea  as  by  dry  land  :  which  the  Egyp- 
tians   assaying   to   do   were   drowned.     By   faith    the   walls   of 


656  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Jericho  fell  down,  after  they  were  compassed  about  seven  days. 
By  faith  the  harlot  Rahab  perished  not  with  them  that  believed 
not,  when  she  had  received  the  spies  with  peace.  And  what 
shall  I  more  say  1  for  the  time  would  fail  me  to  tell  of  Gideon, 
and  of  Barak,  and  of  Samson,  and  of  Jephthah  ;  of  David  also,  and 
Samuel,  and  of  the  prophets  :  who  through  faith  subdued  king- 
doms, wrought  righteousness,  obtained  promises,  stopped  the 
mouths  of  lions,  quenched  the  violence  of  fire,  escaped  the  edge 
of  the  sword,  out  of  weakness  were  made  strong,  waxed  valiant  in 
fight,  turned  to  flight  the  armies  of  the  aliens.  Women  received 
their  dead  raised  to  life  again  :  and  others  were  tortured,  not 
accepting  deliverance  ;  that  they  might  obtain  a  better  resurrec- 
tion :  and  others  had  trial  of  cruel  mockings  and  scourgings,  yea, 
moreover  of  bonds  and  imprisonment :  they  were  stoned,  they 
were  sawn  asunder,  were  tempted,  were  slain  with  the  sword  : 
they  wandered  about  in  sheepskins  and  goatskins  ;  being  desti- 
tute, afflicted,  tormented  ;  of  whom  the  world  was  not  worthy : 
they  wandered  in  deserts,  and  in  mountains,  and  in  dens  and 
caves  of  the  earth.  And  these  all,  having  obtained  a  good  report 
through  faith,  received  not  the  promise :  God  having  provided 
some  better  thing  for  us,  that  they  without  us  should  not  be 
made  perfect. 

'Tis  by  the  faith  of  joys  to  come, 

We  walk  through  deserts  dark  as  night ; 

Till  we  arrive  at  heaven,  our  home, 
Faith  is  our  guide,  and  faith  our  light. 

Cheerful  we  tread  the  desert  through, 

While  faith  inspires  a  heavenly  ray, 
Though  lions  roar,  and  tempests  blow, 

And  rocks  and  dangers  fill  the  way. 

Wherefore,  seeing  we  also  are  compassed  about  with  so  great 
a  cloud  of  witnesses,  let  us  lay  aside  every  weight,  and  the  sin 
■which  doth  so  easily  beset  us,  and  let  us  run  with  patience  the 
race  that  is  set  before  us.  Looking  unto  Jesus  the  author  and 
finisher  of  our  faith  ;  who  for  the  joy  that  was  set  before  him 
endured  the  cross,  despising  the  shame,  and  is  set  down  at  the 
right  hand  of  the  throne  of  God. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  657 

CHAPTER   CCLXXIV. 

Paul's  apostolic  charge  to  tlmcthy. 

A  GOOD  Bishop,  as  a  tender  father, 
Doth  teach  and  rule  the  cliurch,  and  is  obeyed, 
And  reverenced  by  it,  so  niucii  the  rather, 
By  how  much  lie  delighteth  more  to  lead 

All  by  his  own  example  in  the  way, 

Than  punish  any,  when  they  go  astray. 

THOU  therefore,  my  son,  be  strong  in  the  grace  that  is  in 
Christ  Jesus.  And  the  things  that  thou  hast  heard  of  me 
among  many  witnesses,  the  same  commit  thou  to  faithful  men, 
who  shall  be  able  to  teach  others  also.  Thou  therefore  endure 
hardness,  as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ.  No  man  that  war- 
reth  entangleth  himself  with  the  affairs  of  this  life  ;  that  he  may 
please  him  who  hath  chosen  him  to  be  a  soldier.  And  if  a  man 
also  strive  for  masteries,  yet  is  he  not  crowned,  except  he  stri\e 
lawfully.  The  husbandman  that  laboureth  must  be  first  partaker 
of  the  fruits.  Consider  what  I  say  ;  and  the  Lord  give  thee 
understanding  in  all  things.  Remember  that  Jesus  Christ  of 
the  seed  of  David  was  raised  from  the  dead,  according  to  my 
gospel :  wherein  I  suffer  trouble,  as  an  evil  doer,  even  unto 
bonds  ;  but  the  word  of  God  is  not  bound. 

Give  me  the  priest,  the  graces  shall  possess 

Of  an  ambassador,  —  the  just  address  ; 

A  father's  tenderness,  —  a  shepherd's  care  ; 

A  leader's  courage,  which  the  cross  can  bear ; 

A  ruler's  awe,  — a  watchman's  wakeful  eye, 

A  pilot's  skill,  the  helm  in  storms  to  ply ; 

The  fisher's  patience,  and  a  labouring  toil, 

A  guide's  dexterity  to  disembroil, 

A  prophet's  inspiration  from  above, 

A  teacher's  knowledge,  and  a  Saviour's  love. 

Study  to  shew  thyself  approved  unto  God,  a  workman  that 
needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth. 
But  shun  profane  and  vain  babblings  :  for  they  will  increase 
unto  more  ungodliness.      Flee  also  youthful  lusts:    but  follow 

42 


658  THE  BIBLE   AND    THE  POETS. 

righteousness,  faith,  charity,  peace,  with  them  that  call  on  the 
Lord  out  of  a  pure  heart.  But  foolish  and  unlearned  questions 
avoid,  knowing  that  they  do  gender  strifes.  And  the  servant 
of  the  Lord  must  not  strive ;  but  be  gentle  unto  all  men,  apt 
to  teach,  patient ;  in  meekness  instructing  those  that  oppose 
themselves  ;  if  God  peradventure  will  give  them  repentance  to 
the  acknowledging  of  the  truth  ;  and  that  they  may  recover 
themselves  out  of  the  snare  of  the  devil,  who  are  taken  captive 
by  him  at  his  will. 

0  blessed  Lord  !  how  much  I  need 
Thy  light  to  guide  me  on  my  w'ay  ! 
So  many  hands,  that,  without  heed. 

Still  touch  Thy  wounds,  and  make  them  bleed! 
So  many  feet,  that,  day  by  day. 
Still  wander  from  Thy  fold  astray ! 
Unless  Thou  fill  me  with  Thy  light, 

1  cannot  lead  Thy  flock  aright ; 
Nor,  without  Thy  support,  can  bear 
The  burden  of  so  great  a  care, 

But  am  myself  a  castaway  ! 

I  charge  thee  therefore  before  God,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
who  shall  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead  at  his  appearing  and  his 
kingdom  ;  preach  the  word  ;  be  instant  in  season,  out  of  season  ; 
reprove,  rebuke,  exhort  with  all  long-suffering  and  doctrine.  For 
the  time  will  come  when  they  will  not  endure  sound  doctrine  ; 
but  after  their  own  lusts  shall  they  heap  to  themselves  teachers, 
having  itching  ears  ;  and  they  shall  turn  away  their  ears  from 
the  truth,  and  shall  be  turned  unto  fables.  But  watch  thou  in 
all  things,  endure  afflictions,  do  the  work  of  an  evangelist,  make 
full  proof  of  thy  ministry.  For  I  am  now  ready  to  be  offered, 
and  the  time  of  my  departure  is  at  hand.  I  have  fought  a  good 
fight,  I  have  finished  my  course,  I  have  kept  the  faith  :  hence- 
forth there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of  righteousness,  which  the 
Lord,  the  righteous  judge,  shall  give  me  at  that  day :  and  not 
to  me  only,  but  unto  all  them  also  that  love  his  appearing. 

I'm  going  to  leave  all  my  sadness, 

I'm  going  to  change  earth  for  Heaven; 

There,  there  all  is  peace,  all  is  gladness. 
There  pureness  and  glory  are  given  ; 
Come  quickly  then,  Jesus  !     Amen  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  659 

The  shadows  of  evening  are  fleeing, 

Morn  breaks  from  the  city  of  hght ; 
This  moment  day  starts  into  being, 

Eternity  bursts  on  my  sight. 

Come  quickly  then,  Jesus  !     Amen  ! 


CHAPTER   CCLXXV. 

PETER,    THE    APOSTLE,    EXHORTING   TO    HOLINESS. 

O  LORD  !  that  seest,  from  yon  starry  height, 

Centred  in  one  the  future  and  the  past, 

Fashioned  in  Thine  own  image,  see  how  fast 

The  world  obscures  in  me  what  once  was  bright ! 

Eternal  Sun  !  the  warmth  which  Thou  hast  given 

To  cheer  life's  flowery  April,  fast  decays  ; 

Yet  in  the  hoary  winter  of  my  days, 

For  ever  green  shall  be  my  trust  in  Heaven. 

Celestial  King  !  Oh  let  Thy  presence  pass 

Before  my  spirit,  and  an  image  fair 

Shall  meet  that  look  of  mercy  from  on  high, 

As  the  reflected  image  in  a  glass 

Doth  meet  the  look  of  him  who  seeks  it  there, 

And  owes  its  being  to  the  gazer's  eye. 

PETER,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  the  strangers  scattered 
throughout  Pontus,  Galatia,  Cappadocia,  Asia,  and  Hithvnia, 
elect  according  to  the  foreknowledge  of  God  the  Father,  through 
sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  unto  obedience  and  sprinkling  of  the 
blood  of  Jesus  Christ :  Grace  unto  you,  and  peace,  be  multiplied. 
Dearly  beloved,  I  beseech  you,  as  strangers  and  pilgrinis,  abstain 
from  fleshly  lusts,  which  war  against  the  soul ;  having  your  con- 
versation honest  among  the  Gentiles  :  that,  whereas  they  speak 
against  you  as  evil  doers,  they  may  by  your  good  works,  which 
they  shall  behold,  glorify  God  in  the  day  of  visitation.  Submit 
yourselves  to  every  ordinance  of  man  for  the  Lord's  sake : 
whether  it  be  to  the  king,  as  supreme  ;  or  unto  governors,  as 
unto  them  that  are  sent  by  him  for  the  punishment  of  evil 
doers,  and  for  the  praise  of  them  that  do  well.  For  so  is  the 
will  of  God,  that  with  well  doing  ye  may  put  to  silence  the  igno- 


660  THE   BIBLE   AND    THE   POETS. 

ranee  of  foolish  men  :  as  free,  and  not  using  your  liberty  for  a 
cloak  of  maliciousness,  but  as  the  servants  of  God.  Honour  all 
men.  Love  the  brotherhood.  Fear  God.  Honour  the  king. 
Servants,  be  subject  to  your  masters  with  all  fear ;  not  only  to 
the  good  and  gentle,  but  also  to  the  froward.  For  this  is  thank- 
worthy, if  a  man  for  conscience  toward  God  endure  grief,  suffer- 
ing wrongfully.  For  what  glory  is  it,  if,  when  ye  be  buffeted  for 
your  faults,  ye  shall  take  it  patiently }  but  if,  when  ye  do  well, 
and  suffer  for  it,  ye  take  it  patiently,  this  is  acceptable  with  God. 
For  even  hereunto  were  ye  called  :  because  Christ  also  suffered 
for  us,  leaving  us  an  example,  that  ye  should  follow  his  steps  : 
who  did  no  sin,  neither  was  guile  found  in  his  mouth  :  who,  when 
he  was  reviled,  reviled  not  again  ;  when  he  suffered,  he  threatened 
not;  but  committed  himself  to  him  that  judgeth  righteously: 
who  his  own  self  bare  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree,  that 
we,  being  dead  to  sins,  should  live  unto  righteousness  :  by  whose 
stripes  ye  were  healed.  For  ye  were  as  sheep  going  astray ; 
but  are  now  returned  unto  the  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  your 
souls. 

I  have  done  at  length  with  dreaming  ;  henceforth,  O  thou  soul  of  mine, 
Thou  must  take  up  sword  and  gauntlet,  waging  warfare  most  divine. 
Life  is  struggle,  combat,  victory  !  wherefore  have  I  slumbered  on, 
With  my  forces  all  unmarshalled,  with  my  weapons  all  undrawn  ? 
Oh  !  how  many  a  glorious  record  had  the  angels  of  me  kept, 
Had  I  done  instead  of  doubted  —  had  I  warred  instead  of  wept! 
Yet,  my  soul,  look  not  behind  thee  !  thou  hast  work  to  do  at  last ; 
Let  the  brave  toil  of  the  present  overarch  the  crumbled  past  ! 
Build  thy  great  acts  high  and  higher,  build  them  on  the  conquered  sod, 
Where  thy  weakness  first  fell  bleeding,  and  thy  first  prayer  rose  to  God. 

Wherefore  gird  up  the  loins  of  your  mind,  be  sober,  and  hope 
to  the  end  for  the  grace  that  is  to  be  brought  unto  you  at  the 
revelation  of  Jesus  Christ  ;  as  obedient  children,  not  fashioning 
yourselves  according  to  the  former  lusts  in  your  ignorance  :  but 
as  he  which  hath  called  you  is  holy,  so  be  ye  holy  in  all  manner 
of  conversation  ;  because  it  is  written.  Be  ye  holy  ;  for  I  am  holy. 
And  if  ye  call  on  the  Father,  who  without  respect  of  persons 
judgeth  according  to  every  man's  work,  pass  the  time  of  your 
sojourning  here  in  fear :  forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  ye  were  not 
redeemed  with  corruptible  things,  as  silver  and  gold,  from  your 
vain  conversation  received  by  tradition  from  your  fathers ;  but 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  66 1 

with  the  precious  blood  of  Christ,  as  of  a  lamb  without  blemish 
and  without  spot  :  who  verily  was  foreordained  bcfcjre  the  foun- 
dation of  the  world,  but  was  manifest  in  these  last  times  for  you, 
who  by  him  do  believe  in  God,  that  raised  him  up  from  the  dead, 
and  gave  him  glory  ;  that  your  faith  and  hope  might  be  in  God. 
Seeing  ye  have  purified  your  souls  in  obeying  the  truth  through 
the  Spirit  unto  unfeigned  love  of  the  brethren,  see  that  ye  love 
one  another  with  a  pure  heart  fervently :  being  born  again,  not 
of  corruptible  seed,  but  of  incorruptible,  by  the  word  of  God, 
which  liveth  and  abideth  for  ever.  For  all  flesh  is  as  grass,  and 
all  the  glory  of  man  as  the  flower  of  grass.  The  grass  withereth, 
and  the  flower  thereof  falleth  away  :  but  the  word  of  the  Lord 
endureth  for  ever.  And  this  is  the  word  which  by  the  gospel  is 
preached  unto  you. 

If,  gracious  God,  in  life's  green,  ardent  year, 

A  thousand  times  thy  patient  love  I  tried  ; 

With  reckless  heart,  with  conscience  hard  and  sere, 

Thy  gifts  perverted,  and  thy  power  defied  : 

O,  grant  me,  now  that  wintry  storms  appear 

Around  my  brow,  and  youth's  bright  promise  hide,  — 

Grant  me  with  reverential  awe  to  hear 

Thy  holy  voice,  and  in  Thy  word  confide  ! 

Blot  from  my  book  of  life  its  early  stain  ! 

Since  days  misspent  will  never  more  return. 

My  fiiture  path  do  Thou  in  mercy  trace  ; 

So  cause  my  soul  with  pious  Zeal  to  burn, 

That  all  the  trust,  which  in  Thy  name  I  place, 

Frail  as  I  am,  may  not  prove  wholly  vain ! 


CHAPTER   CCLXXVI. 

PERFECTION    OF     CHARACTER    STILL    FARTHER    ENCOfRACED 
AND    ENJOINED. 

How  can  any  harp  give  tones  of  sweetness. 
Unless  Thy  finger  sweep  the  string  ? 
How  can  I  steer  my  course  with  meetness, 
Without  Thy  star  enlightening  .' 


662  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

Unless  this  flame  burn  bright  within  me, 
Can  I  a  grateful  offering  prove, 
Unless  it  fill  me  with  Thy  love, 
And  from  the  dust  of  earth  shall  win  me  ? 

SIMON  Peter,  a  servant  and  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ,  to 
them  that  have  obtained  like  precious  faith  with  us  throuo-h 
the  righteousness  of  God  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ :  grace 
and  peace  be  multiplied  unto  you  through  the  knowledge  of 
God,  and  of  Jesus  our  Lord,  according  as  his  divine  power  hath 
given  unto  us  all  things  that  pertain  unto  life  and  godliness, 
through  the  knowledge  of  him  that  hath  called  us  to  glory  and 
virtue  :  whereby  are  given  unto  us  exceeding  great  and  precious 
promises  ;  that  by  these  ye  might  be  partakers  of  the  divine 
nature,  having  escaped  the  corruption  that  is  in  the  world 
through  lust.  And  besides  this,  giving  all  dihgence,  add  to 
your  faith  virtue  ;  and  to  virtue,  knowledge  ;  and  to  knowledge, 
temperance  ;  and  to  temperance,  patience  ;  and  to  patience,  god- 
liness ;  and  to  godliness,  brotherly  kindness  ;  and  to  brotherly 
kindness,  charity.  For  if  these  things  be  in  you,  and  abound, 
they  make  you  that  ye  shall  neither  be  barren  nor  unfruitful  in 
the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  But  he  that  lacketh 
these  things  is  blind,  and  cannot  see  afar  off,  and  hath  forgotten 
that  he  was  purged  from  his  old  sins.  Wherefore  the  rather, 
brethren,  give  diligence  to  make  your  calling  and  election  sure  : 
for  if  ye  do  these  things,  ye  shall  never  fall :  for  so  an  entrance 
shall  be  ministered  unto  you  abundantly  into  the  everlasting 
kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

Breast  the  wave,  Christian,  when  it  is  strongest; 
Watch  lor  day,  Christian,  when  night  is  longest ; 
Onward,  and  onward  still  be  thine  endeavour ; 
The  rest  that  remaineth,  endureth  for  ever. 

Fight  the  fight.  Christian,  Jesus  is  o'er  thee ; 
Run  the  race,  Christian,  heaven  is  before  thee; 
He  who  hath  promised  faltereth  never  ; 
Oh,  trust  in  the  love  that  endureth  for  ever. 

This  second  epistle,  beloved,  I  now  write  unto  you  ;  in  both 
which  I  stir  up  your  pure  minds  by  way  of  remembrance  :  that 
ye  may  be  mindful  of  the  words  which  were  spoken  before  by 
the  holy  prophets,  and  of  the  commandment  of  us  the  apostles 
of  the  Lord  and  Saviour :  knowing  this  first,  that  there  shall 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  663 

come  in  the  last  days  scoffers,  walking  after  their  own  lusts, 
and  saying,  Where  is  the  promise  of  his  coming  ?  for  since  the 
fathers  fell  asleep,  all  things  continue  as  they  were  from  the 
beginning  of  the  creation.  For  this  they  willingly  are  ignorant 
of,  that  by  the  word  of  God  the  heavens  were  of  old,  and  the 
earth  standing  out  of  the  water  and  in  the  water :  whereby  the 
world  that  then  was,  being  overflowed  with  water,  perished  :  but 
the  heavens  and  the  earth,  which  are  now,  by  the  same  word  are 
kept  in  store,  reserved  unto  fire  against  the  day  of  judgment 
and  perdition  of  ungodly  men. 

The  cloud-capped  towers,  the  gorgeous  palaces, 
The  solemn  temples,  the  great  globe  itself, 
Yea,  all  which  it  inherit,  shall  dissolve, 
And,  like  this  insubstantial  pageant  faded, 
Leave  not  a  rack  behind.     We  are  such  stuff 
As  dreams  are  made  on,  and  our  little  life 
Is  rounded  widi  a  sleep. 

Seeing  then  that  all  these  things  shall  be  dissolved,  what 
manner  of  persons  ought  ye  to  be  in  all  holy  conversation  and 
godliness,  looking  for  and  hasting  unto  the  coming  of  the  day 
of  God,  wherein  the  heavens  being  on  fire  shall  be  dissolved, 
and  the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent  heat  .-*  Nevertheless 
we,  according  to  his  promise,  look  for  new  heavens  and  a  new 
earth,  wherein  dwelleth  righteousness.  Wherefore,  beloved,  see- 
ing that  ye  look  for  such  things,  be  diligent  that  ye  may  be 
found  of  him  in  peace,  without  spot,  and  blameless.  And  ac- 
count that  the  long-suffering  of  our  Lord  is  salvation  ;  even  as 
our  beloved  brother  Paul  also  according  to  the  wisdom  given 
unto  him  hath  written  unto  you  ;  as  also  in  all  his  epistles, 
speaking  in  them  of  these  things  ;  in  which  are  some  things 
hard  to  be  understood,  which  they  that  are  unlearned  and  un- 
stable wrest,  as  they  do  also  the  other  Scriptures,  unto  their 
own  destruction.  Ye  therefore,  beloved,  seeing  ye  know  these 
things  before,  beware  lest  ye  also,  being  led  away  with  the  error 
of  the  wicked,  fall  from  your  own  steadfastness.  But  grow  in 
grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.     To  him  be  glory  both  now  and  for  ever.     Amen. 

Aspire,  my  heart,  on  high  to  live  ! 
For  there  is  found  thy  treasure  : 


664  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

What's  here  would  all  thy  hopes  deceive,  - 
That  only  suits  their  measure. 

Poor  is  the  wealth  that  soon  must  fall, 
None  other  can  for  thee  avail 
Than  riches  stored  in  heaven. 


CHAPTER   CCLXXVII. 

ABIDING    IN    CHRIST,  WE    HAVE,  AND    SHOW    THAT    WE    HAVE, 
TRUE    LIGHT,    LIFE,    AND    LOVE. 

THAT  which  was  from  the  beginning,  which  we  have  heard, 
which  we  have  seen  with  our  eyes,  which  we  have  looked 
upon,  and  our  hands  have  handled,  of  the  Word  of  life,  declare 
we  unto  you,  that  ye  also  may  have  fellowship  with  us  :  and  truly 
our  fellowship  is  with  the  Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
And  these  things  write  we  unto  you,  that  your  joy  may  be  full. 
This  then  is  the  message  which  we  have  heard  of  him,  and  declare 
unto  you,  that  God  is  light,  and  in  him  is  no  darkness  at  all.  If 
we  say  that  we  have  fellowship  with  him,  and  walk  in  darkness, 
we  lie,  and  do  not  the  truth  :  but  if  we  walk  in  the  light,  as  he  is 
in  the  light,  we  have  fellowship  one  with  another,  and  the  blood 
of  Jesus  Christ  his  Son  cleanseth  us  from  all  sin.  If  we  say 
that  we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive  ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in 
us.  If  we  confess  our  sins,  he  is  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us 
our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness.  If  we  say 
that  we  have  not  sinned,  we  make  him  a  liar,  and  his  word  is 
not  in  us. 

Plead  Thou  —  oh,  plead  my  cause  !  each  self-excusing  plea 
My  trembhng  soul  withdraws,  and  flies  to  Thee  ! 

Where  Justice  rears  her  throne. 

Ah,  who,  save  Thee  alone, 

May  stand,  O  spotless  One  ?  — 
Plead  Thou  my  cause  ! 

Ah,  plead  not  aught  of  mine  before  Thine  altar  thrown ; 
Fragments,  when  all  is  Thine  —  all,  all  Thine  own ! 

Thou  seest  what  stains  they  bear: 

Oh,  since  each  tear,  each  prayer. 

Hath  need  of  pardon  there, 
Plead  Thou  my  cause  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  665 

My  little  children,  these  things  write  I  unto  you,  that  ye  sin 
not.  And  if  any  man  sin,  we  have  an  advocate  with  the  Father, 
Jesus  Christ  the  righteous :  and  he  is  the  propitiation  for  our 
sins  :  and  not  for  ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world.  And  hereby  we  do  know  that  we  know  him,  if  we  keep 
his  commandments.  He  that  saith,  I  know  him,  and  keepeth  not 
his  commandments,  is  a  liar,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  him.  But 
whoso  keepeth  his  word,  in  him  verily  is  the  love  of  God  perfected  : 
hereby  know  we  that  we  are  in  him.  He  that  saith  he  abideth  in 
him  ought  himself  also  so  to  walk,  even  as  he  walked.  Brethren,  I 
write  no  new  commandment  unto  you,  but  an  old  commandment 
which  ye  had  from  the  beginning.  The  old  commandment  is  the 
word  which  ye  have  heard  from  the  beginning.  Again,  a  new  com- 
mandment I  write  unto  you,  which  thing  is  true  in  him  and  in  you  : 
because  the  darkness  is  past,  and  the  true  light  now  shineth.  He 
that  saith  he  is  in  the  light,  and  hateth  his  brother,  is  in  darkness 
even  until  now.  He  that  loveth  his  brother  abideth  in  the  light, 
and  there  is  none  occasion  of  stumbling  in  him.  But  he  that 
hateth  his  brother  is_in  darkness,  and  walketh  in  darkness,  and 
knoweth  not  whither  he  goeth,  because  that  darkness  hath 
blinded  his  eyes. 

Walk  in  the  light  !  so  shalt  tliou  know  the  fellowship  of  love 
His  Spirit  only  can  bestow,  who  reigns  in  light  above. 
Walk  in  the  light !  and  sin  abhorred  shall  ne'er  defile  again  ; 
The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lord,  shall  cleanse  from  every  sin. 
Walk  in  the  light !  and  thou  shalt  find  thy  heart  made  truly  His, 
Who  dwells  in  cloudless  light  enshrined,  in  whom  no  darkness  is. 
Walk  in  the  light !  and  thou  shalt  own  thy  darkness  passed  away, 
Because  that-  light  hath  on  thee  shone,  in  which  is  perfect  day. 
Walk  in  the  light !  and  e'en  the  tomb  no  fearful  shade  shall  wear  ; 
Glory  shall  chase  away  its  gloom,  for  Christ  hath  conquered  there  ! 
Walk  in  the  light !  and  thou  shalt  see  a  path,  thougli  thorny,  bright ; 
For  God  by  grace  shall  dwell  in  thee,  and  God  Himself  is  Light ! 

Behold,  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed  upon 
us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of  God  :  therefore  the  world 
knoweth  us  not,  because  it  knew  him  not.  Beloved,  now  are  we 
the  sons  of  God,  and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what  we  shall  be : 
but  we  know  that,  when  he  shall  appear,  we  shall  be  like  him  ;' 
for  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is.  And  every  man  that  hath  this 
hope  in  him  purifieth  himself,  even  as  he  is  pure.    And  now,  little 


666  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

children,  abide  in  him  ;  that,  when  he  shall  appear,  we  may  have 
confidence,  and  not  be  ashamed  before  him  at  his  coming.  If  ye 
know  that  he  is  righteous,  ye  know  that  every  one  that  doeth 
righteousness  is  born  of  him. 


CHAPTER    CCLXXVIII. 

THE   VISION    OF    THE    THRONE    AND    OF    THE    BOOK. 

Come  up  hither  ;  come  and  dwell 

With  the  living  hosts  above  ; 
Come,  and  let  your  bosoms  swell 

With  their  burning  songs  of  love. 

Come  up  hither  ;  come  and  shine 

In  the  robes  of  spotless  white  ; 
Palms,  and  harps,  and  crowns  are  thine; 

Hither,  hither  wing  your  flight. 

AFTER  this  I  looked,  and,  behold,  a  door  was  opened  in 
heaven  :  and  the  first  voice  which  I  heard  was  as  it  were 
of  a  trumpet  talking  with  me  ;  which  said.  Come  up  hither,  and 
I  will  shew  thee  things  which  must  be  hereafter.  And  imme- 
diately I  was  in  the  Spirit  :  and,  behold,  a  throne  was  set  in 
heaven,  and  one  sat  on  the  throne.  And  he  that  sat  was  to 
look  upon  like  a  jasper  and  a  sardine  stone  :  and  there  was  a 
rainbow  round  about  the  throne,  in  sight  like  unto  an  emerald. 
And  round  about  the  throne  were  four  and  twenty  seats  :  and 
upon  the  seats  I  saw  four  and  twenty  elders  sitting,  clothed  in 
white  raiment  ;  and  they  had  on  their  heads  crowns  of  gold. 
And  out  of  the  throne  proceeded  lightnings  and  thunderings 
and  voices  :  and  there  were  seven  lamps  of  fire  burning  before 
the  throne,  which  are  the  seven  spirits  of  God.  And  before  the 
throne  there  was  a  sea  of  glass  like  unto  crystal :  and  in  the 
midst  of  the  throne,  and  round  about  the  throne,  were  four 
beasts  full  of  eyes  before  and  behind.  And  the  first  beast  was 
like  a  lion,  and  the  second  beast  like  a  calf,  and  the  third  beast 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  667 

had  a  face  as  a  man,  and  the  fourth  beast  was  hke  a  ll\ing  eagle. 
And  the  four  beasts  had  each  of  them  six  wings  about  him  ;  and 
they  were  full  of  eyes  within  :  and  they  rest  not  day  and  night, 
saying,  Holy,  holy,  holy.  Lord  God  Almighty,  which  was,  and  is, 
and  is  to  come.  And  when  those  beasts  give  glory  and  honour 
and  thanks  to  him  that  sat  on  the  throne,  who  liveth  forever  and 
ever,  the  four  and  twenty  elders  fall  down  before  him  that  sat 
on  the  throne,  and  worship  him  that  liveth  for  ever  and  ever, 
and  cast  their  crowns  before  the  throne,  saying.  Thou  art  worthy, 
O  Lord,  to  receive  glory  and  honour  and  power  :  for  thou  hast 
created  all  things,  and  for  thy  pleasure  they  are  and  were 
created. 

My  soul,  there  is  a  country 

Afar  beyond  the  stars. 
Where  stands  a  winged  sentry 

All  skilful  in  the  wars. 
There,  above  noise  and  danger, 

Sweet  peace  sits  crowned  with  smiles, 
And  One  born  in  a  manger 

Commands  the  beauteous  files. 

If  thou  canst  get  but  thither. 

There  grows  the  flower  of  peace, 
The  rose  that  cannot  wither, 

Thy  fortress  and  thy  ease. 
Leave  thou  thy  foolish  ranges  ; 

For  none  can  thee  secure. 
But  One,  who  never  changes. 

Thy  God,  thy  Life,  thy  Cure. 

And  I  saw  in  the  right  hand  of  him  that  sat  on  the  throne  a 
book  written  within  and  on  the  back  side,  sealed  with  seven  seals. 
And  I  saw  a  strong  angel  proclaiming  with  a  loud  voice;  Who  is 
worthy  to  open  the  book,  and  to  loose  the  seals  thereof .-'  And 
no  man  in  heaven,  nor  in  earth,  neither  under  the  earth,  was 
able  to  open  the  book,  neither  to  look  thereon.  And  I  wept 
much,  because  no  man  was  found  worthy  to  open  and  to  read 
the  book,  neither  to  look  thereon.  And  one  of  the  elders  saith 
unto  me.  Weep  not :  behold,  the  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  the 
Root  of  David,  hath  prevailed  to  open  the  book,  and  to  loose 
the  seven  seals  thereof.  And  I  beheld,  and,  lo,  in  the  midst  of  the 
throne  and  of  the  four  beasts,  and  in  the  midst  of  the  elders, 
stood  a  Lamb  as  it  had  been  slain,  having  seven  horns  and  seven 


668  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

eyes,  which  are  the  seven  spirits  of  God  sent  forth  into  all  the 
earth.  And  he  came  and  took  the  book  out  of  the  right  hand 
of  him  that  sat  upon  the  throne.  And  when  he  had  taken  the 
book,  the  four  beasts  and  four  and  twenty  elders  fell  down  before 
the  Lamb,  having  every  one  of  them  harps,  and  golden  vials 
full  of  odours,  which  are  the  prayers  of  saints.  And  they  sung 
a  new  song,  saying,  Thou  art  worthy  to  take  the  book,  and  to 
open  the  seals  thereof :  for  thou  wast  slain,  and  hast  redeemed 
us  to  God  by  thy  blood  out  of  every  kindred,  and  tongue,  and 
people,  and  nation  ;  and  hast  made  us  unto  our  God  kings  and 
priests :  and  we  shall  reign  on  the  earth.  And  I  beheld,  and  I 
heard  the  voice  of  many  angels  round  about  the  throne,  and  the 
beasts,  and  the  elders  :  and  the  number  of  them  was  ten  thou- 
sand times  ten  thousand,  and  thousands  of  thousands  ;  saying 
with  a  loud  voice,  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  to  receive 
power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honour,  and 
glory,  and  blessing.  And  every  creature  which  is  in  heaven, 
and  on  the  earth,  and  under  the  earth,  and  such  as  are  in  the  sea, 
and  all  that  are  in  them,  heard  I  saying,  Blessing,  and  honour,  and 
glory,  and  power,  be  unto  him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and 
unto  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever.  And  the  four  beasts  said, 
Amen.  And  the  four  and  twenty  elders  fell  down  and  wor- 
shipped him  that  liveth  for  ever  and  ever. 

Glory  to  God  on  high  ! 
Let  heaven  and  earth  reply, 

Praise  ye  His  name  ! 
His  love  and  grace  adore, 
Who  all  our  sorrows  bore  ; 
Sing  loud  for  evermore, 

Worthy  the  Lamb  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE   POETS.  669 


CHAPTER   CCLXXIX. 

SATAN    BOUND. HIS    WORKS    DESTROYED. THE    NEW 

HEAVEN    AND    NEW    EARTH. 

Oh  !  scenes  surpassing  fable,  and  yet  true, 
Scenes  of  accomplished  bliss,  which  who  can  see, 
Though  but  in  distant  prospect,  and  not  feel 
His  soul  refreshed  with  foretaste  of  the  joy  ? 

AND  I  saw  an  angel  come  down  from  heaven,  having  the  key 
of  the  bottomless  pit  and  a  great  chain  in  his  hand.  And 
he  laid  hold  on  the  dragon,  that  old  serpent,  which  is  the  devil, 
and  Satan,  and  bound  him  a  thousand  years,  and  cast  him  into 
the  bottomless  pit,  and  shut  him  up,  and  set  a  seal  upon  him, 
that  he  should  deceive  the  nations  no  more,  till  the  thousand 
years  should  be  fulfilled  :  and  after  that  he  must  be  loosed  a 
little  season.  And  I  saw  thrones,  and  they  sat  upon  them,  and 
judgment  was  given  unto  them  :  and  I  saw  the  souls  of  them 
that  were  beheaded  for  the  witness  of  Jesus,  and  for  the  word  of 
God,  and  which  had  not  worshipped  the  beast,  neither  his  image, 
neither  had  received  his  mark  upon  their  foreheads,  or  in  their 
hands  ;  and  they  lived  and  reigned  with  Christ  a  thousand  years. 
But  the  rest  of  the  dead  lived  not  again  until  the  thousand 
years  were  finished.  This  is  the  first  resurrection.  Blessed  and 
holy  is  he  that  hath  part  in  the  first  resurrection  :  on  such  the 
second  death  hath  no  power,  but  they  shall  be  priests  of  God  and 
of  Christ,  and  shall  reign  with  him  a  thousand  years.  And  when 
the  thousand  years  are  expired,  Satan  shall  be  loosed  out  of  his 
prison,  and  shall  go  out  to  deceive  the  nations  which  are  in  the 
four  quarters  of  the  earth,  Gog  and  Magog,  to  gather  them  together 
to  battle  :  the  number  of  whom  is  as  the  sand  of  the  sea.  And 
they  went  up  on  the  breadth  of  the  earth,  and  compassed  the  camp 
of  the  saints  about,  and  the  beloved  city  :  and  fire  came  down  from 
God  out  of  heaven,  and  devoured  them.  And  the  devil  that  de- 
ceived them  was  cast  into  the  lake  of  fire  and  brimstone,  where 
the  beast  and  the  false  prophet  are,  and  shall  be  tormented  day 
and  night  for  ever  and  ever. 


670  THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS. 

And  I  saw  a  great  white  throne,  and  him  that  sat  on  it,  from 
whose  face  the  earth  and  the  heaven  fled  away  ;  and  there  was 
found  no  place  for  them.  And  I  saw  the  dead,  small  and  great, 
stand  before  God  ;  and  the  books  were  opened  :  and  another  book 
was  opened,  which  is  the  book  of  life :  and  the  dead  were  judged 
out  of  those  things  which  were  written  in  the  books,  according 
to  their  works.  And  the  sea  gave  up  the  dead  which  were  in  it ; 
and  death  and  hell  delivered  up  the  dead  which  were  in  them : 
and  they  were  judged  every  man  according  to  their  works.  And 
death  and  hell  were  cast  into  the  lake  of  fire.  This  is  the  second 
death.  And  whosoever  was  not  found  written  in  the  book  of  life 
was  cast  into  the  lake  of  fire. 

Hark  !  to  the  great  trumpet's  tones, 
Pealing  o'er  the  place  of  bones. 
Hark !  it  waketh  from  their  bed 
All  the  nations  of  the  dead, 
In  a  countless  throng  to  meet 
At  the  eternal  judgment  seat. 
Nature  sickens  with  dismay: 
Death  may  not  retain  his  prey ; 
And  before  the  Maker  stand 
All  the  creatures  of  His  hand. 
The  great  book  shall  be  unfurled, 
Whereby  God  shall  judge  the  world  ; 
What  was  distant  shall  be  near  ; 
What  was  hidden  shall  be  clear. 

And  I  saw  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth  :  for  the  first  heaven 
and  the  first  earth  were  passed  away ;  and  there  was  no  more  sea. 
And  I  John  saw  the  holy  city,  new  Jerusalem,  coming  down  from 
God  out  of  heaven,  prepared  as  a  bride  adorned  for  her  husband. 
And  I  heard  a  great  voice  out  of  heaven  saying,  Behold,  the  tab- 
ernacle of  God  is  with  men,  and  he  will  dwell  with  them,  and  they 
shall  be  his  people,  and  God  himself  shall  be  with  them,  and  be 
their  God.  And  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes  ; 
and  there  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sorrow,  nor  crying, 
neither  shall  there  be  any  more  pain :  for  the  former  things  are 
passed  away. 

Oh,  joy  !  to  know  that  Thou,  my  Friend, 
Art  Lord,  Beginning  without  end  : 
The  First  and  Last  —  Eternal ! 
And  Thou,  at  length,  O  glorious  grace  ! 


THE  BIBLE  AND    THE  POETS.  C/I 

Wilt  take  me  to  that  holy  place, 
The  liome  of  joys  supernal  ! 
Amen,  amen  ! 

And  he  that  sat  upon  the  throne  said,  Behold,  I  make  all  things 
new.  And  he  said  unto  me,  Write :  for  these  words  are  true  and 
faithful.  And  he  said  unto  me,  It  is  done.  I  am  Alpha  and 
Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end.  I  will  give  unto  him  that  is 
athirst  of  the  fountain  of  the  water  of  life  freely.  He  that  ovcr- 
cometh  shall  inherit  all  things  ;  and  I  will  be  his  God,  and  he 
shall  be  my  son.  But  the  fearful,  and  unbelieving,  and  the 
abominable,  and  murderers,  and  whoremongers,  and  sorcerers, 
and  idolaters,  and  all  liars,  shall  have  their  part  in  the  lake  which 
burneth  with  fire  and  brimstone :  which  is  the  second  death. 

Blessed  day,  which  hastens  fast, 

End  of  conflict  and  of  sin  ! 
Death  itself  shall  die  at  last. 

Heaven's  eternal  joy  begin. 
Then  eternity  shall  prove, 
God  is  Light,  and  God  is  Love. 


CHAPTER    CCLXXX. 

THE    HEAVENLY   JERUSALEM    DESCRIBED. 

Jerusalem,  my  happy  home  ! 

Name  ever  dear  to  me  ! 
When  shall  my  labours  have  an  end, 

In  joy,  and  peace,  and  thee  ? 

When  shall  these  eyes  thy  heaven-built  walls 

And  pearly  gates  behold  ? 
Thy  bulwarks  with  salvation  strong, 

And  streets  of  shining  gold  ? 

AND  there  came  unto  me  one  of  the  seven  angels  which  had 
the  seven  vials  full  of  the  seven  last  plagues,  and  talked 
with  me,  saying.  Come  hither.  I  will  shew  thee  the  bride,  the 
Lamb's  wife.  And  he  carried  me  away  in  the  spirit  to  a  great 
and  high  mountain,  and   shewed   me   that   great  city,  the  holy 


6/2  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

Jerusalem,  descending  out  of  heaven  from  God,  having  the  glory 
of  God  :  and  her  light  was  like  unto  a  stone  most  precious,  even 
like  a  jasper  stone,  clear  as  crystal ;  and  had  a  wall  great  and 
high,  and  had  twelve  gates,  and  at  the  gates  twelve  angels,  and 
names  written  thereon,  which  are  the  names  of  the  twelve  tribes 
of  the  children  of  Israel :  on  the  east  three  gates  ;  on  the  north 
three  gates  ;  on  the  south  three  gates  ;  and  on  the  west  three 
gates.  And  the  wall  of  the  city  had  twelve  foundations,  and  in 
them  the  names  of  the  twelve  apostles  of  the  Lamb.  And  he 
that  talked  with  me  had  a  golden  reed  to  measure  the  city,  and 
the  gates  thereof,  and  the  wall  thereof.  And  the  city  lieth  four- 
square, and  the  length  is  as  large  as  the  breadth :  and  he 
measured  the  city  with  the  reed,  twelve  thousand  furlongs. 
The  length  and  the  breadth  and  the  height  of  it  are  equal. 
And  he  measured  the  wall  thereof,  a  hundred  and  forty  and 
four  cubits,  according  to  the  measure  of  a  man,  that  is,  of  the 
angel.  And  the  building  of  the  wall  of  it  was  of  jasper :  and 
the  city  was  pure  gold,  like  unto  clear  glass.  And  the  founda- 
tions of  the  wall  of  the  city  were  garnished  with  all  manner  of 
precious  stones.  The  first  foundation  was  jasper  ;  the  second, 
sapphire ;  the  third,  a  chalcedony  ;  the  fourth,  an  emerald  ;  the 
fifth,  sardonyx  ;  the  sixth,  sardius  ;  the  seventh,  chrysolite ;  the 
eighth,  beryl  ;  the  ninth,  a  topaz  ;  the  tenth,  a  chrysoprasus  ; 
the  eleventh,  a  jacinth  ;  the  twelfth,  an  amethyst.  And  the 
twelve  gates  were  twelve  pearls  ;  every  several  gate  was  of  one 
pearl :  and  the  street  of  the  city  was  pure  gold,  as  it  were  trans- 
parent glass. 

O  mother  dear,  Jerusalem  !  when  shall  I  come  to  Thee  ? 

When  shall  my  sorrows  have  an  end,  thy  joys  when  shall  I  see  ? 

O  happy  harbour  of  God's  saints  !  O  sweet  and  pleasant  soil ! 

In  thee  no  sorrow  may  be  found,  no  grief,  no  care,  no  toil ! 

O  passing  happy  were  my  state,  might  I  be  worthy  found 

To  wait  upon  my  God  and  King,  His  praises  there  to  sound ! 

And  I  saw  no  temple  therein  :  for  the  Lord  God  Almighty 
and  the  Lamb  are  the  temple  of  it.  And  the  city  had  no  need 
of  the  sun,  neither  of  the  moon,  to  shine  in  it :  for  the  glory  of 
God  did  lighten  it,  and  the  Lamb  is  the  light  thereof.  And  the 
nations  of  them  which  are  saved  shall  walk  in  the  light  of  it : 
and  the  kings  of  the  earth  do  bring  their  glory  and  honour  into 
it.     And  the  gates  of  it  shall  not  be  shut  at  all  by  day  :  for  there 


THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS.  C73 

shall  be  no  night  there.  And  they  shall  bring  the  glory  and 
honour  of  the  nations  into  it.  And  there  shall  in  no  wise  enter 
into  it  any  thing  that  defileth,  neither  whatsoever  vvorketh  abomi- 
nation, or  maketh  a  lie:  but  they  which  are  written  in  the 
Lamb's  book  of  life. 

Who  are  these  in  dazzling  briglitness, 
Clothed  in  God's  own  ri<;hteousness, 
These,  whose  robes  of  purest  whiteness, 
Shall  their  lustre  still  possess, 
Still  untouched  by  Time's  rude  hand  ? 
Whence  come  all  this  glorious  band  ? 

Lo  !  the  Lamb  Himself  now  feeds  them 

On  Mount  Zion's  pastures  fair  ; 

From  His  central  throne  He  leads  them 

To  the  living  fountains  there  : 

Lamb  and  Shepherd,  Good  Supreme  ! 

Free  He  gives  the  cooling  stream. 


CHAPTER   CCLXXXI. 

THE    CLOSING    VISION. THE    LAST    TESTIMONY. 

Oh,  the  transporting,  rapturous  scene 

That  rises  to  my  sight  ! 
Sweet  fields,  arrayed  in  living  green, 

And  rivers  of  delight. 

There  generous  fruits  that  never  fail, 

On  trees  immortal  grow  ; 
There  rocks  and  hills,  and  brooks  and  vales 

With  milk  and  honey  flow. 

AND  he  shewed  me  a  pure  river  of  water  of  life,  clear  as  crystal, 
proceeding  out  of  the  throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb.  In  the 
midst  of  the  street  of  it,  and  on  either  side  of  the  river,  was  there 
the  tree  of  life,  which  bare  twelve  manner  of  fruits,  and  yielded 
her  fruit  every  month  :  and  the  leaves  of  the  tree  were  for  the 
healing  of  the  nations.  And  there  shall  be  no  more  curse :  but 
the  throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb  shall  be  in  it ;  and  his  ser\'ants 
shall  serve  him  :  and  they  shall  see  his  face  ;  and  his  name  shall 
be  in  their  foreheads.     And  there  shall  be  no  night  there  ;  and 

43 


674  THE  BIBLE  AND   THE  POETS. 

they  need  no  candle,  neither  light  of  the  sun  ;  for  the  Lord  God 
giveth  them  light :  and  they  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 

Thou  hast  no  shore,  fair  Ocean  !  thou  hast  no  time,  bright  Day ! 
Dear  fountain  of  refreshment  to  pilgrims  far  away  ! 
Upon  the  Rock  of  Ages  they  raise  thy  holy  tower  ; 
Thine  is  the  victor's  laurel,  and  thine  the  golden  dower  ! 
Jerusalem  the  golden,  with  milk  and  honey  blest, 
Beneath  thy  contemplation  sink  heart  and  voice  oppressed  ! 
I  know  not,  oh,  I  know  not,  what  social  joys  are  there  ! 
What  radiancy  of  glory,  what  light  beyond  compare  ! 

And  he  said  unto  me.  These  sayings  are  faithful  and  true : 
and  the  Lord  God  of  the  holy  prophets  sent  his  angel  to  shew 
unto  his  servants  the  things  which  must  shortly  be  done.  Behold, 
I  come  quickly :  blessed  is  he  that  keepeth  the  sayings  of  the 
prophecy  of  this  book.  And  I  John  saw  these  things,  and  heard 
them.  And  when  I  had  heard  and  seen,  I  fell  down  to  worship 
before  the  feet  of  the  angel  which  shewed  me  these  things.  Then 
saith  he  unto  me.  See  thou  do  it  not :  for  I  am  thy  fellow-servant, 
and  of  thy  brethren  the  prophets,  and  of  them  which  keep  the 
sayings  of  this  book :  worship  God.  And  he  saith  unto  me,  Seal 
not  the  sayings  of  the  prophecy  of  this  book :  for  the  time  is  at 
hand.  He  that  is  unjust,  let  him  be  unjust  still:  and  he  which  is 
filthy,  let  him  be  filthy  still :  and  he  that  is  righteous,  let  him  be 
righteous  still :  and  he  that  is  holy,  let  him  be  holy  still.  And, 
behold,  I  come  quickly  ;  and  my  reward  is  with  me,  to  give  every 
man  according  as  his  work  shall  be.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega, 
the  beginning  and  the  end,  the  first  and  the  last.  Blessed  are 
they  that  do  his  commandments,  that  they  may  have  right  to  the 
tree  of  life,  and  may  enter  in  through  the  gates  into  the  city.  For 
without  are  dogs,  and  sorcerers,  and  whoremongers,  and  murder- 
ers, and  idolaters,  and  whosoever  loveth  and  maketh  a  lie.  I 
Jesus  have  sent  mine  angel  to  testify  unto  you  these  things  in 
the  churches.  I  am  the  root  and  the  offspring  of  David,  and 
the  bright  and  morning  star.  And  the  Spirit  and  the  bride  say, 
Come.  And  let  him  that  heareth  say,  Come.  And  let  him  that 
is  athirst  come.  And  whosoever  will,  let  him  take  the  water  of 
life  freely.  For  I  testify  unto  every  man  that  heareth  the  words 
of  the  prophecy  of  this  book.  If  any  man  shall  add  unto  these 
things,  God  shall  add  unto  him  the  plagues  that  are  written  in 
this  book  :  and  if  any  man  shall  take  away  from  the  words  of  the 


THE  BIBLE   AXD    THE   POETS.  675 

book  of  this  prophecy,  God  shall  take  away  his  part  out  of  the  book 
of  life,  and  out  of  the  holy  city,  and  from  the  things  which  are 
written  in  this.  book.  He  which  testifieth  these  things  s'ith, 
Surely  I  come  quickly  Amen.  Even  so,  come,  Lord  Jesus.  Tlic 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you  all.     Amen. 

The  whole  creation  <j;roans, 

And  waits  to  liear  that  voice 
That  shall  restore  her  comeliness, 

And  make  her  wastes  rejoice. 
Come,  Lord,  and  wipe  away 

The  curse,  the  sin,  the  stain, 
And  make  this  blighted  world  of  ours 

Thine  own  fair  world  again. 
Come  then.  Lord  Jesus,  Come  ! 


INDEX 


OF 


TOPICS,     BOOKS,     AND     POETS. 


NAhbion.  Bible. 

Chapters.  Books.     Chap. 

I.     God's  Work  of  Creation.  —  The  first  Four  Days   Gen.        i. 

Milton,  I,  2  ;  Derzhavin,  3  ;  Blanco  White,  4. 

II.     The  Work  of  Creation  completed.  —  The  Sabbath 

ordained „         i,  2. 

Derzhavin,  i  ;  Spenser,  2  ;  Grahame,  3  ;  Leyden,  4. 

III.     Summary.  —  Eden.  —  The  Woman.  —  Marriage      „  2. 

Milton  I,  3,  4  ;  Cowley,  2  ;  Pollock,  5. 

IV.  The  Temptation.  —  The  Fall.  —  The  Serpent 
doomed.  —  The  Vanquisher  promised.  —  The 
Exiles „  3. 

Milton,  I,  2,  5  ;  Hemans,  3  ;  Mrs.  Browning,  4  ;    Keblc,  6. 

V.     Birth   of  Cain  and  Abel. —  How  they  differed. — 

Abel  murdered.  —  The  Murderer  punished    .      „  4. 

Mrs.  Browning,  i  ;  Stradling,  2  ;  Knox,  3  ;  Montgomery,  4. 

VI.     The  Genealogy  and  the  Ages  of  the  antediluvian 

Patriarchs „  5. 

Shakespeare,  i  ;  Percival,  2  ;  Milton,  3  ;  King,  4. 

VII.     The  World  doomed.— The  Ark  built     .     .     .     .      „  6. 

Byron,  i,  4  ;   Dana,  2  ;  Shakespeare,  3. 

VIII.     The  Deluge        „  7- 

Byron,  2  ;   Milton,  3  ;  Montgomer)-,  4. 

IX.     Ararat  and  the  Altar        »  §• 

Bowles,  :  ;  Hemans,  2  ;  Merrick,  4. 

X.     The  Blessing. —  The  Rainbow „  9. 

Cowper,  I  ;  Hemans,  2  ;  Vaughan,  3. 

XI.     Noah's  Sons  and   Grandsons.  —  Babel   and  the 

Dispersion »      10,  ii. 

Harvey,  i  ;  Shakespeare,  2  ;  Milton,  3  ;  Cowper,  4  ;  Keble,  5. 

XII.     The  Call  of  Abram.  — The  Vision.  — The  Cove- 
nant     "      '-»  '5- 

Quarles,  i  ;  Milton,  2. 

XI 1 1.     The  Names  changed.  —  The  Covenant  renewed.  — 

Circumcision 10.  1 7- 

Gerhardt,  i  ;  Rodigast,  3. 


6/8  INDEX   OF  TOPICS,   BOOKS,   AND  POETS. 

N4hbion.  Bible. 

Chapters.  Books.      Chap. 

XIV.     Abraham's  Angel-guests. — He  pleads  for  Sodom   Gen.      i8. 

Shakespeare,  i  ;  Gill,  2  ;  Spenser,  3  ;   'I'ennyson,  4. 

XV.     Lot  delivered. —  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  destroyed       „  19. 

Longfellow,  i  ;    Whittier,  3,  6  ;   Collier,  4  ;   Keble,  5. 

XVI.     The  Heir  and  the  Exile        „         21. 

Drayton,  i  ;  Merrigate,  2  ;  Tighe,  4  ;   Willis,  5. 

XVII.     The  great  Trial  and  Triumph  of  Abraham's 

Faith „         22. 

Keble,  2  ;   Willis,  3. 

XVIII.     A  Bride  sought  for  Isaac „         24. 

Shakespeare,  i,  5  ;  Halleck,  2  ;  Cowper,  4  ;  Montgomery,  6. 

XIX.     Rehearsals.  —  Proposals.  —  Espousals  ...        „         24. 

Sigourney,   i ;    Shirley,    2 ;    Herbert,    3 ;    Shakespeare,  4 ; 
Mick.e,  5  ;   Rogers,  6. 

XX.     Abraham's  Death.  —  Esau  and  Jacob  born.  — 

The  Promise  renewed  to  Isaac     ....        ,,25,  26. 

Wilson,  1  ;  Barbauld,  2 ;  Bertant,  4 ;  Gerhardt,  5. 

XXI.     Jacob  guilefully  gets  Esau's  Blessing      ...       „         27. 

Shakespeare,  i ;  Spenser,  2 ;  Scott,  3  ;  Keble,  4. 

XXII.     Jacob's  Blessing,  Vision,  and  Vow     ....        „         28. 

Newton,  i;  Bonar,  2;  Croly,  3^  4;  Dana,  5.  . 

XXIII.  Jacob's  Journey,  Sojourn,  and  Return     ...        „    29,30,31. 

Tennyson,  i  ;  Fenton,  2;  Percival,  3;  Shakespeare,  4 ;  Sid- 
ney, 5  ;  Southwell,  6. 

XXIV.  Jacob's  propitiatory  Present.  —  His  wrestling 

Prayer.  —  His  princely  Title „         32. 

Quarles,  i ;   Southwell,  3  ;    Shakespeare,    4 ;   Wesley,  5  ; 
Dreszler,  6. 

XXV.     The  fraternal  Meeting „         33- 

Shakespeare,  i,  4;  Henryson,  2;  Spenser,  3. 

XXVI.     Joseph  the  beloved  Son  and  hated  Brother  .     .        „        2)7- 

Shakespeare,  i,  4,  6 ;  Keble,  2  ;  Mrs.  Browning,  3  ;  Lowell,  5. 

XXVII.     Joseph  promoted,  persecuted,  and  imprisoned  .       „         39. 

Mrs.   Whitney,    i  ;    Milton,    2 ;    Von   Canitz,    3,   4 ;    John 
Brown,  5. 

XXVIII.     The  King's  Buder  and  Baker  come  to  Grief    .        „        40. 

Shakespeare,  i,  2,  3,  4. 

XXIX.     Pharaoh's  Dreams „         41- 

Shakespeare,  i,  5 ;  Dante,  2  ;  Byron,  3  :  Goldsmith,  4.  • 

XXX.     Joseph  interprets  for  Pharaoh.  —  New  Honours        „        41. 

Byron,  i  ;  Cowper,  2. 

XXXI.     Joseph's  Brethren  sent  into  Egypt  for  Food    .        ,,      41,  42- 

Mrs.  Browning,  i  ;  Shakespeare,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6. 

XXXII.     The  second   Journey.  —  The    princely  Enter- 
tainment         ,i        43- 

Tasso,  I  ;  Herbert,  2  ;  Prior,  3  ;  Cowper,  4. 

XXXIII.     Joseph  planning. — Judah  pleading    ....        „         44- 

Massey,    i ;    Quarles,   2  ;    Mrs.   Browning,  3  ;    Lowell,    4  ; 
Southcy,  5. 


INDEX  OF  TOPICS,  BOOKS,   AND  POETS.  679 

Nahbion.  Bible. 

Chapters.       .  Books.    Chap. 

XXXIV.     Joseph  identified. —Jacob  comforted .     .     .     .     Gen.     45. 

Sliakcspeaie,  i,  4  ;  Biilwer,  2  ;  Dana,  3. 

XXXV^     Israel  migrates.  —  Tiie  two  Meetings      ...        „      46,47- 

Zilin,  1  ;  Cowper,  3  ;  Shakespeare,  4 ;  Carew,  5. 

XXXVI.     Joseph's  Oath.  — Jacob's  Rehearsals  and  Ben- 
edictions            „     47,  48. 

Goldsmith,  I  ;    Montgomery,    2  ;    Knox,   3  ;    MiJdieton,  4  ; 
Graiie,  5. 

XXXVII.     Israel's    patriarchal    Prophecies. —  His  dying 

Injunction „         49- 

Shakespeare,  1  ;  Keble,  2  ;  Quarles,  3  ;   Kiel,  4. 

XXXVIII.     The  Oath  fultilled.  —  An  Oath  exacted    ...        „      49,50. 

Rogers,  i;    Whittier,  2;    Shakespeare,  3;    Carew,  4;    Her- 
bert, 5. 

XXXIX.     Job  commended.  —  Satan  allowed  to  test  his 

Integrity Job      i,  2. 

Shakespeare,  i,  3,  4  ;  Goldsmith,  2  ;  Breton,  5  ;  Dekker,  6. 

XL.     Job's  Complaint „        2,  3. 

Darwin,  i  ;  Mrs.  Browning,  3. 

XLI.     The  oracular  Speech  of  Eliphaz „        4,  5. 

Byron,  i  ;  Prior,  2  ;  Bryant,  3. 

XLII.     Job  and  Bildad  discoursing ,,6,7,8. 

Josephsen,  i  ;   Knox,  2  ;  Quarles,  3. 

XLI  1 1.     The  Discourse  continued  by  Job  and  Eliphaz  .       „     9,  10,  11. 

Byron,  i  ;  Burns,  2  ;  S.  Boyse,  3. 

XLIV.     Man  and  his  Mortality „      12,  14. 

Mrs.  Browning,  i  ;  Moore,  2  :   King,  3. 

XLV.     Job  accused  and  exhorted.  —  His  trustful  Reply       „      22,  23. 

Cowper,  I,  3  ;  Barbauld,  2  ;  Bi'yant,  4  ;  Mrs.  Browning,  5. 

XLVI.     The  Majesty  and  Holiness  of  God      ....       ,,25,  26. 

Young,  I  ;  Prior,  2. 

XLVII.     The  Sincerity  of  Job. — Hypocrites  are  hopeless. 

— The  Wicked  make  their  Blessings  Curses       „         27. 

Rowe,  I  ;  Watts,  2  ;  Young,  3. 

XLVIII.     Learning  differs  from  Wisdom „,       28. 

Cowper,  I,  2 ;  Tickell,  3. 

XLIX.     Remembered  Prosperity „         29. 

Rogers,  I  ;  Sturm,  2. 

L.     Calamities  bewailed „  30. 

Quarles,  i  ;  Taylor,  2  ;  Swaine,  3. 

LI.     Elihu  discoursing  of  God's   Sovereignty  and 

Grace „      32,  33. 

Young,  I  ;  Tennyson,  2  ;  Bal'y,  3  :  Laurenti,  4. 

LI  I.     Elihu  discoursing  of  God,  His  Works,  and  His 

Wisdom »      35,  37- 

Dante,  i  ;  Angelo,  2  :  Schiller,  3  ;  Kamphy7en,  4. 

LIII.     Job  taught  Man's  Ignorance  and  Weakness  „      38,  39. 

Young,  I  ;  Hemans,  2  ;  Barbauld,  3  ;  Spenser,  4  ;  Sotheby,  5. 


68o  INDEX  OF  TOPICS,  BOOKS,   AND  POETS. 

NAhbion.  Bible. 

Chapters.  Books.      Chap. 

LIV.     Jehovah  declares  His  Might  and  Majesty  to  Job     Job    40,41. 

Ranibach,  i  ;  VVordsvvorih,  2  ;  Mutoa,  3. 

LV.     Prosperity  restored „  42. 

Southwell,  I  ;  Gerhardt,  3  ;   Shakespeare,  4. 

LVI.     The  Israelites  oppressed.  —  They  multiply  under 

Bondage Ex.  i. 

Cowper,  I,  3,  4;   Graile,  2. 

LVI  I.     Moses  the   Infant,  the  Prince,  the  Avenger,  and 

the  Exile „  2. 

Biooks,    I  ;   Sterling,   2;    Shakespeare,  3;  Rowe.  4 ;   Mont- 
gomery, 5. 

LVIII.     Moses  commissioned  at  the  Burning  Bush      .     .      „  3. 

Keble,  i  ;  Mickle,  2  ;  Drayton,  3  ;  Elliott,  4  ;  Luther,  5. 

LIX.     Moses    encouraged    by    Miracles.  —  He   meets 

Aaron.  —  They  assemble  the  Elders    .     .       .      „  4- 

Shakespeare,  i  ;  Young,  2  ;  Goethe,  3  ;   Barton,  4. 

LX.     Pharaoh  approached.  —  He  waxes  insolent  and 

cruel        „  5- 

Montgomery,  i ;  Shea,  2  ;   P.  Fletcher,  3  ;  Shakespeare,  4. 

LXI.     The  Name  and  the  Promise „  6,  7. 

Oliver,  i  ;   Cowper,  2  ;   Smart,  3. 

LXI  I.     Miracles.  —  The  Serpent-rod.  —  The  Blood-water. 

A  reluctant  Confession        „  7,  8. 

Milton,  I  ;   Cowley,  2,  3  ;  Shakespeare,  4. 

LXI  1 1.     Miracles.  —  Boils.  —  Darkness.  —  The  First-born 

doomed »       9,  lo,  ii. 

Cowley,  I,  3  ;  Whittier,  2  ;  Elliott,  4. 

LXIV.     The  Epoch  of  Deliverance.  —  Its  festive  Memo- 

,  rial  appointed •   .     .     .     .      „  12. 

Gerhardt,  i  ;   Watts.  2  ;   Shakespeare,  3. 

LXV.     The   first    Passover.  —  The   First-born   dead.  — 

The  Departure „      12,  13. 

Cowley,  I,  2  ;   Milton,  3. 

LXVI.     Pharaoh  pursues.  —  Israel   disheartened.  —  De- 
liverance.—  Destruction „  14- 

Cowley,  I,  3  ■,    Heber,  2,  4. 

LXVII.     Triumphal  Songs.  —  Bitter  Waters        .     .     .     .      „  15. 

Heber,  i,  5  ;   Milman,  2  -,    Hemans,  3  ;   Mrs.  Charles,  4. 

LXVI  1 1.     Murmuring.  —  Quails.  —  Manna ,>  16. 

Trench,  2  ;    Keble,  3  ;   Vaughan,  5. 

LXIX.     The  smitten  Rock.  —  Amalek  vanquished       .     .      „  I7' 

Parnell,  i  ;   Mi-s.  Charles,  2  ;   Zhukovsky,  3. 

LXX.     Jehovah's     Majesty    and    Holiness    revealed   at 

Sinai        ,»  19- 

Dale,  I  ;  Shakespeare,  2  ;  Spenser,  3  ;  Vaughan,  4. 

LXXI.     The  Decalogue  delivered „  20. 

Watts,  I,  2  ;   McComb,  3  ;  Chatterton,  4. 


INDEX  OF  TOPICS,   BOOKS,   AND  POETS.  68 1 

Nalibion.  Bible. 

Chapters.  •  Books.       Chap. 

LXXII.     Aaron''s   golden    Calf.  —  God's    Wrath    pro- 
voked.—  iMoses's  prevailino- Intercession     Ex.       32. 

Shakespeare,  2,  4  ;  Waller,  3  ;   Heman.c,  5. 

LXXIII.     Moses    communes    with   God. —  His    Face 

beams  with  Glory „       33,  34. 

Quarles,  i  ;    Wordsworth,  2,  3  ;   Grinfield,  4. 

LXXIV.     Free   Offerings  for  the  Tabernacle.  —  It   is 

made,  reared,  and  divinely  consecrated     .       „      35,  36,  39, 

Herrick,  i  ;  Wordsworth,  2  ;  Grahame,  3.  AO. 

LXXV.     Aaron's  first  Offerings.  —  Nadab  and  Abihu  \  Lev.      9,  10. 
consumed C  Num.      6. 

Drummond,  i  ;  Layard,  2. 

LXXVI.     The  High  Priest  and  the  Holy  of  Holies.  — 

The  Sin  Offerings.  —  The  Scape-goat      .      Lev.      16. 

Herbert,  1,  2;  John  Quarles,  3. 

LXXVII.     Marching  Orders Num.  9,  10. 

Lehr,  i  ;  Scott,  2  ;  Keble,  3. 

LXXVIII.     The  Committee  of  Search.  —  Their  conflict- 
ing Report „        13. 

Shakespeare,  i,  2  ;  Barton,  3  ;  Herbert,  4. 

LXXIX.     The  Sin. — The  Supplication. — The  Sentence         „        14. 

Shakespeare,  i,  3  ;  Herbert,  2  ;  Cloiigh,  4. 

LXXX.     The  blossoming  Rod  and  the  Aaronic  Priest- 
hood               „      17,  18. 

Hemans,  i  ;  Keble,  2,  3. 

LXXXI.     The  smitten  Rock.  —  Aaron's  Death.  —  The 

Brazen  Serpent ,,     20,  21. 

Thomson,  i  ;  Sigourney,  2  ;  Bonar,  3,  4. 

LXXXII.     Jehovah  eternal  and  sovereign.  —  Man  frail 

and  dependent Ps.      90. 

Bacon,  1  ;  Shakespeare,  2 ;  Cowper,  3. 

LXXXI  1 1.     Balak  bribing  Balaam Num.    22. 

Young,  I,  2  ;   Massey,  3 ;  Cowper,  4  ;  Keble,  5. 

LXXXIV.     Balak's  Sacrifices.  —  Balaam's  Parables  .     .         ,,     22,  23. 

Dante,  i  ;  Young,  2  ;  Parnell,  3. 

LXXXV.     Balaam's  Prophecies ,,24. 

Keble,  i,  2  ;  Jewsbury,  3. 

LXXXVI.     The  Census  opposite  Jericho.  —  Joshua  ap- 
pointed to  succeed  Moses »     26,  27. 

Wordsworth,  i,  4  ;   Cowper,  2  ;   Hall,  3. 

LXXXVII.     Blessings  promised.  —  Curses  threatened      .     Deut.    28. 

Cowper,  I  ;   Prior,  2  ;  Goldsmith,  3. 

LXXXVI II.     Moses  sings  of  Vengeance  and  Mercy     .     .         „       32. 

Cowper,  2 ;  Quarles,  3  ;   Hemans,  4. 

LXXXIX.     Moses  blesses    Israel.  —  He  views    Canaan 

from  Nebo.  —  His  hidden  Grave    ...         „    32,33,34. 

Gascoine,  2  ;    Cowper,  3  ;  Shakespeare,  4,   6  ;  Tappan,  5  ; 
Bryant,  7. 


682  INDEX  OF  TOPICS,  BOOKS,  AND  POETS. 

Nahbion  Bible. 

Chapters.  Books.      Chap. 

XC.     Joshua   encouraged.  —  Spies    sent    to    Jericho. 

—  Rahab  assured Josh,     i,  2. 

Keble,  i  ;  Smollett,  2  ;   Shakespeare,  3,  4. 

XCI.     Joshua  leading. —  The  Jordan  sundered.—  Canaan 

entered „        3,  4- 

Cowley,  2  ;  Clinch,  3  ;  Watts,  4. 

XCI  I.     Jericho  captured.  —  Rahab  rescued „         6. 

Shakespeare,  i,  2,  4;   Muloch,  3  ;  Watts,  5. 

XCIII.     Gibeon  besieged.  —  Hailstones.  —  The  Sun  and 

Moon  stand  still „        lo. 

Spenser,  i  ;  Shakespeare,  2  ;  Van  Shaick;  3  ;  Banvard,  4. 

XCIV.  The  Conquest  achieved.  —  The  Inheritance  di- 
vided. —  The  Cities  of  Refuge.  —  Cities  for 
the  Levites ,,11,14.18 

Cowper,  I ;  Ruckert,  2 ;  Von  Auersperg,  3  ;  Lamartine,  4.  20,  2 1 . 

XCV.     Joshua's  faithful  Admonitions  to  the  Israelites. —  |  Josh.    24. 
His  Death 1  Judg.     2. 

Sliakespeare,  i,  4  ;   Keble,  2  ;   Byron,  3. 

XCVI.     Israel  disloyal  and  troubled.  —  Sisera  destroyed. 

—  The  Song  of  Victory Judg.    4,  5. 

ShalJespeare,  i,  2  ;   Hemans,  3  ;   Byron,  4. 

XCVII.     The  three  Widows.  —  The  Ways  they  went    .     .     Ruth      I. 

Calvert,  i  ;   Mrs.  Browning,  2  ;   Edniond,  3  ;  Shakespeare,  4. 

XCVIII.     The  gainful  Gleaner „         2. 

W.  Baxter,  2  ;  Hemans,  3. 

XCIX.     Womanly  E.xpedients.  —  Hopeful  Tokens  .     .     .         „         3. 

Davidson,  1  ;  Shakespeaie,  2 ;  Young,  3. 

C.     The  Gleaner  reaping „        4' 

Milton,  I  ;  Chapman,  2  ;   Shakespeare,  3. 

CI.     The  valiant  Jephthah.  —  His  Vow.  —  His  doomed 

Daughter.  —  Samson  born J«dg.  11,13. 

Crabbe,  i  ;  Kinglake,  2  ;   Shakespeare,  3  ;   Scott,  4  ;   Byron.  5  ; 
Tennyson,  6. 

CI  I.     Hannah's  Prayer  and  Vow.— Tlie  Prayer  answered     i  Sam.    i. 

Cowper,  I ;  Southey,  3. 

cm.     Elkanah'sPiety.  — Hannah's  Loan  and  TV  Z?^7/w        „      1,2. 

Montgomery,  i. 

CIV.     The   Divine   Call.  — Eli    Doomed.  —  Samuel   as 

Prophet  and  Judge »»        3- 

Hemans,  i  ;  Chaucer,  2 ;  Milton,  4. 

CV.     Samson  seeks  a  Wife.  —  He  kills  a  Lion.  —  His 

Feast. —  His  Riddle. —  His  Victory     -     .     •     Judg.    14- 

Shakespeare,  i,  4 ;  Thomson,  2  ;  Akenside,  3  ;   Quarles,  5. 

CVI.     Delilah  loved.  —  Her  importunate  Plea. —  Samson 

blinded.  —  His  Revenge »        16. 

Aleyn,  i ;  Shakespeare,  2,  3  ;  Baillie,  4  ;  Milton,  5  ;  Quarles,  6. 


INDEX  OF  TOPICS,   BOOKS,   AND  POETS.  683 

NAhbion.  Bible. 

Chapters.         '  Books.       Cliap. 

CVII.     The  Israelites  defeated.  —  The  Ark  captured. — 

Eh's  Death i  Sam.    4.  5. 

Shakespeare,  i,  2  ;  Milton,  4. 

CVIII.     The  Ark  restored.  —  Solemnities  at  Mizpeh. — 

Peace „  6,  7. 

Dodsley,  i  ;  Qiiarles,  2  ;  Young,  3  ;  Thomson,  4. 

CIX.     The  Majesty  and   Providence  of  God  devoutly 

celebrated        Ps.         104. 

T.  Moore,  i  ;~Gerhardt,  2  ;  Thomson,  3  ;  Wotton,  4. 

ex.     The    Elders    of    Israel   ask    Samuel   to  appoint 

them  a  King i  Sam.       8. 

Shakespeare,  i  ;  Prior,  2  ;  Whittier,  3. 

CXI.     The  Genealogy  of  Saul.  —  How  he  was  anointed 

to  be  King „       9,  10,  11, 

Shakespeare,  i,  3  ;  Cowper,  2;  Smart,  4;  Waller,  5.  12. 

CXI  I.     Saul  rejected  by  Jehovah.  —  David  anointed  King 

instead „        13,  16. 

Cowper,  I ;  Shakespeare,  2,  4  ;  Herrick,  3. 

CXI  1 1.     Goliath,  the  giant  Champion.  —  David,  the  strip- 
ling Shepherd „  17. 

Shakespeare,  i,  2,  4,  6  ;  Keble,  3  ;  Cowper,  5. 

CXIV.     Goliath  slain  by  David „  17, 

Nash,  I  ;  Drayton,  2  ;   Ben  Jonson,  3  ;  Cowper,  4. 

CXV.     The   Psalmist  praises  God.  —  His  happy  Expe- 
rience.—  Others  exhorted  and  encouraged    .      Ps.  34. 

Fleming,  i  ;  Mrs.  Stowe,  3. 

CXVI.     Saul  forsaken  by  God.  —  He  consults  a  Witch. 

—  His  Doom  declared i  Sam.      28. 

Chapman,  i ;  Shakespeare,  2,  3,  4,  5  ;  Byron,  6. 

CXVI  I.     The  Deaths  of  Saul  and  Jonathan.  —  The  Grief  (  j  Sam.     31. 
of  David 1  -,  , 

Shakespeare,  i,  4;  Knox,  2  ;  Sandys,  3. 

CXVIII.     David  is  fully  established  as  King.  —  He  brings 

the  Ark  of  God  to  Jerusalem 2  Sam.     2,  3,  5, 

Akenside,  i  ;  Wordsworth,  2  ;  Shakespeare,  3  ;  Sotheby,  4.  -  6. 

CXIX.     A  special  Psalm  of  Thanks  to  Jehovah      .     .     .     i  Ch.        16. 

Riickert,  i  ;  Milton,  2. 

CXX.     Jehovah,  the  all-seeing  Sovereign  and  Judge  .     .      Ps.         139. 

Montgomery,  i  ;  Bums,  3. 

CXXI.     The  Purpose.  —  The  Prohibition.  —  The  Promise. 

—  The  Prayer 2  Sam.       7. 

Watts,  I  ;  Thomson,  2. 

CXXII.     Nathan's    Parable  and   Reproof.  —  David's    Be- 
reavement      „  12. 

Milton,    I ;    Shakespeare,   2 ;    Mrs.    Browning,   3 ;    Ephraem 
Syrus,  4  ;  Coleridge,  5. 

CXXIII.     Penitential  Pleading Ps.         51. 

Burleigh,  2. 


684  INDEX   OF   TOPICS,   BOOKS,   AND   POETS. 

Nahbion.  Bible. 

Chapters.  Books.       Chap. 

CXXI V.  Absalom  in  Exile. —  His  Restoration  and  Con- 
spiracy   2  Sam.    14,  15. 

Moore,  i  ;  Spenser,  2  ;  Wordsworth,  3  ;  Shakespeare,  4. 

CXXV.     Absalom's    Treason.  —  His    Death.  —  King 

David's  Lamentation ,,  15.  18. 

Shakespeare,  i  ;  Tasso,  2,  3  ;   Harrington,  4  ;  Willis,  5. 

CXXVI.     David's  Longing  after  God Ps.  42. 

Quarles,  i  ;    Sandys,  2. 

CXXVn.  David's  Psalm  of  Thanks  for  manifold  Deliv- 
erances   2  Sam.      22. 

Neumarck,  i  ;  Boyse,  2. 

CXXVI n.     Jehovah,   the    compassionate    Shepherd   and 

merciful  Sovereign Ps.    23,  103. 

Herbert,  i  ;  Addison,  2  ;  Watts,  3  ;  Xavier,  4. 

CXXIX.     Brotherly  Unity.  —  The  sleepless  Shepherd. 

—  The  accepted  Worshipper.  —  The  King 

of  Glory ,,24.133,121. 

Kamphysen,  i  ;  Watts,  2  ;  Wesley,  4. 

CXXX.     The  Psalmist  in  Danger.— His  Place  of  Safety      „  73. 

Pollock,  I  ;  Young,  2. 

CXXXL  Imperfections  acknowledged. —  Mercies  im- 
plored      „         39. 

Beattie,  i  ;  Young,  2  ;  Quarles,  3. 

CXXXII.     Confiding  Faith  and  Prayer „         27. 

Montgomery,  i ;  J.  Quarles,  2  ;  W.  Thomson,  3. 

CXXXII  I.     The  Blessedness  of  the  Good.  —  The  Dan- 
gers of  the  Wicked „      1,11,91. 

Burns,  i  ;  Hall,  2  ;  Herbert,  3  ;  Montgomer)',  4. 

CXXXIV.     God  glorified  by  His  Works „         8,  19. 

Lyte,  I  ;  Lamartine,  2 ;  Watts,  3  ;  Thomson,  4. 

CXXXV.  Adoring  Praise  should  be  rendered  to  Jeho- 
vah for  the  Majesty  and  Glory  of  His 
Kingdom „      93)  97?  98. 

Blacklock,  i  ;  Watts,  2  :  Shultz,  3  ;  Byron,  4. 

.  CXXXVI.     The  Death  of  David.  —  Solomon  enthroned. 

—  His   Prayer  for  Wisdom.  —  His  saga- 
cious Decision i  Ki.      2,  3. 

Young,  I  ;  Rosegarten,  2  ;  S.  Boyse,  3  ;  Shakespeare, 
4,  5  ;  Davenant,  6. 

CXXXVI  I.     King  Solomon.  —  The  Messiah Ps.   2,110,72. 

Watts,  I,  3  ;  Montgomery,  4. 

CXXXVIII.     The  Temple  built  by  Solomon i  Ki.  5,  6,  8. 

Shakespeare,  i  ;  Mason,  3. 

CXXXIX.     The  mystic  Lovers  begun Song  Sol.   2,3. 

Mrs.  Browning,  i ;   Lyte,  2  ;  Bowring,  3. 

CXL.     The  mystic  Lovers  ended „      ,,4,5,6. 

Coleridge,  i ;  Moore,  2  ;  Swinburne,  3 ;  Keble,  4. 


INDEX  OF  TOPICS,  BOOKS,  AND  POETS.  685 

Nahbion.  Bible. 

Chapters.  ■  Books.     Chap. 

CXLI.     Seasonable  Words  fitly  spoken Prov.     3. 

Barbauld,  2  ;    Habiiigtuu,  3  ;    Bruce,  4  ;   G.  Fletcher,  5  ; 
Walts,  6. 

CXLI  I.     The    Excellence    and   Authority  of    Divine 

Wisdom „         8. 

Cowper,  I  ;  Clark,  2. 

CXLI  1 1.  Proverbs  showing  the  Blessedness  of  Piety, 
and  contrasting  the  Righteous  with  the 
Wicked „ 

Spenser,  i ;  Greville,  a  ;   Shakespeare,  3,  4. 

CXLIV.     Proverbs  inculcating  Prudence „ 

Herbert,  i ;  Wottoii,  2  ;  Shakespeare,  3  ;  Coleridge,  4. 

CXLV.     Proverbs  concerning  Diligence  and  Sloth.  — 

Wealth  and  Poverty.  —  Liberality  ...         „ 

Shakespeare,  1,  5  ;  Watts,  3. 

CXLVI.  Proverbs  about  Parents,  Children,  and  Com- 
panions    M 

Shakespeare,  2  ;  T.  Middleton,  3. 

CXLVI  I.     Proverbs   relating  to    Pride,   Pleasures,  and 

Divine  Providence « 

Knox,  t ;  Carew,  2  ;  Brandon,  3. 

CXLVIII.     A  virtuous  Woman  described „        31. 

Lowell,  I ;  Wither,  2. 

CXLIX.     The  royal  Voluptuary.  —  His  Confession      .     Eccl.    i,  2. 

Byron,  i  ;  Bryant,  2  ;  Shelley,  3  ;    Voung,   4,  5 ;   Shake- 
speare, 6 ;  Blacklock,  7. 

CL.     King  Solomon  preaching „       11,12. 

Webster,  2  ;  Earl  Surrey,  3 ;  More,  4 :  Prior,  5  ;  Mis. 
Browning,  6. 

CLI.     The  Kingdom  divided  between  Rehoboam  and 

Jeroboam i  Ki.     12,  14. 

Shakespeare,  i,  2,  3  ;  Shirley,  4. 

CLI  I.     Ahab  and  Jehoshaphat.  —  Elijah. —  The  Con- 
test at  Carmel. —  Rain „      16,17,22, 

Bethune,  i;   Shakespeare,  2;   Morrison,  3;   Milman,  4.  18. 

CLI  1 1.     Elijah's  Chariot.  —  Elisha's  Mantle.  —  Proph- 
etic Tokens 2  Ki.         2. 

Cowper,  3. 

CLIV.     The  Shunammite  and  her  Son „  4- 

Scherb,  i ;   Hemans,  2  ',  Willis,  3,  5. 

CLV.     Naaman's    Leprosy.  —  Elisha's    Remedy.  — 

Gehazi's  Inheritance „  5- 

Swain,  i ;   Shakespeare,  2  ;  Johnson,  3. 

CLVI.     Predictions.  —  Persuasives.  —  Promises  .     .    Joel  2. 

Watts,  I  -,   Olearus,  2  ;   Herrick,  3. 

CLVI  I.     The  Prophet  Preaching Isa.        i,  2. 

Aird,  I  ;  Hunnis,  2  ;  Heber,  3  ;  Longfellow,  4  ;  Mi'man,  5. 


6S6 


INDEX  OF  TOPICS,   BOOKS,  AND  POETS. 


Nahbion. 

Chiipiers. 

CLVllI. 


CLIX. 
CLX. 

CLXI. 

CLXII. 

CLXIII. 

CLXIV. 

CLXV. 

CLXVI. 

CLXVII. 

CLXVI  1 1. 

CLX  IX. 

CLXX. 

CLXXI. 

CLXXII. 

CLXXI  1 1. 

CLXXIV. 

CLXXV. 

CLXXVI. 


Bible. 
Books.         Chap. 

The    Vision    of     Jehovah     enthroned.  —  The 

Prophet  commissioned Isa.  6. 

Laniartine,  i  ;  J  ebb.  2  ;    Norton,  3. 

The  Prophet  praising  Jehovah         ^^      12,  42,  25, 

Neauder,  i  ;  Lyte,  2  ;  Logan,  3  ;  Watts,  4 ;  R.  Baxter,  5.  ^f. 

The   Fugitive  Prophet.  —  His  living  Tomb. 

His  Deliverance  Jonah         i,  2. 

Byron,  i  ;   Bryant,  2  ;   Wither,  3. 

The   Prophet  obeys.  —  The  Ninevites  repent. 

—  Jonah  is  Angry ^^  3^4. 

Hayes,  i  ;    Warton,  2  ;    Shakespeare,  3. 

Zion    attractive    and    victorious.  —  God  propi- 
tious and  faithful Mic.      4,  6,  7. 

Bruce,  i  ;   Newton,  2  ;   Scott,  3. 

Jehovah's   Majesty  and  Might  in  blessing  and 


White,  I  ;   Kelly,  2  ;   Mrs.  Browning,  3. 


Nah.       I,  2. 


Promises  by  Prophecy Isa.  35,  25,  43, 

Doddridge,  i  ;   Kelly,  2  ;  Walther,  3  ;  Lamartine,  4.  aa_ 

Words  of  Comfort  and  good  News      .     .     .     .      „  40. 

Cowper,  1  ;  Shakespeare,  2  ;  Derzhavin,  3  ;  Watts,  4. 

Evangehcal  Assurances  to  Jews  and  Gentiles     „  49. 

Milton,  I  ;  C.  H.  Johnson,  2. 

The  Beauties  and  Blessings  of  Zion    .     .     .     .      „         62,  55.  , 

Montgomery,  i  ;    Nicholas,  2  ;   Derzhavin,  3. 

Fasting.  —  The  Feigned  and  the  True     .     .     •      „  58. 

Cowper,  I  ;   Hemck,  2. 

Zion  a  Light,  Refuge,  and  Glory „  60. 

Pope,  I  ;  Cowper.  2. 

Longings.  Pleadings,  Promises „      64,  65. 

Bickersteth,  i  ;   Heywood,  2  ;  Doddridge,  3. 

Cyrus  called  and  girded  to  serve  the  Church    .      „         45. 

Parnell,  i  ;  Milton,  2. 

Jehovah  reverently  remembered  and  trusted     .     Hab.      3. 

Bailey,  2  ;  Montgomery,  3. 

Sins   deplored   and  Judgments  deprecated  by 
Jeremiah 

Longfellow  (trans.),  1  ;  Shakespeare,  3  ;  .Sandys,  4 ;  Shultz,  5. 


Hezekiah's  Passover  for  religious  Reform 

Shakespeare,  2. 


Jer.       9. 

(2  Ch.    30. 
j  Ps.        80. 


The  Captivity  of  Israel 2  Ki.  17,  18. 

Cowper,  I  ;  Wyat,  2  ;  Wordsworth,  3. 

King  Josiah.  —  His  Zeal  for  Reform  ....        „      22,23. 

Martial  De  Paris,  i  \  Wordsworth,  2  ;  Drexelius,  3. 


INDEX  OF   TOPICS,   BOOKS,   AND  POETS.  68/ 

NAhbion.  Bible. 

Chapters.'  Books.        Chap. 

CLXXVII.     The  Captivity  of  Judah 2  Ki.  21,  24,  25. 

Clinch,  I  ;  Tappan,  2  ;  Cowper,  3. 

CLXXVII  I.     Zioii's  Desolation.s  bewailed Lam      1,4. 

Voiing,  2  ;  Moore,  3,  4. 

CLXXIX.     Zion  plaintively  and  prayerfully  remembered     P.s.     137,80. 

Byron,  2  ;   Meore,  3  ;   Mihon,  4. 

CLXXX.     Ezekiel's  wonderful  Vision Ezek.     i. 

Milton,  i;  Aircl,  2;   Sternhold,  3;    Hemans,  4, 

CLXXX  I.     Repentance  enjoined  and  encouraged      .     .         „        i8. 

Bally,  I  ;    .Shakespeare,  2  ;    Byron,  3. 

CLXXXII.     The  Watchman  warned. — Justice  vindicated        „        33. 

Cowper,  1  ;   Dryden,  2  ;   Milton,  3  ;   Shakesj^eare,  4. 

CLXXXIII.     Spiritual  Death  symbolized  by  a  Valley  of 

dry  Bones „         37. 

Steele,  2  ;  Doddridge,  3. 

CLXXXIV.     Nebuchadnezzar's   forgotten    Dream  inter- 
preted        Dan.      2. 

Shakespeare,  i  ;  Keble,  2  ;  Tasso,  3  ;  Parnell,  4 ;  Coxe, 
S  ;  Voke,  6. 

CLXXXV.     The  three  Youths. — Their  two  Alternatives        „         3. 

Shakespeare,    i,    3,    &  ;  Gerhardt,   2;  Vou   Canitz,    4; 
Keble,  5. 

CLXXXVI.     The   Vision   of    the   felled   Tree.  —  Nebu- 
chadnezzar's Doom „         4., 

Rogers,  2  ;  Southwell,  3  ;   Shakespeare,  4,  5  ;  Watts,  6. 

CLXXXVIL     Profane  Revelry.  —  The  mysterious  Index. 

—  Belshazzar's  Ruin „         5, 

Byron,  i,  5  ;  Hemans,  2,  3,  4. 

CLXXXVI  I L     The  prayerful  Prophet  delivered    ....        „        6. 

Brown,  i  ;   Shakespeare,  2  ;   Elliott,  3  ;  Wordsworth,  4  ; 
Luther,  5  ;  Faber,  6. 

CLXXXIX-     The  Glory,  Goodness,  and  Majesty  of  Jeho- 
vah to  be  celebrated Ps.     29,  47. 

W.  Young,  2  ;  Watts,  3. 

CXC.     Promises  of  Restoration  to  the  Captives      .    Jer.  -  24,  25,  29, 

Cowper,  I,  6;    Mer-slakov,  2  ;    Wordsworth,  3  ;   Scott,  4  ;  30    3 1. 

Byron,  5. 

CXCI.     The  Decree  of  Cyrus  to  rebuild  the  Temple. 

—  It  is  finished  and  dedicated    ....    Ezr.      1,3,6. 

Goldsmith,  i ;  Heber,  2  ;  Pope,  3. 

CXCI  I.     The  public  Worship  of  Jehovah  most  desir- 
able and  improving Ps.        84,  134, 

Milton,  I  ;  Neander,  2  ;  Rosegarten,  3.  2t-j. 

CXCin.     Thanks  due  to  God  for  His  manifold  Mer- 
cies   „  107. 

Grant,  i ;  Peabody,  2  ;  Hale,  3. 


688 


INDEX  OF  TOPICS,   BOOKS,   AND  POETS. 


Nahbion.  Bible. 

Chapters.  Books.  Chap. 

fGen.  3,  12.  49. 
CXCI V.     Christ  foretold.  —  The  Seed.  —  The  Prophet.  —  |  j^^^^       jg 

The  Heir  of  David {  ^^^    '  ^^^  ^3. 

Milton,  I  ;  Montgomery,  2;  Watts,  3;  McCheyne,  4.  |   -vi- 

CXCV,     Christ  in   Prophecy.  —  The  Rod  and  Root  of 

Jesse.  —  Immanuel.  —  The  Prince  of  Peace     Isa.     ii,  7,  42, 

Drnmmond,  i;   Cowper,  2;   Gerhard,  3;   Brydges,  4 ;  Mor-  q. 

rison,  5. 

CXCVI.     Christ  in  Prophecy.  —  His  Sufferings  foretold  .      „      50,  52,  53. 

Mrs.  Browning,  i,  3  ;  P.  Fletcher,  2  ;  Hermann,  4. 

CXCVII.  Messiah's  Messenger  twice  foretold.  —  Re- 
proofs. —  Judgments.  —  Blessings.  —  Exhor- 
tations   Mai.       3  4. 

Montgomery,  i  ;  Kippis,  2  ;  Moore,  3  ;  Wesley,  4. 

CXCVIII.     The    Harbinger    heralded.  —  The    Advent    of 

Jesus  announced Luke         i. 

Milton,  I  ;  Mrs.  Browning,  2  ;  Frelynghausen,  3. 

CXCIX.     The  Birth  of  John  the  Baptist.  —  His  Circum- 
cision.—  The  Prophecy  of  Zacharias  .     .     .      „  i. 

Wither,  i  ;  Campbell,  2. 

CC.  Jesus  is  born.  —  The  Song  of  Angels.  —  The 
Visit  of  the  Shepherds.  —  Simeon's  Proph- 
ecy     „  2. 

Milton,  I,  s;  Crashaw,  2  ;  Coleridge,  3  ;  Mrs   Browning,  4. 

CCI.     The  Visit. —The  Flight.  — The  Slaughter.— 

The  Return Matt.       2. 

Milton,  I  ;  Heber,  2  ;  Dale,  3  ;  Vondel,  4 ;  White,  5. 

ecu.     John's  Ministry. — Jesus  baptized.  —  His  Temp- f  Matt.      3,4. 
tations (  Luke       3. 

Milton,  2,  3  ;  Shakespeare,  4. 

CCIIL     Christ  the  Word.  —  The  Baptist's  Testimony  .     John        i. 

Breton,  i  ;  Rist,  2  ;  Wesley,  3 

CCIV.     The  Messiah  found.  —  Disciples  called.  —  The 

first  Miracle  of  Jesus „         1,2. 

White,  I  ;  Thomson,  2  ;  Crashaw,  3. 

CCV.     The  public  Ministry  of  Jesus  begun.  —  Nico- 

demus  confessing.  —  What  the  Brazen  Ser-  (  Matt.     4. 
pent  symbolized C  John    2,  3. 

Mrs.  Browning,  3. 

CCVL     John  declares  his  Inferiority  to  Christ.  —  Our 

Lord  discoursing  at  Jacob's  Well  ....     John    3,  4. 

Coleridge,  i  ;   Spenser,  2  ;  Bonar,  3. 

CCVIL     The  Nobleman's  Son  healed. —  The  Messiah  (  John      4. 
rejected  at  Nazareth I  Luke     4. 

Keble,  i ;  Laurenti,  2  ;  Ephraem  Syrus,  3. 


INDEX  OF  TOPICS,  BOOKS,  AND  POETS.  689 

Nahbion.  .  „     ,  Dible. 

Lhapters.  R°"'^^-      ^-^^p. 

„  (  Luke      5. 

CCVIII.     Disciples  called.  —  Miracles  wrought  at  Caper-  )  ^^^^^     ^ 

"^"'^ (  Matt.     9! 

Wither,  i  ;  Keble,  2  ;   Bradley,  3  ;  Young,  4. 

CCIX.     The  Apostles  chosen.  —  The   Sermon  on   the  j  Luke     6. 
Mount  begun (  Matt.   5,  6. 

Wegleiter,   i  ;    Moultrie,  3  ;    Shakespeare,   4  ;   Schefer,   5  ; 
Hayes,  6. 

CCX.     The  Sermon  on  the  Mount  continued       .     .     .     Matt.     6. 

Wither,  2  ;  Thomson,  3  ;    Keble,  4 ;  Cowley,  5. 

CCXL     The  Sermon  on  the  Mount  ended „        7. 

Cowper,  I ;    Shakespeare,  2  ;  P.  J.  Bailey,  3,  5  ;  Ritter,  4. 

CCXIL     Miracles.  —  The     Leper.  —  The     Centurion's  ^latt.     8. 
Servant.  —  The  Widow's  Son (Luke      7. 

Willis,  I ;   Luther,  2  ;    Hemans,  3. 

CCXin.     Jesus  feasted  by  a  Pharisee  and  anointed  by  a 

Sinner Luke      7. 

Vaughan,  i  ;  Herbert,  2  ;   H.  Coleridge,  3. 

CCXIV.     The  Message  of  Jesus  to  John.  —  His  Reproofs  ( 

and   Denunciations.  —  His  Thanks  to  His  -\  ,  \  ' 

^    ,  TT-    ,     ■       /-  1.  /  Luke     II. 

Father.  —  His  lovmg  Call '^ 

Coxe,  I  ;  Bally,  2  ;  Cowper,  3 ;  Hale,  4 ;  Moraht,  6. 

CCXV.     The  Parable  of  the  Sower Matt.    13. 

Bonar,  2  ;  Keble,  3. 

CCXVL     The  Parable  of  the  Tares.  — Its  Explanation  .         „       13. 

Montgomery,  i  ;  Keble,  2 ;  Whittier,  3. 

CCXVIL     The  Parable  of  the  rich  Fool.— The  other  View     Luke     12. 

Tennyson,  i ;  Young,  2  ;   Shakespeare,  3. 

CCXVIII.     The  Twelve  Apostles  taught  and  sent  forth      .     Matt.     10. 

Shakespeare,  1,  2  ;  Jane  Taylor,  4. 

CCXIX.     The  Five  Thousand  fed.  —  Jesus  walks  on  the  (  ^^^^     ^' 
Water.  —  Seekers  taught 0  ^^^"'     ^'^' 

Crashaw,  2  ;  Anatolius,  3  ;  Mrs.  Browning,  4.  •' 

CCXX.     Our  Lord  foretelHng  His  own   Death.  —  His  C^^^'^"- ^^' ^7- 
Transfiguration ■)  ^^'''"'     ^- 

I   T      1- 
Faber,  i  ;  Young,  2  ;  Drummond,  3 ;  Norris,  4.  i^UKe        9. 

CCXXI.  The  Seventy  Disciples  commissioned  and  sent 
forth.  —  Impatience  rebuked.  —  The  Report 
of  the  Seventy Luke    9,  10. 

Raleigh,  i  ;  Goethe,  2  ;  Langhorue,  3  ;  Addison,  4  ;  St.  Ber- 
nard, 5. 

CCXXI  I.     The     Festival    of   Tabernacles.  —  The    Jews 

taught  by  Jesus John     7,  8. 

Doddridge,  i ;  Watts,  2  ;  Palmer,  3  ;  Violante,  4. 
44 


690 


INDEX  OF  TOPICS,   BOOKS,  AND  POETS. 


Nahbion.  Bible. 

Chapters.  Books.    Chap. 

CCXXIII.     The  good  Samaritan.  — Martha  complain- 
ing. —  Mary  commended Luke     10. 

Crashaw,  i  ;  Arnold,  2  ;  Hemans,  3. 

CCXXIV.     The  Death  and  Restoration  of  Lazarus  .     .     John      ii. 

Moore,  i  ;  Mrs.  Browning,  2  ;  Brydges,  3  ;  Lowell,  4. 

CCXXV.     The  Parable  of  the  Prodigal  Son  ....     Luke     15. 

Pollock,  I  ;  Crashaw,  2 ;  Howitt,  3. 

CCXXVI.     The  Parable  of  the  rich  Man  and  Lazarus  .        „         16. 

Brandon,  i  ;  Mrs.  Southey,  2  ;  Crashaw,  3. 

CCXXVIL     Two  Parables.  —  The  importunate  Widow. 

—  The  Pharisee  and  Publican       ...        „         18. 

Langhonie,  i  ;  Southey,  2  ;  Crashaw,  3. 

CCXXVI IL     The  triumphal  Procession  to  Jerusalem. — 


24. 


25. 


CCXXXIL 


rMatt.    21. 

Scenes  by  the  Way  and  in  the  Temple  •  J  ^    , 
v  ui  T.'  1  c  ivf      D        •  i  Luke     19. 

Keble,    i  ;  tphraem    syrus,  2,   5  ;  Mrs.    crowning,  3  ;  ^ 

Heber,  4.  j^John       12. 

CCXXIX.  Parables.  —  The  Marriage  Feast.  —  The 
Tribute  Question. — The  two  Great  Com- 
mandments     Matt.    22. 

Steele,  i  ;  Young,  3  ;  Crashaw,  4 ;  P.  J.  Bailey,  5. 

CCXXX.     The  Destruction  of  the  Temple  and  of  Je- 
rusalem foretold 

Shakespeare,  i  ;  Longfellow,  2  ;  Brj'ant,  3  ;  Brainard,  4. 

CCXXXI.  The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins.  —  The  last 
Judgment 

Coxe,  I  ;  Wesley,  2  ;  Scott,  3  ;  Wulffer,  4. 

'  Matt.  26. 

Mark  14. 

I  Luke  22. 

[john  12. 

CCXXXIIL     The  Lesson  of  Humihty.  — The  Memorial  f  M"  I3- 

of  Love j  Luke  22. 

Bethune,  i.  (  Matt.       26. 

CCXXXIV.     The  Comforter  promised John   14,  16. 

Herbert,  i  ;  Donne,  2  ;  Keble,  3  ;  Lj'te,  4. 

CCXXXV.     Christ  the  life-giving  Vine John 

Toplady,  i  ;  Conder,  3. 

CCXXXVL     Christ's  Prayer  for  Himself,  for  His  Apos- 
tles, and  for  all  Believers „ 

G.  Fletcher,  i  ;  Wesley,  2  ;  Robinson,  3. 

'  Matt. 
CCXXXVIL     The  Agony  of  Jesus  in  Gethsemane  .     .     . 

Herbert,  i  ;  Mrs.  Charles,  2  ;  Mitchell,  3  ;  G.  Fletcher,  4. 


Mar}''s    Token   of    Love   to   her    Lord.  — 
Preparation  for  the  Passover      .     . 

Crashaw,  i  ;  Vaughan,  2  ;  Hemans,  3. 


IS- 


17- 


Mark 
Luke 
John 

CCXXXVIIL     Jesus    betrayed   by  Judas   and   denied   by  f^^"- 
Peter J  Mark 

St.  Ambrose,  i  ;    Herbert,  2  ;   Breton,  3  ;  Mrs.  Brown-  1   LUke 
ing,  4-  LJohn 


26. 

H- 
22. 
18. 
26. 

14- 

22. 

18. 


INDEX  OF  TOPICS,   BOOKS,   AND  POETS. 


691 


Nihbion. 
Chapters. 

CCXXXIX. 


CCXL. 

CCXLI. 

CCXLII. 

CCXLI  1 1. 

CCXLIV. 

CCXLV. 

CCXLVI. 

CCXLVII. 

CCXLVI  1 1. 

CCXLIX. 

CCL. 

CCLI. 
CCLII. 


Bible. 
Books.      Chap. 


Jesus  examined,  mocked,  and  buffeted  before     ■' 
the  High  Priest  and  the  Jewish  Council     .J  ^^^^''"^ 

Watts,  I  ;  \V  hittier,  2  ;  S.  Hayes,  3.  I   Lul-ce 

[john 

Jesus  before  Pilate  and  Herod.  —  He  is  deliv-  (  ^I-itt- 
ered  to  be  crucified j  Lul<e 

Montgomery,  i  ;  Cowper,  2  ;  Weld,  3  ;  Coxe,  4.  v  John 

The  remorseful  Death  of  Judas j  Matt. 

Coleridge,  i  ;  Byron,  2  ;  Bums,  3.  (  ActS 

'  Mr.tt. 
Marl< 
Luke 
John 

r  ALitt. 
Scenes  of  Suffering  and  Love.  —  Jesus  dies    .J  Mark 

Wesley,  i  ;  Mrs.  Browning,  2,  3  ;  Jacobus  de  Benedictis,  4 ;   j    Luke 


Jesus  is  mocked  and  crucified       .     . 

Herbert,  i  ;  White,  2  ;  Mauropus,  3 


Whittier,  5,  6. 


I    LUKe 

[john 


The  Resurrection  of  our  Lord 

Grahame,  i  ;  J.  Damascene,  2  ;  Benjamin,  3. 


The  Last  Command.  —  Christ's  Ascension 

Brydges,  i  ;  Mandan,  2  ;  Croswell,  3  ;  Mrs.  Charles,  4. 


Matt. 
,  Mark 
j  Luke 
[John 
r  Matt. 
Mark 
Luke 
[^Acts 
Pentecost. —  The   Dispensation  of  the  Holy 

Ghost  signally  begun Acts 

Alexander,  i  ;   Keble,  2  ;   Kelley,  3  ;   Reed,  4. 

The  Miracle  at  the  Beautiful  Gate.  —  Peter's 
Second  Sermon 

Mason,  I  ;   Robt.  Browning,  2  ;  Tennyson,  3  ;   E.  H.  Bick- 
ersteth,  4. 

Stephen's  Vindication  and  Martyrdom       .     .        „- 

Whittier,  i  ;   Shakespeare,  2  ;   Keble,  3  ;  Croswell,  4. 

Simon  the  Sorcerer  exposed  and  admonished        „  3. 

Cottle,  I  i   Hayes,  2  ;   Shakespeare,  3. 

Saul  the  Persecutor  arrested. — His  Conver- 
sion.—  His  Baptism „  9. 

Lettice,  i  :   Roscoe,  2. 

The  Visions  of  Peter  and  Cornelius.  —  The 

Gospel  for  Gentiles  as  well  as  Jews  ...        „         10. 

Kamphyzen,  2  ;  Gerhardt,  3. 

Barnabas  and  Saul  at  Antioch  the  Christian 
Metropolis.  —  Their  Mission  thence  to  An- 
tioch in  Pisidia. —  Paul  the  Apostle      .     .        „      n    13. 

Bowd^er,  i  ;  Voung,  2  ;  Drummond,  3  ;  Davies,  4  ;  Barton,  5. 


3,  4- 


6.7. 


692  INDEX  OF   TOPICS,   BOOKS,   AND  POETS. 

Nahbion.  Bible. 

Chapters.  Books.       Chap. 

CCLIII.  Paul's  Vision.  —  Lydia  converted.  —  An  evil 
Spirit  exorcised.  —  Paul  and  Silas  impris- 
oned. —  The  Jailer  converted.  —  The  signal 
Deliverance Acts    15,  16. 

Coleridge,  2  ;  Griiifield,  3  ;  Ken,  4. 

CCLIV.     Paul  preaching  at  Athens ,,        17. 

lialfuur,  I  ;  Chariotte  Lynch,  2 ;  Cowper,  3  ;  Young,  4. 

CCLV.     Paul's  Idea  of  Preaching j  i  Cor.    i,  2. 

Cowper,  I,  2,  3  ;  Dryden,  4.  ^2  Cor.         C. 

CCLVI.     Charity  the  chief  Need  and  Ornament       .     .     i  Cor.  12,  13. 

Montgomery,  i  ;  Lange,  2. 

CCLVI  I.     The  Resurrection  of  the  Dead  demonstrated  .         „  15. 

Quarles,  i  ;  Sigoumey,  2  ;  Dante,  3  ;  Luther,  4  ;  Watts,  5. 

CCLVI II.     The  Christian  Preacher's  Grounds  for  Stead- 
fastness and  Zeal 2  Cor.   4,  5. 

Goethe,  i ;  Albinus,  2  ;  Waller,  3. 

CCLIX.  Paul  to  Roman  Believers. —  The  glorious  Rem- 
edy.—  By  whom  needed Rom.      1,2. 

Heber,  3. 

CCLX.     The  Advantage  of  the  Jew.  ■ — The  Advantage  of 

Faith  in  Christ ,,       3,  5. 

Hodson,  I  ;  Hayes,  2  ;  Boyse, 

CCLXI.     The  Blessedness  of  Union  with  Christ  by  Faith         „         8. 

Wesley,  i  ;  Gerhardt,  3. 

CCLXII.     Christian  Duties  affectionately  enjoined     .     .         „        12. 

Barbauld,  i  ;  Raffles,  2  ;  Robinson,  3. 

CCLXI  1 1.     Paul's  Defence  before  Agrippa Acts      26. 

Wesley,  i  ;  Addison,  2  ;  Luther,  3  ;  Medley,  4. 

CCLXI  V.     The  Method  of  Salvation  a  wonderful  Mystery     Eph.       i. 

Doddridge,  2. 

CCLXV.     Salvation  a  free  Gift „        2,  3. 

Bonar,  i  ;  Doddridge,  2  ;  Breithaupt,  3. 

CCLXVI.     Apostolic  Solicitude  and  loving   Fidelitv.  — 

Paul's  joyful  Assurance Phil,   i,  2,  3. 

St.  Bernard,  2  ;  Rosegarten,  3. 

CCLXVI  I.     Exhortations  to  Steadfastness  in  the  Faith,  and 

in  Lite's  manifold  Duties Col.       2,  3. 

Wordsworth,  i,  2  ;  Winkler,  3. 

CCLXVI  1 1.     Persuasives  to  Practical  Piety James  i,  2. 

Montgomery,  i  ;  Prince,  2  ;  Burns.  3  ;  Dickens,  4. 

CCLXIX.     Another  Lesson  in  Practical  Religion    ...         „     2,  3,  4,  5. 

Herbert,  i  ;  Dana,  3  ;  Bums,  4. 

CCLXX.     Christ,  the  Lord  of  Angels  and  Men     .     .     .     Heb.     i,  2. 

St.  Bernard,  i  ;  Spenser,  2  ;  Herbert,  3. 

CCLXXI.     Christ,  the  Eternal  High  Priest,  and  the  One 

Sacrifice „     3-  4,  5'  7- 

Mrs.  C.  F.  Alexander,  i  ;  Cennick,  2  ;  Doddridge,  3. 


INDEX  OF  TOPICS,  BOOKS,  AND  POETS.  693 

NAhbion.  Bible. 

Chapters.  Books.        Chap. 

CCLXXII.     The  foregoing  Topic  ended Heb.   8,9,10. 

Logan,  I  ;  Bakewell,  2  ;   Hugh  Blair,  3. 

CCLXXIII.     Faith  exemplified ,,       11,  12. 

Needham,  i  ;  Swain,  2  ;  Burbridge,  3  ;  Watts,  4. 

CCLXXIV.     Paul's  Apostohc  Charge  to  Timodiy  .     .     .     2  Tim.  2,  4. 

Herbert,  1 ;  Kerr,  2  ;    Longiellow,  3. 

CCLXXV.     Peter,  the  Apostle,  exhorting  to  Holiness    .     i  Pet.    i,  2, 

Bembo,  3. 

CCLXXVI.     Perfection  of  Character  still  further  encour- 
aged and  enjoined 2  Pet.     i,  3. 

Wegler,  2  ;  .Shakespeare,  3  ;  Hiller,  4. 

CCLXXVI  I.     Abiding  in   Christ,  we  have,  and  show  that 

we  have,  true  Light,  Life,  and  Love  .     .     i  John  i,  2,  3. 

Waring,  i  ;  Barton,  2. 

CCLXXVIIL     The  Vision  of  the  Throne  and  of  the  Book.     Rev.      4,5. 

Nevin,  i  ;  Vaughan,  2. 

CCLXXLX.     Satan  bound.  —  His   Works    destroyed.— 

The  New  Heaven  and  New  Earth     .     .       „       20,  21. 

Cowper,  I  ;   Nicolai,  3. 

CCLXXX.     The  Heavenly  Jerusalem  described    ...       „         21. 

Meyfert,  i  ;  Dickson,  2 ;  Schenk,  3. 

CCLXXXI.     The  closing  Vision. —  The  list  Testimony       „  22. 

Stcnnett,  i ;  St.  Bernard,  2. 


AN    INDEX    SHOWING    THE    TIMES    OF 
THE    POETS. 


Bom. 

Died. 

Adams,  Sarah  F.  .     . 

1848 

Addison,  Joseph    .     . 

.     1672 

1719 

Aird,  Thomas   .     .     . 

1802 

Akenside,  Mark     .     . 

1721 

1770 

Alexander,  William  L. 

.     1808 

Aleyn,  Charles .     .     . 

1640 

Ambrose,  St.     .     ■     • 

340 

397 

Angelo,  Michel      .     . 

1474 

1563 

Anatolius,  (?)... 

circ. 

45S  (?) 

Arndt,  Ernest  M.  .     . 

1769 

Arnold,  Matthew  .     . 

1822 

Auersperg,  A.  A.  von 

1806 

Bacon,  Francis      .     . 

,  1560 

1626 

Bailey,  Philip  J.     .     . 

1S16 

Baillie,  Joanna  .     .     . 

1762 

1851 

Bakewell,  John      .     . 

1721 

Balfour,  Alexander    . 

1767 

1829 

Bally,  George    .      circ. 

724  (?) 

Barbauld,  Letitia  A.  . 

1743 

1825 

Barton,  Bernard     .     . 

1784 

1849 

Baxter,  Richard     .     . 

1615 

1 691 

Baxter,  William     .     . 

1650 

1723 

Bembo,  Pietro        .     . 

1470 

1547 

Benjamin,  Park      .     . 

1809 

Beattie,  James  .     .     . 

1735 

1S03 

Bernard,  St.       .    ' .     . 

:o9T 

1153 

Bethune,  George  W. 

1805 

1861 

Bickersteth,  Edward 

1786 

1850 

Bickersteth,  Edward  H. 

1825 

Blacklock,  Thomas    . 

1721 

1791 

Blair,  Hugh  .... 

1718 

I  Sod 

Bonar,  Horatius    .     . 

1810 

Bowring,  John  .     .     . 

1792 

1S72 

Bowles,  William  L.    . 

1762 

1850 

Boyse,  John  .... 

1560 

1643 

Boyse,  Samuel  .     .     . 

1708 

1749 

Brainard,  John  J.  C. 
Breithaupt,  J.  J. 
Breton,  Nicholas 
Brooks,  Maria  . 
Brown,  John 
Brown,  Thomas 
Browning,  Elizabeth  B. 
Browning,  Robert 
Bruce,  Michael 
Bryant,  William  C. 
Brydges,  Samuel  E. 
Bulwer,  E.  Lytton 
Burleigh,  William  H 
Burns,  Robert   .     . 
Byrom,  John      .     . 
Byron,  George  G.  . 


Campbell,  Thomas 
Canitz,  Friedrich  von 
Carew,  Thomas 
Cennick,  John  .     . 
Chapman,  George 
Chatterton,  Thomas 
Clark,  Willis  G.     . 
Clinch,  Geo.  H.     . 
■Coleridge,  Hartley 
Coleridge,  Samuel  T 
Col  Iyer,  Joseph 
Conder,  Josiah 
Cook,  Eliza  .     .     . 
Cottle,  Joseph  .     . 
Cotton,  Nathaniel 
Cowley,  Abraham 
Cowper,  William  . 
Coxe,  A.  Cleveland 
Crabbe,  George 
Crashaw,  Richard 


Born. 
1796 
1658 
1555 
1795 
I715 
1778 
1809 
1812 
1746 

1794 
1762 
1S05 
1S12 

1759 
1691 

17S8 

1777 
1654 
15S9 

1557 
1752 
iSio 
1813 
1796 
1772 

1789 
1817 
1770 
1707 
1618 

1731 
1818 

1754 
1600 


Died. 

828 

n-^ 
624 
845 
766 
820 
S61 
872 
767 

S37 
S72 

796 
763 
824 

844 
699 

639 

755 
634 
770 
841 

S49 
834 
776 

855 

853 
7S8 
667 
800 

832 

Gcjo 


lA-DEX  SHOWING    THE    TIMES   OF   THE   POETS. 


695 


Born. 

Died. 

norn. 

Died. 

Croly,  George   .     .     . 

.    I7S0 

i860 

Harrington,  John  .     . 

.      1 561 

1612 

Croswell,  William 

.    IS04 

1S51 

Harvey,  Gabriel     .     . 

•      1545 

1630 

Cudworth,  Ralph  .     . 

.     I6I7 

1 688 

Heber,  Reginald    .     . 

•     i/-«3 

1826 

Hemans,  P'elicia    .     . 

•     1794 

1835 

Dale,  Thomas  .     .     . 

•    1797 

Henryson,  Robert 

15th 

cent. 

Damascene,  John. 

676 

756 

Herbert,  George    .     . 

•     1593 

1632 

Dana,  Richard  H.      . 

•    I7S7 

Hermann,  J.  G.  R.     . 

•     1772 

Dante,  Alighieri     .     . 

•  1265 

I32I 

Herrick,  Robert     .     . 

•     1 591 

1662 

Darwin,  Erasmus  .     . 

•   I73I 

1802 

Hervey,  Thomas  K.  . 

.     1804 

1^54 

Davenant,  William    . 

.     1605 

1 668 

Heywood,  Thomas    . 

1643 

Davidson,  Margaret  M. 

.     i«-3 

183S 

Hodson,  William  .     . 

1793 

Davies,  John    .     .     . 

•     1570 

1626 

Holty,  Ludvvig  H.  C. 

•     1748 

1776 

Dekker,  Thomas  .     . 

1638 

Howitt,  Mary    .     .     . 

.     1804 

Derzhavin,  G.  R.  .     . 

1743 

1816 

Hunnis,  William  .     . 

circ 

15S9 

Dickens,  Charles  .     . 

1S12 

1870 

Dickson,  David     .     . 

1 5^3 

1663 

Jebb,  John    .... 

•     1775 

1833 

Doane,  George  W.     . 

1799 

1858 

Jewsbury,  Maria  J.    . 

.     it'oo 

1S33 

Doddridge,  Philip 

1702 

1751 

Johnson,  C.  H.       circ. 

I7S7  (?) 

Dodsley,  Robert    .     .     . 

1703 

1764 

Johnson,  Samuel  .     . 

•     I7C9 

17S4 

Drayton,  Michael .     .     . 

1563 

1631 

Jonson,  Ben       .     .     . 

•   1574 

1637 

Dreszler,  Wolfgang  C. 

1.692 

1722 

Dnimmond,  William      . 

15S5 

1649 

Keble,  John      .     .     . 

•    1792 

1856 

Drummond,  William  H. 

1772 

1865 

Ken,  Thomas    .     .     . 

•    1637 

1710 

Dryden,  John    .     .     .     . 

1631 

1700 

King,  Kenry      .     .     . 

•   1592 

1669 

Kippis,  Andrew     .     . 

1725 

1795 

Elizabeth,  Charlotte .     . 

1790 

1846 

Knox,  William      .     . 

I7S9 

1S25 

Elliott,  Ebenezer  .     .     . 

1781 

1849 

Ephraem,  Syrus    .     .     . 

Zl^ 

Lamartine,  Alphonse 

1792 

1S69 

Langhorne,  John  .     . 

1735 

1779 

Faber,  F.  W 

1815 

1863 

Layard,  Austen  H.    . 

ISI7 

Fenton,  Elijah  .     .     .     . 

16S3 

1730 

Lehr,  Leopold  F.  .     . 

1709 

1744 

Flemming,  Paul     .     .     . 

1609 

1640 

Lettice,  John    .     .     . 

1737 

1832 

Fletcher,  Giles .     .     .     . 

1550 

1610 

Leyden,  John    .     .     . 

1775 

1811 

Fletcher,  Phineas .     .     . 

15S4 

1650 

Logan,  John      .     .     . 

1748 

1788 

Frelynghausen,  N.     .     . 

1713 

Longfellow,  Henry  W. 
Lowell,  James  R.  .     . 

IS07 
I8I9 

Garrick,  David      .     .     . 

1706 

1779 

Luther,  Martin      .     .     . 

I4S3 

1546 

Gascoine,  George  .     .     . 

1537 

1577 

Lynch,  Anne  Charlotte 

Gerhardt,  Paul       .     .     . 

1606 

1675 

Lyte,  Henry  F.      .     . 

1793 

1847 

Gerhard,  R 

Gill,  Alexander      .     .     . 

1597 

1642 

Mant,  Richard  .     .     .     . 

1776 

1848 

Goethe,  J.  W.  von     .     . 

1749 

1832 

Mason,  John      .     ,     .     . 

(?) 

1694 

Goldsmith,  Oliver      .     . 

1728 

1774 

Massey,  Gerald      .     .     . 

1828 

Grahame,  James    .     .     . 

1765 

iSii 

MacCheyne,  R.  Murray 

I8I3 

1S43 

Grant,  Robert  .     .     .     . 

17S5 

1838 

Merrick,  James      .     .     . 

1720 

1769 

Greville,  Fulke      .     .     . 

1554 

1628 

Mickle,  William  J.    .     . 

1734 

1788 

Grinfield,  Thomas     .     . 

circ 

1825 

Middleton,  Thomas   .     . 

1570 

1627 

Milman,  Henry  H.     .     . 

1791 

1 868 

Hale,  Sarah  J 

1795 

Milton,  John     .     .     .     . 

1608 

1674 

Hall,  Joseph      .     .     .     . 

1574 

1656 

Montgomery,  James  .     . 

I77I 

1S54 

Halleck,  Fitz  Greene     . 

1795 

1867 

Moore,  Thomas     .     .     . 

1779 

1852 

Harney,  John  M.  .     .     . 

1789 

1823 

More,  Hannah  .... 

1745 

1S33 

696 


INDEX  SHOWING   THE   TIMES  OF  THE  POETS. 


Born. 

Died. 

Bom. 

Died. 

Moultrie,  John      ,     . 

•      1799 

Southwell,  Robert      . 

•     1560 

1595 

Muloch,  Dinah  M.     . 

.      1S26 

Spenser,  Edmund 

•      1553 

1599 

Steele,  Anne     .     .     . 

.     1716 

1778 

Nash,  Thomas .     .     . 

•      1558 

160I 

Stennett,  Samuel  (?)  . 

•     1727 

Neander,  Joachim 

.      1650 

Sterling,  John   .     .     . 

.     1806 

1844 

Neumarck,  Georg 

.      162I 

1681 

Sternhold,  Thomas    . 

1549 

Newton,  John  .     .     . 

•      1725 

1S07 

Stowe,  Harriet  B. 

.     1812 

Norris,  John     .     .     . 

■      1657 

1711 

Stradling,  John      .     . 

circ 

•  1590 

Norton,  Caroline  E.  S 

.  .      1808 

Sturm,  Julius  K.  R.  . 
Swain,  Charles      .     . 

.     1816 
.     1803 

Olearus,  J 

.      161I 

1684 

Swinburne,  A.  C.  .     . 

•     1843 

Palmer,  Ray      .     .     . 

.      1808 

Talfourd,  Thomas  N. 

•     1795 

1854 

Paris,  Martial  de  .     , 

.      1440 

1508 

Tappan,  William  B.  . 

•     1794 

1849 

Parnell,  Thomas   .     . 

•      1679 

1717 

Tasso,  Torquato   .     . 

.     1544 

1595 

Peabody,  William  B. 

D.      1799 

1848 

Taylor,  Jane     .     .     . 

•     1783 

1823 

Percival,  James  G.    . 

•     1795 

1856 

Tennyson,  Alfred .     . 

.     1810 

Pollock,  Robert     .     . 

•     1799 

1827 

Thomson,  James  .     . 

.     1700 

174S 

Pope,  Alexander    .     . 

.     1688 

1744 

Thomson,  William     . 

•     1746 

1817 

Prior,  Matthew      .     . 

.     1664 

1721 

Tickell,  Thomas    .     . 

.     16S6 

1740 

Tighe,  Mary      .     .     . 

•     1774 

1810 

Quarles,  Francis    .     . 

•     1592 

1644 

Toplady,  Augustus    . 

•     174^ 

1788 

Quarles,  John  .     .     . 

.     1624 

1665 

Trench,  Richard  C.   . 

.     1807 

Raffles,  Thomas    .     . 

.     1788 

1863 

Vaughan,  Henry  .     . 

.     1614 

1695 

Raleigh,  Walter    .     . 

•     1552 

1618 

Vaux,  Thomas .     .     . 

•      1510 

Reed,  Andrew  .     .     . 

•     17S7 

1862 

Violante,  Ceo,  do. 

.      1601 

1693 

Rist,  Johann     .     .     . 

.     1607 

1667 

Vondel,  J.  V.  D.    .     . 

•     15S7 

1659 

Ritter,  Robert  .     ,     . 

•     1735 

1790 

Robinson,  Mary     .     . 

•     1758 

1800 

Walther,  Johann  .     . 

.     1 167 

1228 

Robinson,  Robert 

Warton,  Thomas  .     . 

.     1728 

1790 

Rogers,  Samuel     .     . 

.     1762 

185s 

Watts,  Isaac      .     .     . 

•     1674 

1748 

Roscoe,  William  S.    . 

.     1782 

1843 

Webster,  John .     .     . 

circ 

1640 

Rosegarten,  L.  T. 

.     1758 

1818 

Weld,  H.  Hastings    . 

Rovve,  Nicholas     .     . 

•     1673 

1718 

Wesley,  Charles    .     . 

.     1708 

1788 

Riickert,  Friedrich     . 

.     1789 

i860 

Wesley,  John    .     .     . 

•     1703 

179I 

White,  J.  Blanco  .     . 

•     1773 

1840 

Sandys,  George      .     . 

•     1577 

1643 

White,  Henry  Kirke 

•     17S5 

1806 

Scherb,  T.  C.    .     .     . 

•     1704 

^ni 

Whittier,  John  G. 

.     1808 

Schiller,  Friedrich     . 

•     1759 

1805 

Willis,  Nathaniel  P.  . 

.     1807 

1S67 

Scott,  Walter  .     .     . 

•     1771 

1832 

Wither,  George      .     . 

•     1588 

1667 

Shakespeare,  William 

•     1564 

1616 

Wordsworth,  William 

•     1770 

1850 

Shea,  J.  Augustus 

.     1S02 

1845 

Wotton,  Henry      .     . 

.     1568 

1639 

Shelley,  Percy  B.  .     . 

•     1792 

1822 

Wulffer, 

.     1648 

Shirley,  James .     .     . 

•     1596 

1666 

Wyat,  Thomas      .     . 

•     1503 

1542 

Sidney,  Philip  .     .     . 

•     1554 

1586 

Sigourney,  Lydia  H. 

•     1794 

1865 

Xavier,  Francis      .     . 

•     1506 

1552 

Smart,  Christopher   . 

.     1722 

1770 

Smollett,  Tobias    .     . 

.     1720 

1771 

Young,  Edward     .     . 

.     16S1 

1765 

Sotheby,  William  .     . 

•     1757 

1833 

Young,  William     .     . 

.     1809 

Southey,  Robert   .     . 

•     1774 

1843 

Southey,  Mrs.  .     .     . 

•     1787 

1854 

Zihn,  Johann     .     .     . 

.     1650 

1719 

FROM   BAGSTER'S   ENGLISH    HEXAPLA. 


THE    SIX    DIFFERENT    VERSIONS    OF    SECOND    TIMOTHY,    CHAP.    III.    14-17. 

WiCLIF.      1380. 

but  dwelle  thou  in  these  thingis,  that  thou  hast  lerned  :  and  that  ben  bitakun 
to  thee,  witinge  of  whom  thou  hast  lerned,  for  thou  hast  knowun  hoH  lettris 
fro  thi  yungethe  whiche  moun  lerne  thee  to  helthe,  bi  feith  that  is  in  crist 
ihesus,  for  al  scripture  onspirid  of  god  :  is  profitable  to  teclre,  to  repreue,  to 
chastise,  to  lerne  in  riytwisnesse,  that  the  man  of  god  be  perfiyt  lerned  to 
alle  good  vvorke. 

Tyndale.     1534. 

But  continue  thou  in  the  thynges  which  thou  hast  learned,  which  also  were 
committed  vnto  the  seynge  thou  knowest  of  whom  thou  hast  learned  them 
and  for  as  moche  also  as  thou  hast  knowen  holy  scripture  of  a  chylde,  which 
is  able  to  make  the  wyse  vnto  saluacion  thorowe  tlie  fayth  which  ys  in  Christ 
lesu.  For  all  scripture  geven  by  inspiracion  of  god  is  profitable  to  teache, 
to  improve,  to  amende  and  to  instruct  in  rightewesnes,  that  the  man  of  god 
maye  be  perfect  and  prepared  vnto  all  good  workes. 

Cranmer.     1539. 

But  continue  thou  in  the  thynges  whych  thou  hast  learned,  which  also  were 
committed  vnto  the,  knowing  of  whom  thou  hast  learned  them,  and  for  as 
moch  also  as  of  a  childe  thou  hast  knowen  the  holy  scriptures  which  are  able 
to  make  the  lerned  vnto  saluacyon  thorow  the  fayth  which  is  in  Christ  lesu. 
All  scripture  geuen  by  inspiracyon  of  God,  is  profitable  to  teache,  to  improue, 
to  amende  and  to  instruct  in  ryghtewesnes,  that  the  man  of  God  maye  be 
perfecte  and  prepared  vnto  all  good  workes. 

Geneva.     1557. 

But  continue  thou  in  the  thynges  which  thou  hast  learned,  which  are  also 
committed  vnto  thee,  knowing  of  whome  thou  hast  learned  them  :  And  for- 
asmuche  also  as  thou  hast  knowen  holy  Scripture  of  a  childe,  which  is  able 


698  FROM  BAGSTER'S  EXGLISH  HEX  A  P LA. 

to  make  thee  wise  vnto  saluation  through  tlie  faith  which  is  in  Christ  lesus. 
For  the  whole  Scripture  is  geuen  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is  profitable  to 
teache,  to  improue,  to  amend  and  to  instruct  in  rightuousnes  :  That  the  man 
of  God  may  be  perfect,  and  instructed  vnto  all  good  workes. 

Rheims.     1582, 

But  thou,  continue  in  those  things  which  thou  hast  learned,  and  are  com- 
mitted to  thee  :  knowing  of  whom  thou  hast  learned  :  and  because  from  thine 
infancie  thou  hast  knowen  the  holy  Scriptures,  which  can  instruct  thee  to 
saluation,  by  the  faith  that  is  in  Christ  lesvs. 

All  Scripture  inspired  of  God,  is  profitable  to  teach,  to  argue,  to  correct, 
to  instruct  in  iustice  :  that  the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect,  instructed  in  euery 
good  worke. 

Authorized.     161  i. 

But  continue  thou  in  the  things  which  thou  hast  learned,  and  hast  bene 
assured  of,  knowing  of  whom  thou  hast  learned  them.  And  that  from  a 
childe  thou  hast  knowen,  the  holy  Scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee 
wise  vnto  saluation  through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  lesus.  All  Scripture  is 
giuen  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproofe,  for 
correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousnesse,  That  the  man  of  God  may  be 
perfect,  throughly  furnished  vnto  all  good  workes. 


Cambridge :  Press  of  Juhn  Wilson  &  Son. 


Jf/l^^ 


Princeton  Theologic 


I  Seminary-Speer   Library 


1    1012  01130  5242 


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